Windows XP's Prefetch folder

[Guest]

I read somewhere that it is advisable to empty the prefetch folder as it can
accumulate too much information over time. This makes the operating system so
busy loading bits and pieces of lots of applications into memory that it ends
up slowing down the boot process.
Is it ok to do this from time to time?

TIA

Sue

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Sue

It is ok as long as you accept that boot up times will be increased while
Windows builds up the prefetch folder again.. You have to wonder if it is
all worth the extra millisecond that you might save..

 

[Guest]

:

Would you like to explain in depth the inner working of the prefetch folder
please?
Its pros and cons.

 

[Malke]

I read somewhere that it is advisable to empty the prefetch folder as
it can accumulate too much information over time. This makes the
operating system so busy loading bits and pieces of lots of
applications into memory that it ends up slowing down the boot
process. Is it ok to do this from time to time?

It is not necessary to empty the prefetch folder and it does not do what
you thought it did. Here is an explanation of the prefetch folder
(taken from Microsoft's website):

The files in the Prefetch folder are data files related to enhancing the
speed at which applications start. Windows XP Professional monitors the
files that are used when the computer starts and when you start
applications. By monitoring these files, Windows XP Professional can
prefetch them. Prefetching data is the process whereby data that is
expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching boot
files and applications decreases the time needed to start Windows XP
Professional and start applications.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks Guys

Sue

It is not necessary to empty the prefetch folder and it does not do what
you thought it did. Here is an explanation of the prefetch folder
(taken from Microsoft's website):

The files in the Prefetch folder are data files related to enhancing the
speed at which applications start. Windows XP Professional monitors the
files that are used when the computer starts and when you start
applications. By monitoring these files, Windows XP Professional can
prefetch them. Prefetching data is the process whereby data that is
expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching boot
files and applications decreases the time needed to start Windows XP
Professional and start applications.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
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MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User