XP's optimization conflict with 3rd party defragmenters?

[audelair]

I learned that Windows XP has a built-in optimization feature that can be
accessed in the registry or under TweakUI "Optimize Hard Disk When Idle"

I was wondering what kind of effect this would have on 3rd part defrag
programs?

Specifically, i have begun using O&O Defrag, and i think it works real well.
i have it set so that it rearranges based on how often a file/program is
accessed.

Do you think it is better to turn off XP's built-in defragmenter if i plan
to run defrag about once every week or two?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Yes, turn off the native defragger if you are going to use a third-party
solution. Different disk utilities often optimize in different patterns, and
so tend to work against each other. You should use one or the other, but not
both as it can be counterproductive.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Don Burnette]

Interesting,

I just checked my powertoys and see this option checked as well, and I have
installed Executive Software Diskeeper, and have it to set it and forget it.
Does unchecking the " optimize hard disk when idle" option affect the
prefetch at all? Sounds like I should uncheck this as well.


Don Burnette

 

[audelair]

Hi,

Yes, turn off the native defragger if you are going to use a third-party
solution. Different disk utilities often optimize in different patterns, and
so tend to work against each other. You should use one or the other, but not
both as it can be counterproductive.

thanks for the advice, that makes a lot of sense.

the main thing is that it isn't very clear whether this self optimization
was simply a form of defragging, but it sounds like it is.

i will turn it off... do you think there are any drawbacks to doing this?
Such as prefetch, etc? (as suggested in another post)?

thanks again.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

No, it doesn't affect the prefetch as far as I know. It affects the
arrangement of the files on the hard drive. As I understand it, the prefetch
function does not rely on position on the hard drive.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone