What is folder C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch used for?

Hi,

I found the folder under C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch always stores what I was doing, for example after I run window explorer, it creates a file EXPLORER.EXE-082F38A9.pf and stores in this folder.

Is it normal or something happens in my PC?

Thank you in advance for your tip!

Nihaojs

Ps. I am using Win XP

 

Hi - you are correct in noticing prefetch stores what you are doing. This makes things faster the next time you are going to run an application as Windows will look in this folder first.

Sometimes it does get a little cluttered and you can clean the folder out as it will start to fill up again with the applications as you use them.

If you have problems with your PC/application it might be useful to disable the prefetch as it runs as a background service while other applications are running or loading.
This can be done by editing the registry. Enable Prefetch key.

0 - no prefetch
1 - prefetch applications only
2 - prefetch boot only
3 - prefetch both applications & boot (default)

HTH

 

Thank you for your info. Wish a nice day!!

Nihaojs