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Fragmented Files

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by mike devon, 2008/12/01.

  1. 2008/12/01
    mike devon

    mike devon Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I have a large number of fragmented files about 35% of disc, no matter how many times I run the defragment facility it just ends quickly without clearing the problem up.
    Question can I delete those files or is there some way of forcing the defragment program to work
     
  2. 2008/12/01
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    No, even if you knew which files they are. If you deleted you would lose data and quite likely the ability to run programs and probably the OS too.

    File fragmentation is normal - Windows will write to the first flagged available space and if that is not enough will move on to the next available space. XP is far more tolerant of fragmentation in performance terms that it's predecessors - Win98, etc. and you should not be overly concerned.

    I assume you are using the inbuilt defragger in Windows? - for this to work properly you require at least 15% free hard drive space, preferably towards 20% - do you have that amount of free space?

    I use a third party defragging program Diskeeper 2009 Pro which automatically scans and defrags in the background. The Windows defragger was written by the same people. My version is pay for, but Diskeeper Lite is the (old) freeware cut down version - no automation, manual initiation. Give it a try.
     

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  4. 2008/12/01
    sixaxxis

    sixaxxis Inactive

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    In XP, usually there are 3 reasons why a drive cannot be fully defragged:
    (1) Fragmented system files such as the $MFT and Page File. The XP defragger is unable to process these. None of the 'freeware' defragmenters can process these either to the best of my knowledge.
    (2) Insufficient free disk space. A minimum of 15% is necessary not not always sufficient.
    (3) Heavy file fragmentation (incl large files). The XP defragger simply chokes on the files in this scenario.

    Sometimes, it's a combination of the above.

    I suggest you first do a disk cleanup to clear out some space. Right click on the drive in My Computer and select Disk Cleanup from Properties. Then defrag again.

    You can head over to the Diskeeper website and grab the free trial version of Diskeeper 2008 professional (works for 30 days) and use it to defrag. It's a very powerful and versatile defragger, and will easily clean up the fragmentation on your drive.
     
  5. 2008/12/01
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    This may be regarded as a side note and ignored at your own discretion:

    I use Norton Ghost 2003 for system backup and create a new Image on a monthly basis. I always clear out temp files and other disc clutter prior to defragging. If there should remain a file that cannot be defragged, after creating the Image, restoring the same Image will render the partition/hard disk totally defragged.

    Christer
     
  6. 2008/12/01
    Jacobowicz

    Jacobowicz Inactive

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    You could try defraggler which is FREE and produced by Piriform who also provide CCleaner and Recuva.

    I use Defrag but I am sure that Defraggler might sort you out.

    Try it, it costs nothing

    Lawrie
     
  7. 2008/12/01
    mike devon

    mike devon Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    My Thanks to you all, I have tried a combination of your suggestions and downloaded Diskeeper Lite and I am pleased to say that I am now down to 3 504KB fragmented files these cannot be defragmented as they cannot be opened, but this is so much better than it was and I can live with that small amount. Thank you all.
     
  8. 2008/12/02
    rozario

    rozario Inactive

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    I've used Diskeeper Lite, but if I am not mistaken, the support for that tool is no longer available.(I could be wrong) Right now I use the full version of Diskeeper, its paid, but I have no regrets since the defrag is thorough and fast and it works well in automatic mode.
     
  9. 2008/12/02
    mike devon

    mike devon Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi Rozario
    Thanks for the info, I will look into this option. Mike Devon
     
  10. 2008/12/03
    Alicia J Lifetime Subscription

    Alicia J Geek Member

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    Anyone tried JKDefrag?
     
  11. 2008/12/03
    FastTracker

    FastTracker Banned

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    2 that I like is Auslogics and UltimateDefrag
     

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