Defrag.exe

A friend just called and somehow has lost his Defrag.exe off his computer.

I use Diskkeeper and did a search on my machine and cannot seem to find where the Microsoft Defrag application lays? I would think in System 32 Folder?

Sure appreciate some help in running it down?

John

 

In WinXP you should find it in C:\I386.

 

It should be in the System32 folder and is the "live" execute.

The one in \i386\ is the backup copy. Copy it to the System32 folder.

Regards - Charles

 

Are we all dealing with the same OS?

When I did a Search, the only result was this: C:/I386 DEFRAG.EXE
And in the C:\folder the file is shown as: DEFRAG.EXE 107KB
But when I checked SYSTEM32, it showed this: defrag.exe 25KB

Notice that one file is shown in upper case and the other in lower case. Also, the two files had different dates, the larger file about 3 years older.

Can anyone explain that? And why didn't the SYSTEM32 version appear in the Search display?

 

If SP2 was installed separately, there will also be a defrag.exe in C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386, v. 5.1.2600.2180; that one is 25KB and is the SP2 version

To have search include system folders, in search click More Advanced Options, check the first three boxes.

 

Interesting. With Advanced Options checked I found 6 defrag.exe files. Some strange differences in sizes, too, with 3 of them 25KB, 1 16 KB, 1 69 KB, and 1 107 KB.

 

Yes.

The one in \ServicePackFiles\i386 = 24.5 kb and date created is Oct. 16, 2002, modifified Aug. 04, 2004. I installed SP2 on Aug. 27, 2004.

The date of the original installation is Feb. 2002. No re installs/repairs. The dates/size for the exe in System32 is the same as above.

Regards - Charles

 

Can't defrag

I have Sp2 and defrag won't defrag. If I click on 'analyze' or 'defrag' absolutely nothing happens. Defrag.exe is installed at C:\Windows\defrag.exe but I am not able to activate it. A previous post recommeded installation of diskeeper lite and it didn't work either but a pop-up box said that windows installer could not be activated (I can't recall the actual wording). Can this be resolved via 'system restore' or is something else at work here.

 

Hello wetcoast,

If not a typo on your part, defrag.exe should be in C:\Windows\System32. Move it there.

Regards - Charles

 

Can't defrag

Oops. Sorry Charles I was wrong defrag.exe IS in C:\windows\system32 and I found it there by running defrag.exe in 'search'. Still can't get it to work. However, when I scroll through local disk C Windows System 32 then defrag does not appear.

 

Hi Wecoast,

Find the one in \ServicePackFiles\i386 and copy it to \System32. There is obviously wrong with it.

I don't use Disk keeper, but others here do, they can address that part of your post.

BTW, XP's defrag was written for MS by Disk Keeper

Regards - Charles

 

Hi Wetcoast,

If copying defrag.exe from the \i386\ folder doesn't resolve the problem, then there is a broken link between the system process that activates defrag and the exe itself.

You mentioned System Restore - yes, worth a shot restoring back to just prior the problem.

Also can try running it from a command line:

Start > run > type cmd > ok

In the Command window, type defrag /? at the blinking cursor. The /? will list the commands.

Regards - Charles

 

can't defrag

Hi Charles - - Now I am confused. I cannot find servicepackfiles under the windows folder OR anywhere else. 'Search' can find i386 in several locations but no files under servicepackfiles or service pack files. This series began when I started to install Office 2003 because I needed Excel so I tried to defrag first, but could not do so and pop-up box said the following:

The windows installer service couldnot be accessed. This can occur if you ar running windows in safe mode, or if windows installer is not correctly installed. Contact your support personnel for assistance.

So I thought I would try to install O-2003 without defragging and the same pop-up box appeared. Any other suggestions u mite have would be appreciated. I wonder if I should uninstall/reinstall sp2? Cheers.

Wetcoast

 

Sorry to add to the confusion.

If you don't have a folder \ServicePackFiles\ I'm assuming the XP version you have came with SP2 installed.

For the Installer problem: http://consumer.installshield.com/kb.asp?id=Q110722 Trouble shooter for Installer problems.

Did you try the defrag from the command box?

Your symptoms indicate one or more basic Windows components are corrupt.

I wouldn't fool with SP2 at this point - not yet anyway.

The next step would be to repair the installation - do you have an XP CD?

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks Charles - - I followed the instructions step x step with no positive results. apparently xp has the the installer as part of the package. I do have the cd. I'll insert it and see what happens.

Wetcoast

 

How to repair XP: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Regards - Charles

 

Something else you can try:
right click on the C:\drive icon, click properties, tools tab, click check now; put a tick on the box 'automatically fix file system errors', click start; you'll get a message that the check will run on next restart. Click OK, restart your PC. Chkdsk will run before Windows loads.

 

Morning Charles - - - I accessed the link u sent and read it thoroughtly. The writer strongly recommends that I back-up my data and so I followed the instruction for manual install (xp Home b/u not included) but could not install the b/u program because windows installer could not be accessed - - - the problem I'm trying to solve. Catch 22. I may have to try the repair install without back-up unless there is another option. Any suggestions? Cheers.

Wetcoast

 

Hi Wetcoast,

Do you have an external HD? or a 2nd partition on the C drive? It would be a files/folder drag and drop.

If CD, do the backup by copying folders to the backup media using the burning software. Do you have a cd burning software? Follow the instructions on copying files/folders.

If not, XP has a built in cd burning software. From start menu, click Help and Support, type burn into the search box and follow the instructions on copying files/folders to a cd.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks for the suggestion JROSENFLD - - I ran chkdsk as u suggested which ran smoothly but did not solve my problem. I have a nero burner and will pursue Charlesvar's ideas.

Wetcoast