Disk Fragmentation

Question

Ran a search and found many with same problem.... my disk becomes fragmented at an alarming rate compared to previous versions of Windows.

I use Norton Systemworks (could schedule Windows Defrag) and my concern is that I am scheduling defrag at least twice a week (I am getting 15% + fragmented in less than a week) and even right after defrag, it is 2-4% fragmented. I have been told that closing all programs (I do this using End-It-All) would help. It does, dramatically. However, I have to do this manually each time and would prefer to defrag in the middle of the night rather than waiting 45 minutes during the day. Any suggestion? Thanks, Dave

Mary G · Answer

I have one suggestion--stop using Systemworks. It's not necessary and causes more problems. Systemworks actually doesn't do the job with XP & gives inaccurate disk assessment. Fragmentation is less of a problem with XP. Go to Computer Management in Administrative Tools and use the more accurate tool.

JRosenfeld · Answer

Or just right click on the drive icon in Windows Explorer or My computer, click properties, Tools tab, click defragment now.

rjmat · Answer

I have used NSW for more than four years and have not had any problems. I also have the 'free' version of Diskeeper Lite and it agrees with NSW on the extent of fragmentation of my drives. I use one or the other for defragmenting. The 'experts' cannot agree on the necessity of defragging.

gryjhnhpe · Answer

FREE Microsoft Program TweakUI has options to enable/disable "Optimize hard disk when idle".

You can download FREE Microsoft program called TweakUI for XP+ SP1 from;
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp
You can download FREE Microsoft program called TweakUI for HOME without SP1 from;
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/downloads/powertoys.asp

Install , then select "General" & scroll to "Optimize..........."

Kampftitan · Answer

great link. Thanks

gryjhnhpe · Answer

gryjhnhpe wrote: FREE Microsoft Program TweakUI has options to enable/disable "Optimize hard disk when idle".
You can download FREE Microsoft program called TweakUI for XP+ SP1 from;
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp
You can download FREE Microsoft program called TweakUI for HOME without SP1 from;
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/downloads/powertoys.asp
**** Install , then select "General" & scroll to "Optimize..........." ****

I have XP+SP1 so I have version for XP+SP1 which is shown as I said above ****.
The "Optimize hard disk when idle" is the 2nd last on list when you scroll to bottom by clicking on the Down Arrow v button.

alan321 · Answer

I can't find 'optimize hard disk when idle'. What is it listed with?

alan321 · Answer

got it thanks.

Windows General

Disk Fragmentation

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