Defragmentation software

[Ray]

What are peoples thoughts on defragmentation software is it really necessary especially if you are using NTFS as your file system? I do currently use Perfectdisk 2008 on my main machine and have been thinking about getting the Windows Home Server version for my WHS but do I really need it? I ask this after reading an article in Computershopper magazines recently basically saying that on modern hard disks defragging has become obselete.

[Rik]

I don't see how defragging can become obsolete, Ray. If files fragment, and they do, then it's going to take longer to read them. A defrag should speed up access, and I do my disks regularly.

[vitriol]

I know Diskeeper used to be quite good but haven't used it for a long time.  There is a freebie version called Diskeeper lite.

On Windows XP if you install the TweakUI Powertoys, there is an option to "Optimise Hard Disk when idle", according to the description it "allows Windows to rearrange files on your hard disk to maintain performance"

This sounds like it is defragging, I have it enabled on my machine and there is definately some disk activity when the computer is not in use.  When I turn it off there is hardly any.

[Rik]

When I turn it off there is hardly any.

I find that's true on most computers, Vit.

[Steve]

I agree Rik with both comments I am using perfectdisk 2008 on the WHS and it does reduce fragmentation which was significant prior to install on the system partition whether its speeded things up I have no idea. I have purchased a site licence I posted a 25% off coupon code elsewhere on here (where?)On the client machines fragmention levels were fine on install but I had been running a trial of Tuneup 2008.  

Coupon code PD2008-MCT25

[merlin]

i use O&O defrag , which has worked well for years ,and can be set up as a one click defrag

[Glenn]

Acronis Disk Director does a good job, not tried it on my WHS box though

[Gary]

Perfect disc 2008 here as well, the steathmode defrag is great and for a nominal amount which is about £4 a year you can update to the latest version without buying it out right, the offline defrag is great for defraging metadata etc so I would say its definitely worth using this kind of software.

[Sebby]

I use PerfectDisk. You'll have a hard time finding out which is better, PerfectDisk or Diskeeper, as the consensus is equally split! I know defragmentation works in theory, but it's difficult to say if it makes a noticeable difference in practice. But then every little helps, as Tesco say.

[Ray]

Thanks for all the replies, I've decided to go with Perfectdisk 2008 for WHS with the 25% discount which also includes a licenced copy of PDisk 2008 Pro that I can use on my Laptop. 

[Rik]

A wise move, Ray. Now, about my commission... 

[Ray]

A wise move, Ray. Now, about my commission... 

 

[mrapoc]

Iv got perfectdisk 2008 and it seems alright

Not sure if it offers much over the built in one in terms of performance gain

[Rik]

It's faster in operation, imo, Sam, and it does organise the boot files at the start of the disk.

[Gary]

Iv got perfectdisk 2008 and it seems alright

Not sure if it offers much over the built in one in terms of performance gain

It defragments metadata on a boot defrag which built in one cannot do and fragmented metadata can cause issues, also it defrags your page file and MFT as well all of which speed things up, set to aggressive it really does speed up file access as well should you use that setting.

[mrapoc]

im going to look for this aggressive setting 

[merlin]

GARY ,MFT means

[Steve]

MFT =master file table .On an NTFS volume its a database that contains all the file and directory details/atributes

[Gary]

im going to look for this aggressive setting 

Drive properties, under smartplacement settings tick aggressively consolidate free space 

[Sebby]

Thanks, Gary.