Defragmentation.

[MaxAlcolo]

I searched for a thread about defragmentation, but couldn't find any so I think this one is appropriate. I would like to do a defrag soon, but it's been so long since I've done it I can't even remember how to properly do it.
My friend told me not to use the Windows XP defrag option, because apparently it sucks.

So I'm asking you guys, what's the best way to perform a defragmentation. What should I use to do it ? Is there things I should do before the defrag ? Or the opposite, is there things I should avoid ?

:hmm:

[CharlieH]

I would say don't use anything but the default windows defrag program. 3rd party programs may not recognize windows registry programs, and attempt to move these critical files.

[Spastic]

Don't listen to Crashface, that is not true at all. 3rd party defrags are completely safe so long as you do a little research on them, I'm not going to say every single one out there is safe, but for the most part they are.

I don't know too much about much about defrag programs, but I used to use O&O Defragmenter (http://www.oo-software.com/home/en/products/oodefrag/) and it worked pretty well.

[ilovebrownies]

I think you should also consider defragmenting more often. It's a good habit to do it about once a month. This will help keep your Windows from getting sluggish over time.

[hoopymo]

I would try using defraggler. http://www.defraggler.com/ .

[opn4bzns]

I second Defraggler, but the built in Windows one isn't too bad if you don't want to install more stuff or whatever.

[Beefynick]

I use Tune Up Utilities 2008 defrag program and it works well. The built in Windows one works well, but third party ones are more descriptive in logging and such. It just depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a third party one do a little research on the programs to see which one you like.

As for frequency, I would try once a month. My computer has not needed a defrag for 3 months, so it all depends on how much you are writing files and various factors.

[MaxAlcolo]

I've had this computer for over two years now and I've never done it. Maybe my step dad has, but I wouldn't count on that. I'll check out the ones you guys mentionned.
Steam is now telling me to do a defrag as well, and my computer's kind of slow lately.
Feel free to suggest more things, it's really appreciated.

[hoopymo]

Try using ccleaner.

http://www.ccleaner.com/ .

[Happydude]

What does defragmentation even do?

[MaxAlcolo]

What does defragmentation even do?

I'm not an expert, but that's how I see it. When you install applications/games/etc on your hard drive, every file is saved on a random spot. Your processor needs to find all those files to open up, let's say, a game.
When you do a defragmentation, it regroups all the files from the previously mentionned game together, making it a lot easier for your processor to load it up. In the end, everything seems to be faster.

Correct me if I'm wrong please.

[hoopymo]

You have it spot on there, just moving files and grouping them so your computer can find them quicker and easier, also putting less strain on the CPU.

[Sarge51]

Personally, I think Windows XP has a good defragger. But since I use Vista (and if you use Vista, you'll know that the defrag program takes hours) I just use Auslogics Disk Defrag. (http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/download) It's quick (like 5-15 minutes max on my computer), easy to use, and seems like it works. I'd give it a try.

[SODA]

I use a "legal" copy of diskeeper professional, they are the same guys who made the one windows uses but the standalone program can defrag a large hard drive in an hour. If you can obtain a copy I highly recommend it.

[ToastmasterAlpha]

I have a Mac and I've never thought about defragging it, so this thread made me curious. I searched Google and found this document (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1375?viewlocale=en_US) from Apple. Short summary: you shouldn't bother defragging a Mac these days because the file system almost never fragments files, and if you try to defrag, you could corrupt a critical file, so it's not worth risking it. What do you make of this?

[Hunnter]

You should defrag Windows often, mainly if you have saved a lot of files, especially larger ones.
I've used a bunch of defrag utilities, one i liked best was JKDefrag.
While it doesn't show a lot of info and has no settings, it is pretty good. (just minimize it and let it run, try not to cover some of its window, because it tries to redraw (which pauses the program, stupid really)
Defraggler is good too.

And toastmasteralpha is correct.
Mac, Unix and several Linux distributions rarely need to be defragmented because of how the file system works.
NTFS and Fat32 are just plain horrible to be honest.
You can actually install a driver to allow you to use EXT2 file systems.
There is a list of programs on the Wiki article at the bottom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ext2
You can't install the Windows system files onto it however.

Also, for best results, you should run your defragmenter under Safe Mode.
Reason being that it will be able to move more files since they aren't in use.

edit:
Also, another good program you can use is SpinRite.
This isn't for defragmentation, more for refreshing the files on the drive by rewriting them.
One brilliant program, saved my ass a couple times when i had a dead drive.

[SODA]

Yeah only windows needs it, and really only monthly/after you make a bunch of large installs/uninstalls.

For instance I installed Medieval Total War 2 (18ish gigs) and Civ4 (8 gigs) then uninstalled them in about a 2 week period and when I defragged I had 32% fragmentation on my drive.