[Speed]

While it's true that some of the files may be in System Volume Information or another system directory, defragging actually DOES reduce the size of files. By moving them together on the drive, it removes all of the links that the system has to use to keep track of the segments, freeing up a bunch of space depending on how many fragments there are of that file. Also, the reason you are having to run it repeatedly might be that 10GB's is a little small for manipulating 70GB's of data. So, your theory on it working in stages sounds accurate. But I'm glad it worked out for you in the end.

[Boot Time Defragmentation]

Defraggler would be a much better program if it included a tool to do a boot-time defrag, able to defrag the MFT and the Page files without damaging anything. There are many other programs that do this, but I have faith in Piriform to find a solution so I can continue using their products for maintenance.

[Defraggler writing to reserved MFT zone?]

Hello!

 

As I'm watching Defraggler do its work, I notice on the chart that Defraggler actually writes to the Reserved MFT space. Clicking on the block confirms this as the file list now shows several ordinary files now located in the MFT space. Shouldn't Defraggler not touch this space unless it's absolutely necessary? (such as no more available free space)

 

Thanks!

Adnan

What are the names of the files? They might be system files that Windows wants to be kept in there. Also, this does not belong in this section, for future reference, as this is not a suggestion.

[Defraggler still showing 17% fragmented, why?]

You must use either PageDefrag (free) on XP, or other commercial defragmenters which have a boot-time defrag, like PerfectDisk.

All paid defragmenters have free trials, and since pagefile and hiberfile are only created once, you won't need to buy them.

The System Volume Information ones are System Restore Points. Simply add them to Defraggler's Exclude list (you'll need to enable view of system files in Windows Explorer).

Aethec is right, if you see any fragmentation left over, it's most likely because it's in reserved system space. There are many good utilities for defragging these places, but I personally leave them be if it's on a machine I use all the time. For example, I use my desktop for gaming only, and I do things like that all the time so I have it at the highest possible FPS. But on my laptop, which I use for work and the occasional arcade game, I don't mess with system files because breaking that system would be horrible. So choose wisely before deciding on what to do. Also, I agree that Defraggler should have a boot-time defrag tool.

[Writing in Reserved MFT Space]

To me it just looks like either there is a gap in your MFT space (?), or it's actually defragging your MFT. Even though MFT is specifically made to prevent fragmentation, it happens occasionally. And on those occasions, to the program, it looks the same as a fragged file does. So I wouldn't worry, especially if it didn't damage your system in any way.