Is the disk defragmenter provided by WIndows XP enough?

Question

What are it's limitations, compared to those shareware ones?

I read a few reviews on the shareware disk defragmenters, some users said the shareware ones made them lose their files. Does this happen?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I would stick with the XP. Works very well trust me.

The last thing you want to go 3rd party on is a disk defragmenter. That's something that basically moves every file on the hard drive around. If something goes wrong yes bad things can happen.

Answer 2

As for it being enough, no, but then again it depends on how often you are installing, uninstalling, downloading and deleting files. If you do that pretty often then I would say it is not enough.

The problem with the built-in defragger is that it can't defragment certain files/folders while they are active so it skips them, it also cannot prevent defragmentation.

Diskeeper used to make a free version of their commercial product called Diskeeper Lite, if they haven't pulled it yet, you will be able to get it here, http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1207 it will be able to defrag your entire drive in one sitting, it's also MUCH faster than Windows XP will ever do (and far more accurate). Now, this is fine if all you want to do is keep your drive in top shape, once in a while.

Diskepper Lite lacks the most important feature of the full version, Frag Guard, Frag Guards only function is to prevent fragmentation, while it will not stop it completely, it will allow you to go longer without defragging the drive. Also, if you want, Diskeeper can run at startup or any time you schedule (those features are also absent from the free version).

If you know where to you look *ahem*... you CAN find Diskeeper for "free" but that's illegal. Diskeeper 10 Pro is only $45, http://www.bizrate.com/utilitysoftware_tools/diskeeper-10-professional-for-pc-708350804490---pid390819176/compareprices__keyword--diskeeper.html

I highly reccomend it for home users and businesses alike. It'll be some of the best $45 you ever spend.

Here's a review, http://www.download.com/Diskeeper/3003-2094_4-10471739.html

Answer 3

People losing their files is either a lie or an error on their behalf. The Windows XP defrag is good but I use Norton's Speed Disk.

Answer 4

That's the one I use and it works fine, I don't think Microsoft is going to include something in their software that gives you any problem, I've never lost a file...

Answer 5

It works rather good ..unless you to spend money for one.You should defrag weekly.