Defragmenting

How to stop all processes in normal mode

[Visit Thailand]

Defragmenting is a pain for me as it never works properly on my Win 98 machine.

I found a month or so ago a way of stopping all processes while in normal mode (not by doing Del-Ctrl-Esc) that made it easy.

For some reason it does not work in Safe mode either.

Does anyone know how to completely stop all processes in Normal mode and being able to defrag properly.

Ps. I know that all Antivirus, schedule, etc have to be stopped before hand but still does not work.

[onlineleben]

had the problem myself 2 weeks ago. stop the automatic indexing and get rid of all programs running and reading/writing to disk. I personally stop all programs that are in the task bar.
these measures reduce the number of restarts of the defrag program.

[edit_g]

Don't move your mouse. ;) (I'm serious!)

[Visit Thailand]

edit_g - I tried that last night! Didn't move it for at least 6 hours!

onlineleben how did you 'stop the automatic indexing and get rid of all programs running and reading/writing to disk.'

I normally close all progs in the task bar but it only seems to get to 70% and then it just takes for ever as if it has stopped.

[onlineleben]

>it only seems to get to 70% and then ...<
I had it that defrag did only 10% and then restartet again and again. That's what made me worry and I found out about the indexing issue (have to look it up again and will post it here).
An other issue might be the available free disc space. For defragmenting defrag is reorganizing files (and parts thereof) so disk that is 60% full defrags faster than when it is 95% full. Especially when it has to do "reorganize programs for faster starting"

[Woz]

I found a Windows Hints and Tips [user.aol.com] site some time ago which has a lot of trick for speeding up and cleaning up systems. About 3/4 down the page are some Defrag tips!

Onya
Woz

[Visit Thailand]

Thanks woz and ob - I finally found the resource again which is at : [windows-help.net...]

[vibgyor79]

Use Norton Utilities - It is a LOT faster than the clunky windows defragmenter and works even when you move the mouse!

[ukgimp]

You havent been using this method have you :)

h*ttp://www.datadocktorn.nu/us_frag1.php

[onlineleben]

Just to finish this thread:
>stop the automatic indexing<
Start button, settings, system, index

>use Norton Utilities<
Nortons defragmentation tool is a good and reliable choice.
If you don't have it, try Vopt. it's also been highly recommended. Just started downloading the 30 day trial.

Regarding the method used by ukgimp I recommend that you wash your hands before ...

[Brett_Tabke]

Here is what i do:

a) turn off all running programs.
b) turn off task scheduler and make sure icon goes away.
c) unplug your connection to your modem. If it is a phone line modem, unplug the phone cord and make sure you are offline. If it is a cable/dsl modem connected via ethernet or usb, then unplug the ethernet or turn off the wifi connection.
d) turn off your firewall.
e) next, go to the system info utiltiy usually at:
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO\MSINFO32.EXE"
f) view software environment and "running tasks".
F) study the list of running tasks and then use control-alt-delete to kill those you think you can. Becareful to leave explorer and any other system critical programs running (mouse).

Things to get rid of:
- virus scanners (or turn off)
- instant msg'ing (or turn off).
- anything in your tray - your tray should be 100% clear.
- check for background multimedia helpers - almost all of those can be turned off.
- get rid of any junk like screen savers.
- turn of any active desk top pages.
- roll back to a single screen if you've gone multi monitor or multidesk top.
- turn off window dressing programs like windowblinds.

That should get rid of anything running in the back ground that is writting to disk (which is why defrag restarts on disk contents changing).

If you still can't get it to run. Download a "file/disk monitor" that can tell you what files are being written by what program and then kill that program.