Who uses the Windows Disk Defrag in system tools?

[Mitz]

Isn't Defragging defragging? What does a stand alone defragging program do that the Windows inbuilt one can't?

I did try system mechanic which includes a system defrag tool and it was very fast and worked silently in the background. I have also tried the free program, defraggler, which is made by the CCleaner people. This was very good as well, however is it really necessary to install a million separate programs when they are already included in the Windows operating system?

What are the benefits to installing a stand alone disk defragmenter? What do you use?

[Mara]

I use the freeware version of O&O Defrag software (2000) ... their purchase version is wonderful and even faster, but this little free version is a zillion times quicker than the built-in Windows Defrag and so, so easy to use.

And while I may be alone in feeling this, I have less trust in Microsoft's defrag than I used to as my poor computer was dragging itself from site to site and just as bad moving between non-online work - and yet, after running the above, it still wasn't improved.  Ran the O&O and poof! - wow, it really made a difference.

[DSTM]

Hi Guys,I have used JK Defrag, for ages,and can't fault it.
Packs the Files so much better,than Windows Defrag.
Take a screen shot after Windows Defrag,then JK Defrag.
No comparison.
I honestly think, it is a worthy addition, to the freeware List.
http://www.kessels.com/Jkdefrag/

[Dak]

I've never used anything but the windows defrag. It seems to work, and it gives me a graphical representation of what it does. How accurate that is would be anyones guess, but all i can say is that it seems to work, and i've never had any issues or seen a need to change.

I'd also be interested in seeing some real world comparisons, and hearing what others think.

[Mitz]

Well I am just testing the one DSTM mentioned...far out is it fast...I pressed on the .exe file thinking I was installing the program but instead it just started defragging straight away. I have defragged with the Windows one but now that this program is defragging, the computer actually looked like it was really messy. You should give it a go dak...defrag with windows then download this program and do it with that...Or try another one...

[Dak]

The problem I have with comparing them is I have no idea how to compare.

I know I can tell the difference in how fast they do the job, but how do I really compare how well they worked? Is the fast one faster because it does less?

I have tried some defraggers but they havent had any kind of graphical representation, just a window that says the defrag is complete. I am assuming the one you speak of has, and I will certainly try it out.

Again, though, there is no real way for me of knowing how well one has performed against the other is there, unless there is a major performance improvement with the computer?

A pretty picture of everything looking good is not necessarily a good guide of whether it actually is, surely? And if it simply informs me .. defrag completed.. as many of them do, what can that tell me either?

I suspect the defraggers which work on shutdown or bootup are probably more effective, simply because they can defrag files which are not normally accessible while windows is running. Does this difference actually mean anything though, in real terms, to the speed or reliability of my computer? Is there a point at which you have defragged sufficiently that any further would not gain any real benefit?

I'll certainly try this one, and see if it makes any performance improvements, but if you have the answer to how I can tell one is better than the other (other than just taking their word for it), I'd be grateful to hear it. I know I can read reviews and suchlike on the net, but I'd prefer to hear real world experiences than bench tests.

[Mitz]

It really should make your computer faster by streamlining access to frequently used files. I seem to notice it after using that program. I will do a few more tests on it later...and let you know...

[DSTM]

View 1  Screen shot of Hard Drive before Windows Defrag.
This Computer hasn't a lot on the Hard Drive.
As Dak says,and I agree,bench tests can vary from the real world.



View 2  Sreen shot after Windows Defrag



View 3  Screenshot after JK Defrag



Conclusion.To me, JK Defrag packed the Files Neater on the Hard Drive.
What difference that makes,betwen the 2,I wouldn't Know, percentage wise.
I have given my Hard Drives a workout, with JK Defrag ,on 3 Computers, and it has never damaged any Hard Drive.

EDIT.Mara,I have used 0&0, and found it very good also.

[Dak]

My point there is that the programs which generate the graphic pictures you are seeing are different, therefore the picture is very likely to be different. I don't think its possible to truly compare the pictures and say one is better than the other... just because the graphics look similar doesnt mean they are displaying the same things in the same way if you get my drift...

I have a further question myself.

Everyone would know that I know XP well and little else, so I've decided to learn more (hard to answer questions if you don't use the software!) and have now installed Windows Vista Ultimate.

I used to amuse myself late at night, when I got bored with counting flowers on the wall, by watching the graphical representation of XP defragging. Now, with Vista Ultimate, I've lost that small pleasure in life as it no longer displays a pretty picture.. just text saying its defragging.

For those that are using Vista.. is it possible that this just the way it is set in some options somewhere, or is a pretty picture really not an option, and I'll enjoy using the new defragger because it give me a graphic to watch again lol

[DSTM]

I asked about your Question,Dak,regarding Graphics, when defragging in Vista Ultimate.
With Vista,the Defrag Graphics are no longer,an option.

[Dak]

Thanks

I am currently trying out the jk defrag. I've misread your previous post, i thought the 3rd screenshot was of the jk defrag window, and hadnt realised that it was the windows analysis of the result. I'm not finding the defrag terribly fast at the moment, and I dont get to see the graphics of the windows analysis so I wont be able to compare the difference, but i'll keep you posted if it seem faster

I hope the graphics are displaying correctly, as the screenshot shows, its an unusual visual.

[DSTM]

The 3rd view, is a screen shot, of the Hard Drive,after using JK Defrag.
Just  3 shots of the Hard Drive.
1 View before Defrag
2 View after Defrag with Windows
3 View after Defrag with JK Defrag.

[Dak]

when using jk defrag, did the screen it was displaying look like the one in my screenshot?
 or is the display corrupted?

[DSTM]

It does look unusual.Here is mine,in relation to the above screen shot.
I would let it defrag,and then look at the Windows Bar,of your Hard Drive.

Black: empty
Green: regular files, unfragmented
Dark green: spacehogs, unfragmented
Yellow: fragmented
Red: unmovable
White: busy
Pink: MFT reserved zone (NTFS only)
Gray: in use by unknown data

[Dak]

i cant look at the windows version.. i have vista i'll just have to see if the pc performs better

[DSTM]

I'm no expert,as you well know.What I do is analyse first in the XP normal defrag window.I take no notice of Windows recommendation,whether to Defrag or not.If I see what I consider too many red lines, or red blocks,I take note of the Pattern blocks on the Hard Drive.Defrag with JK,then go back and have a look at the Blocks again.If they are like view 3 then all is well as far as I am concerned.
First Defrag will take ages,as it has a lot of moving to do.They get shorter in time duration,as each defrag there after.
Mine take about 5-10 mins average.If you see after the first ever scan , any red lines,then I would defrag a second time.
Hope you can follow me.

[Mitz]

I must say I have never seen mine so neat!!

[DSTM]

Hi Mitz.I think, the neater a Defragger, can stack the Files,it must improve the speed, of the OS,however minute.
As I said,I have used it for ages,and never a hiccup.
If you read the JK Home page,it can be set to Automatic,but I have never bothered.

[Mitz]

Hey DSTM that jkdefrag is great ...have tested it ....

I used reno uninstaller to clean up the programs and get rid of the ones I don't want...then I cleaned out the files and defragged with jkdefrag....the computer is really running great... And trust me I mess my computer up in five seconds with testing programs, taking screenshots and more...Thanks for the cool advice guys...I was too busy doing other things and neglected the maintenance side of the computing...

[DSTM]

That's great Mitz. I really find these 2 programs a must have. So many programs out there to choose from.
When we find Programs, that do a specific Task well,we like to let our fellow Members know.
I download programs, all the time,and Revo is great,for getting rid of the left over Registry entries.
I would be lost without it.

[Jason]

Thanks for all this information as I am new at computers. I didn't know that there were free programs out there. I just thought they were trial programs that ran out.

[247time]

I uses Advanced Defrag 2.0 to defragment my drives, it is very fast than the Windows Disk Defrag in system tools.