True Risks of Fragmentation

[King Conga]

I know it's been debated adnauseum for years, but I've got debate going on with a fellow geek about just what are the true risks if you fail to defrag regularly (I usually do it once a week, AT LEAST once every 3 wks). I've read before that if left unattended for long enough you can actually damage the system files.  As a pro-audio user that uses 250 - 450 Meg wav files over 8 tracks, with realtime FX, it's always been recommended to at least have a separate hard drive, and to defrag VERY often. But our real debate was if it truly damaged sys files if left unattended.  I maintain they do.

Tanx,
KC

[Broni]

When files are heavily defragmented, the only outcome is the slower computer, because it takes the system longer time to find the info. I see no connection between defragmentation, and damaging system files.
On a top of it, todays processors are so fast, that even with highly defragmented files, it's gonna be hard for "naked eye" to see the speed difference.

[Laska]

Oh, My Dear Mr. Broni:

You Are A True And Wonderful Mastermind

MMmmm: I Just Feel So Much More Secure Knowing That There Are Men, True And Godly Men, Like You In The World

[Aegis]

Remember the lesson of "The Incredibles," Broni:  no capes!   

[Laska]

Yes No capes and no escapes
This time i'm for Real

[JJ 3000]

When files are heavily defragmented, the only outcome is the slower computer,

You mean faster, right?

(I usually do it once a week, AT LEAST once every 3 wks).

Wow! that's a lot!
Every six weeks or so I go into the disk defragmenter and click the Analyze button. Most of the time I get the message: "You do not need to defragment this volume". I only defrag when the defragmenter tells me that I need to defrag (about 3-4 times a year).

[Broni]

You mean faster, right?

Yes....LOL

[Laska]

No I Mean More Often, No Wonder You Are Always on the Prowel
The Way You Are To YOur Kind And Loving Wife And All

[Geek-9pm]

That There Are Men, True And Godly Men,
Like You In The World[quote

He is not a Man, he is a Bear.
A small bear, with no pants.   

And his only other interest is Honey from Bees.