Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: Saurabhdua on April 05, 2010, 05:13:27 AM

Title: A doubt in context to 'Defragmentation' of Hard drive!
Post by: Saurabhdua on April 05, 2010, 05:13:27 AM
Hello There! ;)

I read somewhere, that before defragging the Hard-drive, Antivirus or any Security program for that matter should be snoozed!? ::)

How valid is this suggestion? How does the 'Real-time' monitoring of Security app. interfere with De fragmentation process?  ???
Title: Re: A doubt in context to 'Defragmentation' of Hard drive!
Post by: Salmon Trout on April 05, 2010, 05:31:04 AM
"Real time" monitoring by antivirus programs involves scanning the hard drive, which means moving the read/write heads. Defragmenter programs work by reading data from one place on a hard drive and writing it to another place so therefore they are competing for control of the read/write heads which makes defragmentation takes longer.

Title: Re: A doubt in context to 'Defragmentation' of Hard drive!
Post by: BC_Programmer on April 05, 2010, 05:33:09 AM
Also, software wise, as long as the AV programs are open they have Change Notification handles open on the volume, which may give the defragmentor greater difficulty.
Title: Re: A doubt in context to 'Defragmentation' of Hard drive!
Post by: Allan on April 05, 2010, 05:46:48 AM
While the above posts are correct, I have NEVER disabled anything before defragging and there is no real reason for you to do so either.
Title: Re: A doubt in context to 'Defragmentation' of Hard drive!
Post by: Saurabhdua on April 06, 2010, 02:09:42 AM
Thanks for this clarification Guys! :)

I would now prefer to snooze my Avast before going for Defrag or Optimize of Hard-drive!

Afterall, my Sys. config. dates back to year 2002 & I would not like its further wear & tear, knowingly! ::)

Thumbs up! :-*
Title: Re: A doubt in context to 'Defragmentation' of Hard drive!
Post by: Saurabhdua on April 11, 2010, 08:19:55 AM
Are the same facts also applicable for other Items running in the Taskbar like RAMBOOSTER or Launchy?

Should I 'Right Click' to exit these all till Defrag/Optimization completes?  ::)

Also, what if I use a 'Stand-by' Anti-Malware utility to scan my PC occasionally(say Malwarebytes AntiMalware)? Should I SNOOZE my active & main armor Security app.(Avast in my case) till the former finishes with its scan?

I believe that at this occasion both utilities will still vie for their share? :o

What's the advise? :-\
Title: Re: A doubt in context to 'Defragmentation' of Hard drive!
Post by: patio on April 11, 2010, 10:11:00 AM
Un-install RamBooster...

That would be a good start.