I am viewing my most recent report following a disk defragmentation session. The session was conducted following a scandisk/chkdisk session. The XP disk defragmentation "analysis" indicated that defragmentation wasn't necessary, but I ran it anyway. After only 2 minutes or so, the XP disk defragmentation utility, upon completion, reported that "some files cannot be defragmented". OF 28,000+ files, 1630 are reported to be fragmented. This is the first time since I purchased the computer that I've experienced this outcome. Is this common? Should I be concerned? the computer shows no sighs of trouble, and scandisk/chkdish reported no problems. Can anyone shed some light as to why all of these fragmented files cannot be defragmented, and if it is necessary to get a fix of some sorts?

Best to defrag in Windows Safe-Mode. A Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP From M$: Optimizing Startup Times by Using Defragmentation Tools Windows XP Professional monitors the files that are used when the computer starts and when you start applications. By monitoring these files, Windows XP Professional can prefetch them. Prefetching data is the process whereby data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching boot files and applications decreases the time needed to start Windows XP Professional and start applications. Prefetching is further improved if the files are located next to each other on the outer edge of the disk. Windows XP Professional optimizes the location of boot files and applications when the computer is idle. The optimization occurs in the background and lasts only a minute or two; you might hear the hard disk being accessed when optimization occurs. After the initial optimization takes place, subsequent optimization occurs, at most, every three days. When you run the Disk Defragmenter tools that are included with Windows XP Professional, they can perform any optimization updates that are scheduled to take place during the next idle period. The Disk Defragmenter tools do not disturb the existing layout of optimized boot files and applications. Note * Computers running Windows XP Home Edition also prefetch and optimize boot files and applications. ---------------------- Also before doing Defrag, try this: Also check all the files in C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch The Prefetch folder is quite large. I have deleted all files there, even Layout.ini, at times without problems. It will rebuild itself over time.

Chuck 2 thnaks for your prompt reply. I am confused though...are you saying that these "Prefetch" files are the ones that remain fragmented and cannot be defraged by the XP defrag utility?

Yes. They are placed, by XP, at the outer edge of the harddrive for faster opening of programs, and are not moved by Defrag. Also some major system files, I hear, are not moved.

Also check this out... Files That You Cannot Defragment i_XpUser

As an FYI before you run defrag, follow M$ tips HERE i_XpUser

Hi friends... Very good advice about deleting/cleaning out that prefetch folder. I do mine often with absolutely problems at all. XP will simply rebuild it in time... I've read many posts about how it is good practice to clean out all the old prefetch stuff periodically. Take care everyone... ~Tommyo