defragging

[toomanycats]

I use a separate hard drive for .ISO files after using DVDShrink, Is it necessary or advisable to defrag this drive? I tried it once but it (Windows defraging) locked up. I just did not know if after deleting files dedfragging was necessary. The .Iso files show up as fragmented files.

[photo_angel2004]

When you are adding and then deleting large files you should defrag your hard drive I do mine about once a week. Not every day.

[bill7621]

If you're not using this drive for anything else, why not reformat after you delete your iso's? There really is no need to defrag then.

[shulthise]

Windows Defrag is lame.. don't use it. Try something that actually works on big drives, like PerfectDisk.

Also.. I can see why you would defrag especially for capturing huge video files, but not for especially for dvd rip shrink or burn.. you can settle for defragging once exery 1-4 weeks (you have to remember that the defrag operation can put a lot of strain on the drive mechanics).

If the you use the drive exclusively for the shrink, then you can just delete all the files when done, and not to the recycle bin (i.e. Shift+Del), or format it as bill suggested.

[shiny#3]

if you really have a hard disk solemnly for copiing purposes!!!
i would like to reccommend defragmenting when the hdisk is full....
that means: disk empty---write one -- then the next, then the third, until its almost full.....
this provides ensurance, that files are written subsequently and that the reading
head of your hardisk does not have to jump that many times. also not while reading , (writing to DVD or else)
when your harddisk is almost full then delete
and defrag afterwards... this will reduce hard disk stress to a minimum ,
rather than deleting every large file and then defragging it.

also I would use a proper tool like 0&0 defrag or similar

[shulthise]

when your harddisk is almost full then delete
and defrag afterwards... this will reduce hard disk stress to a minimum ,

If you delete the entire disk you don't need to defrag. You can't defrag an empty disk - there's no file to defrag and the OS sees the entire disk space as available.

[toomanycats]

Thank you all. I have defragged the disk. I was having a problem with recent backups being jerky then eventually not playing. Pinnacle Instant Dvd would report an error as would Ulead Movie Factory 2. After defragging both drives the problem seems to have disappeared.

[shulthise]

Did you check under the sofa ?

[toomanycats]

I just spent the last 45 minutes looking for my cable remote. When I read your post I thought "How the hell did he know I was looking for my remote?". It was under the sofa, incidently. Do Do Do Do (Sung to the Twilight Zone theme).

[photo_angel2004]

remotes always end up there.