New Oldster with PCHEALTH issues

Hallo all. I'm new here, but a real oldster irl. Hopefully, you won't have to repeat yourself too many times for me.

Current problem: Whilst analysing before defrag, I ran into a ton of entries in my Windows directory called 'PCHEALTH' but when I went to that folder, it had no program in it! However, the entries the analysed defrag log contained, claimed that there were things that needed defragging in the "datacoll" folder, which scared the you-know-what out of me. Data collection...fine when I know about it, push the panic button time when it's a complete surprise! Hope someone knows what this is. Is it a normal Windows function?

 

What version of Windows are you using? I am guessing Windows XP. PCHealth folder located in the Windows folder is quite normal as this is a standard system created folder, you do not want to move/copy/delete anything within that folder!

As far as fragging goes, I hope you are not using Windows own defragmentation utility which in newer flavors of Windows is a slapped down version of DiskKeeper Defrag tool. I would suggest using AUSLogic Defrag tool which is free, fast and a ton more efficient than most others including Windows' own defrag tool.

Also, you should always run a temp/junk file cleanup routine and more importantly a Scandisk (Disk Error Check) prior to running defragmentation.
don't forget to disable Standby/Hybernation/Screensaver/AV Scanners to allow the program to do a better job. Running defrag in Safe Mode could be wiser but generally not required...

~TL :cool

 

Yes, I'm running WinXP home edition. Thanks for the heads up on the
PCHealth folder. Thanks for the idea on AusLogic's Defrag. Went and
downloaded it and it does seem to work faster, that or the graphic
entertains me well (I missed the old graphics from Win95 and 98SE
used for defragging!) lol.

I run CCleaner as a temp/junk file cleanup routine, I haven't run
Scandisk recently. I don't use Standby/Hibernation/Screensaver.
Haven't ever heard of having to stop my AV during defrag. I'd
have to disconnect from my DSL to be comfortable turning off
my AV.

Thanks for all your tips. Really appreciate the help!