Defrag In XP

Lately when I defrag in Win XP I've got a big chunk of red showing in the defrag box, and I'm getting the message that some files cannot be defragged, and it lists this as the folder/file that can't be defragged:

248 1.39 GB \Documents and Settings\kr\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\GoogleEarth\dbCache.dat

I tried defragging in safe mode - no joy. I never had this problem until recently... any ideas?

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/j2h3r/th_ClipboardDefrag.jpg

 

Greetings, KZEE.

Couple of things you might try: open Google Earth, click Tools, Options, Cache - click 'Clear disk cache', click Apply, then OK, then close GE. Now, open Defrag and analyze, see if anything has changed.

If no dice, then I'd manually get rid of the data (it's obviously a database file, so if it's deleted, GE will just start rebuilding it).

Keep us posted.

 

Caliban, you're one sharp cookie... your suggestion to clear my Google Earth disk cache worked beautifully, and after clearing the disk everything defragged as it should. I hate computer problems, and when someone comes up with an easy solution to my computer woes I'm forever grateful.

But I'm wondering, why am I now having troubles with my Google Earth disk cache when in the past it was never a problem? Is there a setting in Earth that I may have accidentally changed to cause it to do that?

 

We got lucky.

No idea about the change - I would guess that the size of the db cache might depend on your surfing habits within the program: you might try reducing the disk cache file size slider thingy. There may also be some impending bug growing: you might check for any program updates that may address any problems.

 

OK, thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep an eye on things, and if I can't get it fixed then it won't be the end of the world if I have to clear the disk cache every now and then.

God Bless!

 

Well it's good that the problem has been solved

But just FYI the reason why it probably happened in the first place is because the file was quite large (1.4GB) and the disk space was not sufficient for the XP defragger's (ancient) algorithms to handle it. It's quite common for the windows defragger to choke on large files, especially in low space conditions, unlike the commercial utilities that auto defrag even large files with less than 5% free space.

 

OK, thanks for the heads up on the large file size - I did have approximately 3 gigs of free space left (out of 11.7 gigs on the partition), so I don't know if a lack of free space contributed to the problem or not. I've been doing quit a bit of Google Earthing lately, and perhaps that's why the file got so large. I'll keep an eye on it and when it gets too big I'll clear the disk cache like Caliban suggested, and hopefully that'll keep things running smoothly .

Thanks again for your help.:hyper

 

I'd just like to suggest that you look at this thread: Good Defrag Utilities

Two suggestions here for free utilities are:
MyDefrag

Puran Defrag

I have used both with Win XP Home and was pleased with both.
Currently using Puran based on the suggestion in that thread and I'm happy with it.

 

Thanks for the thread link. I just downloaded MyDefrag and I'll give it a try and see how it works.

 

Might also consider this one. My personal favorite for XP.
Ultimate Defrag (freeware edition) Just your name and eMail address at the bottom.
Never had any problems with this one.

http://www.disktrix.com/UDFree.htm