Defrag level for Windows Server 2003

Hi all....

We are running into serious problems with our windows server 2003 box and I'm brand new at this whole server thing. I talked to a friend of mine and she said try running defrag [drive]:\ -a to pull the fragmentation level for each drive we're using. I did that and was stunned to see these results:

C:\ 59% Fragmentation
F:\ 78% Fragmentation
D:\ 8% Fragmentation
E:\ 85% Fragmentation

Now, obviously C, F and E need to be defragged (and soon!) however, what is the optimal level for a server to be at? Does it make a difference if there is a SQL 2000 Database on one of the drives (F:\)? How often (ideally) would a server need to be defragged if it's set up properly (assuming 800 users on a high-usage application)? Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Appreciate any tips or suggestions.....
Chris

 

What defragmentation program did you use?

 

Hi Cordialis, No defrag program - just went into Command Prompt and used the defrag -a command. I don't have any rights on the server, so wouldn't be responsible for running the defrag, but just need to provide an arguement that the maintenance hasn't been done. I'm just looking for some info to go to my boss and say "Hey, this is a problem"...

What would happen if the defrag hits 90%+? Are the symptoms the same as it would be on a regular PC (slowness, system instability, etc.) or are there others because it's a server?

Appreciate it.......

 

Yep - we need some server folks in here. Can't you just run the build-in defragmenter again? Sounds like a secure approach. A second run will do a little more and improve your percentages.

 

Hi Cordialis - That's my problem - I can't run the defrag. I can only analyse the drive; if I try and run defrag from the command prompt I get "Access Denied" and it kicks me out. Which is fine, I am not the server person and I'm trying to find out the person responsible within my company - I'm just wondering what the effects are and what the optimal level is.
Appreciate your time.....
Chris