When Windows runs, it keeps several files exclusively open (e.g. pagefile). These files cannot be defragmented at the time Windows runs. So, there's a point in time when Windows loads/boots when most of these files aren't locked yet by Windows and a program intercepting the boot process has a chance to do a defragmentation pass on these files.Since these "system files" are vital to Windows since it works on them all the time (e.g. pagefile), they become easily very fragmented into myriads of small pieces which in turn make file allocation on the drive a tough task so when a new file is written, chances are these small fragments don't allow the new file to be laid out in a contiguous stream, so the new file itself becomes fragmented as well, and all fragmentations sum up in time.So, offline defrag is very important to have even other files defragmented...Andreas

What are the chances of temporarily moving the page file to another drive (through device manager, etc.), rebooting to Safe Mode, defragging the drive, reinstate page file to original, and a final reboot? Wouldn't seem to be a big problem once a month or so.Robert

>I've read a lot of posts here about what defraggers people>use and I'm ready to spend some money to finally get a good>one, if need be. What exactly is wrong with default Windows defrag? Does it truly make a difference in FS or is it more like wishful thinking?Thx for your insights . . .Noel

Noel,Windows defrag is just a 'bare bones' defragger. If you want a better quicker defragger you pay for it.Like so many other things in life, you nothing for nowt.

best combination i found, and pretty darn fast, and you can defrag one or many folderspoweredefragger gui with contig.exehttp://vistarewired.com/2007/02/15/defragment/contig was written by the sysinternals guy. and it's not just a vista thing either.jd