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Defraggler suggestions


StuartUK

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I think on Defraggler there should be a tick box where you can select shutdown after defrag.I want to defrag overnight but when defragging is finished, I dont want my computer still running, so this option would be nice and easy :rolleyes:

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I'd like to see 2 additions to this already great program:

 

 

  1. Secure Defragmentation
     
    Although I'm hardly a security nut, I don't keep anything sensitive beyond a personal level on my machine, I am a computing graduate and prefer to keep my machine secure. I've got good antivirus, a good firewall, and use secure deletion techniques whenever I'm dealing with my own personal information (such-as CCleaner's Secure Deletion option). Having read a few things about secure deletion, however, I've read that defragmentation is one of those areas that can bypass Secure Deletion.
     
    Your personal information is at position X, it is moved to position Y, then it is securely deleted from position Y. Spot the flaw? The personal information is still on the disk, at position X, possibly under some other data. Unless position X is also securely deleted, someone could still recover the information.
     
    This would obviously be slower than a normal defrag, as you'd have the extra secure deletion stage upon moving any data, but it might be worth it if you know you're defraggling a sensitive file. After-all: Defraggler is the only defragmentation program I've seen that can defrag individual files. Perhaps you could even let the user define a list of potentially sensitive file types, and have options to securely defragment no files, sensitive files, or all files.
     
    Lastly, what if I've defragmented my entire drive several times before i realised that defragmentation could pose a threat to security? An option to lift, perform a secure deletion under, then restore every single file on the system before securely deleting free space might be an idea. Hey, it'd take a while, but combine it with a full defrag and a long weekend away (plus the option to shut-down when complete) and I'd probably do it just for peace of mind.

     


  2. Utilise free space on another drive
     
    Maybe you have an old, slow, 500GB C drive and plug-in a new, faster, 320GB D drive that you picked-up on the cheap. Right now, D is pretty-much completely free, but C is almost full and totally fraggled.
     
    Rather than copying some of the stuff across from C->D, de fragmenting C, then copying it back from D->C: Wouldn't it be possible to utilise the free space on D as a cache for files from C to get things done faster? I'm just de-fraggling an almost full drive right now, and I get the impression that it's taking more steps than necessary because it's only got a bit of free space to work with.
     
    There's obviously a risk that the computer might crash as the program ran, leaving the files split across two drives and unusable, but I think the risks can be minimised:
    • Don't move system files to the other disk.
    • Use MD5 checksums to ensure it's copied properly.
    • Whilst the process is running, have a process set to run at start-up which restores files in the event of a crash, then clear the start-up entry when complete

 

Wouldn't that make it more feasible?

 

 

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First and foremost, I'd like to thank the Piriform team for doing an outstanding job at supplying end-users with another free utility! I especially love CCleaner, it's now a standard tool that I use with every fresh install, or system tune-up that I perform. I'm a computer technician by trade, and I'm self employed. I try to cut the time down as much as possible for the customer's benefit, and these programs are absolutely awesome for this purpose. And best yet, it's free. And it's not about making money, so much as it is making the customer happy. With these tools, it greatly helps. While I haven't had a chance to try Recuva, I have had plenty of experience with CCleaner & now, Defraggler.

 

I'm a guy stuck in my ways, and I have always used Windows Defrag as the starting point for any system tune up, and if I don't feel that it does a good enough job, I will install a trial version of Diskeeper with the option of allowing the customer to buy a license for their own use indefinitely. I love both programs (considering they are both strangely alike, if you read the details).

 

Now, I have been able to use Defraggler, and allow the customer to keep the program for free. I have also recommended CCleaner & Defraggler to all of my friends, and now almost all of them are hooked. I don't see them buying software from somebody else, unless they are using it on a workstation.

 

Now I know I've gone overboard with the suggestion thread, so I'll cut to the chase.

 

While I love the way Defraggler works, both on memory usage as well as performance, I would definitely recommend a few additions to the program. It is in a beta, I understand that - that is why I'm mentioning these things! I want to see this program grow in popularity!

 

1.) The ability to change priority to background (low) to Normal, is a great idea. Keep it!

2.) Defraggler is missing one thing, a shut-down tick-box (as previously mentioned). This is nice for those that shut their PC down at night but would like to set it on defrag mode while they sleep. Even a log-off/lock workstation option would be nice!

3.) Multiple-Volume simultaneous defragging. Nobody likes to wait to go to the next drive!

4.) Include/Exclude Files & Folders setting. Would like to keep some files from ever moving with this program (System files, for instance.)

5.) The ability to schedule defragmentations (not via scheduled tasks, but within the program)

6.) The ability to select certain files, and re-arrange them on the drive the way you want them.

.:.:.a.) For example, move the entire Windows folder to the front (edge) of the drive for faster boot times.

.:.:.b.) The ability to move certain files (Again, the %WINDIR%) all together for quicker boot time.

.:.:.c.) The ability to move rarely used files to the center of the drive (archival method)

7.) A screen-saver mode would be absolutely fantastic!

8.) Allow an end user to modify the characteristics of the program. For example, allow him or her to create a "macro" (for lack of a better word), to defragment free-space first (maybe even twice), then defrag the drive, then defragment free-space again, thus making one, fully defragged, contiguous block of data, and one contiguous block of free-space.

9.) More detail in the disc display area. Less blocks, perhaps use a system variant such as the way Diskeeper displays bars instead of blocks?

10.) I would also like to see this, since it is not shown in any other program I know of... the ability to click on a "block" (say a red, fragmented block) and view exactly what file it is.

 

Now I don't believe that it'd be easy to do this, but could a program physically move the paging file to the extreme outter edge of the drive (or in one contiguous block, before the data) for better performance? I'm not sure exactly how NTFS would like you moving it's beloved paging file, but it would be a neat option.

 

In the past, I have always removed the paging files from all drives, booted up, and ran multiple defragmentations, and when I was satisfied, I would add the new paging file back up so it would be contiguous and not fragment other files in the process of creation. This also clears the paging file as well, so one can start over fresh!

 

That would be all, honestly I'm tired of typing! My entire break has gone down the tubes. Hopefully some of the above suggestions will be heeded for the next future release of Defraggler!

 

And once again, thank you for these awesome products! A free program, that's actually USEFUL!

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my ideas now (sorry for my english, anybody know traslate from russian?):

 

1) need good metod for really bad fragmentation (one my disk free on 30% after move some files, but this is almost full red - no any white space on driver map); i use defrag freespace first, but this is long also.

 

2) about drive map now. color cells - standart and nice visualisation, but white grid - bad idea. why? for greed need some space also. but grid don't have info. grid have big contrast with red cells - i don't see a red tones! just try create options for drive map without ANY grid. just try and compare. maybe add size for cells and info about each cell also?

 

3) about layout. main window have 3 area - drive list, drive map amd drive info. i think need fix (not hard) drive list and drive info. if i resize main window need resize drive map. i think this is right idea :)

 

4) about defrag checked files. modal dialog really need? i understand why need it (i programmer also), but maybe possible another way? just need prevent file list from edit. right?

 

5) maybe later :)

 

if any developer know russian - i can talk under email also :)

 

p.s. if this programm don't kill my disk and don't lost some files - it great program! :)

 

p.s.s. ideas for FAQ: if you defrag disk with defraggler and lost all your porn - use our another great util - recuva! :) if your disk have child porn - don't use defraggler, this is not secure :) just joke

Edited by yuri
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5) [later, right now] after some actions i see new button "file list". i think this is not need. just hide "file list" tab if it empty! if user sees a new tab - he will want to check this. and don't need any different buttons :)

 

my message for some users

 

guys (maybe girls), you wanna see free diskepper am here? some easy util need more 100 mb on my disk!!! last distrib. Nero have size 180 mb! but me just need burn files on my dvd! Piriform create small programms with stylish design and sufficient functionality! Skins need for defragmentation? I think don't need. Some options need only for our money. Have extra money - buy programm with freak skins, pseudointellectual schedulers, strange addons for small group users who don't know how use their time and hard disk space...

 

if you need great functionality for free and minimal size - use programms like Defraggler and CCleaner.

 

6) about sheduler. i don't know who use this options. Windows have system sheduler and script language for automations operation. just need add some command string options for system administrators and power users. sheduler in programm - bad idea. need to keep all programm with shedulers in memory all time!!!

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7) i read some posts and have new good idea :) add new row in file list - "size/fragments. this is autoevalute field show average fragment size and don't need long time for develop this option, but this is great for manual defragmentation!

 

small explain now. you have file 1000 mb with 100 fragments and file 10 mb with 10 fragments. first file have in 10 times worse fragmentation but each fragment have 10 mb size (at the average), second file have 1mb fragments. if first file is just movie - this is not very big problem, if second file some system file or small video - this is bad.

 

size/frag. for this files - 10 and 1 (more value - better). also possible use this "clusters/fragments" (always more 1, more value - better).

 

this is good but not great :)

 

[great now :)]

 

maybe file with size 1000 mb and 100 fragments have this fragmentation 901mb + 99 * 1mb? this is very bad. need add next row - "fragments smallers some size"! some size = or function(disk size, used space, total fragmentation...), or just easy variable from options, for example 1 mb :)

 

for our example this values 99 and 10 (more value - worse).

 

 

...Defragging Freespace (36%)...wait my new ideas... :)

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8) if cell have part defragmented file - this is blue, if some files fragmented in cell - this is red..how about third color for cells containing only one part fragmented file? maybe set this how option.

 

...Defragging Freespace (37%)...i tired :( ...

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[mad ideas now :) i lost my mind after 3-4 days defragmentation...i don't know how long i do it :)]

 

9) need add control for some SMART atributes for safety! if process intensive defragmentation create big count read/write errors or enlarge temperature - need stop it in first event and pause for some time in second.

 

also need add some SMART atributes (temperature...) in drive list. why no? i think this is not very difficult but can really help in some critical situations.

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Thanks for putting out such useful programs for free... I must say that running a combo of CCleaner and defraggler helps maintain computers with the greatest of ease. There are a lot of great suggestions throughout the suggestions forum, however I've failed to see the suggestion that I would most like to see....

 

My suggestion:

Include a switch in the commandline df.exe to search for and defrag all fragmented files only.

 

Currently a "df c:" will defrag the drive and, I assume, free space because it takes significanlty longer to defrag that way than using the gui to defrag files only. I realize that I could specify multiple folders for df to defrag, but a feature to simply defrag all fragmented files would be awesome.

 

Keep up the great work!

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great little app. Ease of use, functionality, and clean UI that both CCleaner and Recuva have. Im a big fan. I would like to suggest a "Minimize to Sys Tray option."

 

i would imagine the majority of people run defrags at night or when they are AFK, so it might be a waste of time. It was just something i thought of during my time testing this fine program.

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I suggest crossing out defragmented files in the file list and making it blue.

--

About the buttons, yes I agree.

 

It's still hard to understand. They should be the same in both Drive and in File list.

 

[Analyze] ([Defragment] / [Defrag Selected]) [Compact] | ([Pause] / [Resume]) [stop]

 

Pause and Stop should fade when the other three buttons are on.

When one of the three buttons are pressed, fade all three no matter what.

 

Clicking Analyze should just Analyze.

Clicking Defragment should Analyze and Defrag.

Clicking Compact should Analyze and Defrag then Compact. (Not together, no)

 

--

 

"Defrag Free Space (allow Fragmentation)" is better written as "Force Fill Gaps"

"Defragging Free Space" is better written as "Compacting Files"

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I would just like to add, yes it's there under one of the menus but having it off to the side on the main screen would be really nice.

 

I would also like to see the "active blocks" section as large as possible. I know you can drag the panes up and down, but the bottom pane still must remain very tall. It would be nice to see that information that it does display, moved out to the sides a bit more. There's a lot of wasted white space on the right side of that pane and it would be nice if the STATUS and PROPERTIES were stretched out to fill it horizontally instead of stacked vertically.

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Defraggler can show you where and approximately the size of certain files... Space Monger does a great job at showing you the sizes of all files in a quilt like pattern.

 

I don't know, but it seems like Defraggler might already be half way there to getting this added. Space Monger 1.4 is only 212KB. Having this as an extra visual tab in Defraggler would be a great addition to defragmenting files/folders.

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many thx to all those who created defraggler... i am amazed by wat it can do after being a die hard fan of diskeeper for many years...

 

looking for a free defrag tool has always been a headache, as we all know very where that the one in windows is not really up to standard... it gets the job done, but not a very great one... many other free ones are only slightly better when i compare them against diskeeper

 

however, defraggler really blow them off...the result is neat and tidy for a free program (just like CCleaner)... i particularly like the individual file defrag, useful when i wanna do a quick job...

 

some suggestions though:

1) auto shutdown after defrag - defragging hundreds of GB is not a fast job, thus it would really be nice to have this feature while i sleep

2) screensaver mode - allows for auto defrag while screensaver is running... i think this is a good idea instead of the stuff like frag shield in diskeeper...

 

once again, a big thank you to all those who created defraggler, not the best in the market, but certainly the one to look for if a free defrag tool is needed

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Hi I am new here but I would like to give this software a suggestion (by the way,nice software!)

 

1. Add a "Switch off the computer when defragmentation is completed" settings , so next time when I want to go out,I can leave my computer open,use defraggler and choose this settings,so the next time I want to use my computer,I do not need to defrag again (or even wait for it to complete)

 

2. Please add some more settings like "Restarts the computer when defragmentation is completed" or even "Standby the computer when defragmentation is completed" or some useful settings.

 

Regards

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Thanks Piriform for an interesting tool.

As a IT Administrator I enjoy looking at new tools.

 

I've used Config for years and your tool looks like a very nice UI version of that. ;-)

 

Please keep it clean and simple, there are lots of more complex tools out there.

 

Here is a few suggestions I have:

 

When I select a file and click on Analyse, can you make it just analyse that file?

At the moment it does a 100% Analyse.

 

Do you plan to add command line options?

 

If you are, I'd like to see an cmd line option for the program to analyse, then only defragment X number of the most fragmented files. A kind of Top 20 if you get my drift? :-)

That would make it quick and covers most badly affected systems.

I'd then run it via the Scheduler.

 

Perhaps an option to look inside the "c:\System Volume Information", "c:\Windows\" folders first and defragment those.

 

 

I agree that your program shouldn't do a registry defrag as other tools like SysInternals PageDefrag already do this very satisfactory.

 

 

I look forward to seeing how it develops. :-)

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I had a look at your updated beta version 1.02.078 and noticed you added a feature where you can see the disk-space. Is it possable to have a "settings" section on the tool bar where a person can disable this? Reason for asking is, i preffered the previous versions where it was straight forward. When you defragged, you could see the amount of file-space left as it defrags, where as in this build, it seems gone :(

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i dont know if these features where already asked:

 

* a button [defrag all drives] meaning defragging one by one without user interaction

* defragging of two partitions at the same time if they are on different physical drives

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Here's another idea: To aid in defragmenting free space, why not have a 'fraggle' option. This takes some file you deem to be unimportant, and fills the various gaps around the disk with it. With some non-speed-intensive files being scattered around the disk, you can probably more easily achieve defragmentation of free space.

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Hello,

 

1) Why you don't add a option when defragmenting's complete to Hibernate/Stand By/Turn Off. It will be useful to users with 500GB or more.

2) I have 2 hard discs, but i cant defragment, both in same time. Defragmenting both in same time will be useful too.

3) Option which allow program to defragment all partitions.

 

- Martin.

 

Thanks!

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Hello,

 

1) Why you don't add a option when defragmenting's complete to Hibernate/Stand By/Turn Off. It will be useful to users with 500GB or more.

2) I have 2 hard discs, but i cant defragment, both in same time. Defragmenting both in same time will be useful too.

3) Option which allow program to defragment all partitions.

 

- Martin.

 

Thanks!

 

 

I do that sort of thing with the free utils CONTIG and PSSHUTDOWN .

I run a batch file in the scheduler and it just does it at night.

 

3 line script, couldn't be easier.

 

defragment.bat

 

start c:\utils\contig -s c:\*.*

start /WAIT c:\utils\contig -s d:\*.*

c:\utils\psshutdown -f -k -t 10 -c -m "Shutting down. Defrag complete"

 

Contig:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinte...s/bb897428.aspx

 

psshutdown

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinte...s/bb897541.aspx

 

Put the 3 files in a directory and run the .bat file

 

 

Alternatively run a vbs script.

 

defrag_xp.vbs

onst LogFile = "C:\Defrag.log"

 

Const DriveTypeRemovable = 1

Const DriveTypeFixed = 2

Const DriveTypeNetwork = 3

Const DriveTypeCDROM = 4

Const DriveTypeRAMDisk = 5

 

Set FSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")

Set Drives = FSO.Drives

 

For each Drive in Drives

if Drive.DriveType = 2 then

RunCmd Drive

end if

Next

 

Sub RunCmd(DriveString)

Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")

RunString = "%comspec% /c echo " & WeekDayName(WeekDay(Now), True) & " " & Now & " " & DriveString

Return = WshShell.Run(RunString & " >> " & LogFile & " 2>&1", 0, TRUE)

RunString = "%comspec% /c %WINDIR%\System32\Defrag.exe " & DriveString & " -f"

Return = WshShell.Run(RunString & " >> " & LogFile & " 2>&1", 0, TRUE)

Set WshShell = Nothing

End Sub

 

This uses the builtin XP defrag tool running in the background.

 

If I was to use it, I'd do.

 

defragment.bat

start /WAIT "Defrag my drives" /Dc:\utils\ /MIN /LOW defrag_xp.vbs

c:\utils\psshutdown -f -k -t 10 -c -m "Shutting down. Defrag complete"

 

It runs totally invisibly at low priority. Alter /LOW to /HIGH or /REALTIME if you're in a hurry.

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