should I have it defrag the volume first

then tab to defrag files afterwards

or does it matter?

what if I defrag files 1st?

TIA

Hi ralf,
There are many third-party programs that have been developed to perform "defragmentation". Many also include disk optimization methods and strategies that improve the performance of a PC.
Some products perform better for certain types of users than others. This really depends on how the PC is being used.
Most users don't need much "optimization" as much as they need "defragmentation".

Defraggler's speed in defragmenting files is very desirable for IT professionals and regular users alike.
I consider myself to be an average user and I find that I hardly ever need to do "whole disk" defragmentation anymore.
By using Defraggler to defrag all files prior to running CCleaner, my disk stays in healthy condition and no "optimization" is needed.

I use the following method.
#1. I run Defraggler using the GUI to Analyze first. Then I select the "file list" tab and I check all files for Defragmentation by checking the box next to the "Filename" heading and selecting "Defrag checked". This defragments all the files. Of course it takes the longest time the first time that you use it. From then on it it is very quick, taking only a few minutes at the most if used frequently. This is usually prior to running CCleaner.
#2. Every now and then I select Action in the Defraggler toolbar and select Defrag folder and defragment complete folders.
#3. Rarely but when necessary I select "whole disk" defragmentation but I have not needed this in several months.

After defragmenting, your PC will take a little time for Windows to relearn where files are repositioned but the speed will increase soon.

Some users insist on constant "whole disk" defragmentation and for some this is necessary. For most, it does not give enough return in benefits versus the work necessary to perform the "whole disk" defragmentation. "Whole disk" defragmentation is necessary very infrequently but it does have benefits if it has never been performed.

You may only need to defragment files as I do. I have done much personal testing and I find "whole disk" defragmentation of little benefit to most users.

See these posts for further explanation and more detailed information.
http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?s=&...st&p=112671
http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?s=&...st&p=118211
http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?s=&...st&p=117806
http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?s=&...st&p=116118

Good luck,
davey