Windows folder prefetch

by slybo Dec 14, 2003 7:40PM PST

I read here a while back you could delete all the files in the windows folder prefetch and xp would rebuild them and this was good to do every so often. But I read somewhere on the net that this could cause restart problems and not to do it. Has anybody here done this and what was your opinion. Also there is a file under prefetch call Layout that is different from the rest. Do I delete this file also, it looks important and am afraid to delete it. I am running xp on a athlon 1.6 and 512 ram

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Re:Windows folder prefetch

by David Chan Dec 14, 2003 8:03PM PST

The Prefetch Folder is supposed to speed up the operation of XP. It stores files from apps that you use frequently so that XP does not have to seek for them each time.

Deleting all files in this folder means XP will have to replace those that are needed the next time you boot up. This could be why it may take a little longer to boot up.
But once they are replaced the next boot should be back to normal.

I'd leave the layout folder alone.
Don't fix what ain't broke.

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Layout file...

by David Chan Dec 14, 2003 8:10PM PST

It's the Configuration Settings of your current user profile.

Double-click it and it'll open up in Notepad and you'll see what I mean.

I'd leave this file alone.

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Re:Layout file...

by slybo Dec 14, 2003 10:51PM PST

Thank You for the information. I will try this out first chance I get. Sly

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Re:Re:Windows folder prefetch

by Tecumseh Dec 15, 2003 4:46AM PST

I don't want to start a war here, but I have had Prefetch disabled (it's linked to one of the Services) for over 6 months and have noticed no discernible performance drop-off or increased HD seek time.

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Re:Windows folder prefetch

by Cursorcowboy Dec 14, 2003 11:34PM PST

1. WinXP monitors files used when the computer starts and when an application is started that is called Prefetching, a process whereby:

data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache and decreases the time needed for process.

files prefetched are located next to each other on the outer edge of the disk.

optimization occurs in the background and lasts only a minute or two, and after the initial optimization takes place, subsequent optimization occurs, at most, every three days when you might notice the hard disk being accessed when optimization occurs.

the Disk Defragmenter tools do not disturb the existing layout of optimized boot files and applications.

Note: Please read through the paragraph titled "Prefetch" in the TechNet Library. (After accessing this Web page, click Edit, Find, type prefetch, and then press Enter).

2. The article [Q314848] describes how to defragment your disk drive volumes, describes the limitations of using Disk Defragmenter Microsoft Management Console (MMC) which is based on the full retail version of Executive Software Diskeeper, and outlines three methods of defragmenting. The version included provides limited functionality in maintaining disk performance by defragmenting volumes that use the FAT, FAT32, or NTFS file system.

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Re:Re:Windows folder prefetch

by slybo Dec 15, 2003 12:57AM PST

Good information,thanks. Can you tell me if you have deleted these files and that if it made any improvements to windows as I have read or was it a waste of time. Also did it cause any problems. I am always afraid of doing something the first time and having it cause problems since I am not a computer expert. Thanks Sly

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Re:Windows folder prefetch

by radean Dec 15, 2003 2:10AM PST

Sly, type this into a Google search, as I'm still not sure how to post a reliable link in these new forums.

Jester2K's Windows-XP-Prefetch-Clean-And-Control

I have cleared the prefetch folder manually, plus have used Jesters program, which is easier.
But, although I did not use a stopwatch to really time the bootup, I can't tell any difference.

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Re:Re:Windows folder prefetch

by slybo Dec 15, 2003 4:51AM PST

I went and manually deleted all the files in the prefetch folder except the layout. Restarted the computer and had no problems. I then looked at the prefetch folder and some of the files had already rebuilt. Thanks for all the help from all of you. The reason I wanted to do this is I try to clean out anything I learn that is good to do because I have a daughter that likes to download all kinds of junk and I just like to try to keep up the maintenance to keep this thing working. Thanks again Sly

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Linking uses UBBC codes...

by Keith Marcotte Dec 15, 2003 8:14AM PST

http://yourlink.com (without the spaces) - you get the same effect as just typing http://yourlink.com but it's nice to have if you want a character like a period at the end of the link but not part of the link.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Jester2K+Windows+XP+Prefetch+Clean+And+Control
or
Google search

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Thanks Keith..

by radean Dec 15, 2003 8:43AM PST

Actually I have that info in my notes, but the way things change here, thought I'd play safe.
I'll try it next time

Windows folder prefetch

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