Some files cant be defragmented

[Inu]

Got two dell computers both having issues defragmenting, for some reason they fail to defragment files, Dell dimension 4300. I unshared everything over the network that didnt help. Please post comments and suggestions if can. I googled and looked through the FAQ cant find anything.

[codeflux]

defragmenting is BS. don't go nuts over a few undefragged files.

if you MUST have ALL FILES DEFRAGMENTED - which you never will get - but if you want to get as close to is possible, get O&O Defrag.

http://www.oo-software.com/

but losing a night's sleep over some undefragged files is not worth it.

[Ice Czar]

encrypted file system
encrypted archives
exclusively locked system files (registry ect)
or other protected file permissions

as mentioned above O&O will defrag the MFT, registry, pagefile if you set the options to do that (post-boot \ pre-login)

if the file doesnt fit into the above exclusions
try this from the commandline
Contig v1.51 (http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/contig.shtml) (freeware @ sysinternals)

you can start a command window
(Start > Run > (type) cmd (enter)
then bring up Task Manager
Ctrl Alt Del > Task Manager > Processes Tab
then close windows explorer.exe
(leaving the Task Manager open)
and many other processes that might be using it
run contig, then restart explorer and any other ap
Applications tab > New Task > explorer.exe
repeat for additional aps (write down what you closed)

a handy shell extention
wholockme (http://www.dr-hoiby.com/WhoLockMe/index.php) adds the option to see what ap\process is employing a locked file to the RClick shell menu

[Inu]

the problem is that World of Warcraft puts all terrain textures into one giant file, which is 1.02 GB, so when he trys to play the game he has to wait 15 minutes for terrain textures to load, and that is the file that wont defrag. Thanks for the info, has helped a bit, still havent gotten those WoW files yet tho, gonna try Contig.