Defragmentation

CptnObvious999 · Post by **CptnObvious999** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:19 pm

I know that Linux filesystems such as ext3 and reiserfs don't need defragmentation however I was wondering if I need to defrag my iAudio X5L, on the iaudiophile.net's forums they said it would help it and might increase performance. My question is do I need to since I have been using mostly just linux to sync it? It uses vfat. Also what program for linux could do this? Thanks.

Wally Balljacker · Post by **Wally Balljacker** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:40 pm

My iPod uses vfat as well, and I've never defragmented it, and it works fine. Unless you're removing, writing new files, and making alot of changes to the hard disk daily, I wouldn't bother to defragment it. I've heard of people using the Windows Defragging utility on their iPods, but I don't see much point. The hard drive in your portable device isn't used nearly as much as a PC drive is. Simply reformatting it after 6 months to a year of use should be fine if you want to keep things neat and clean.

CptnObvious999 · Post by **CptnObvious999** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:45 pm

Ok thanks. Though I still think there should be one out there.

Wally Balljacker · Post by **Wally Balljacker** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:49 pm

There might be a utility out there for Linux, but I've never seen one. Defragmenting FAT filesystems on Linux isn't to common.

Gomer_X · Post by **Gomer_X** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:32 am

CptnObvious999 wrote:Ok thanks. Though I still think there should be one out there.

Here's a foolproof, effective method to defrag any FAT/VFAT drive:

1) Move all the files off the drive to somewhere else.
2) Move the files back.
3) Profit!!

This will leave the drive as unfragmented as possible. Unless you're having perfromance problems you're probably OK, but if you're dead set on defragging, this will work.