after defragment, the external HDD "shrink"

[Maxkhoon]

I use the defraggler on my external HDD and found out that my free space become MUCH less before I defrag it..

is this normal? thanks.

maybe because of this, I can't open my VOB files in it, it just feel laggy when I'm tryin' to open vob files..

 

[Maxkhoon]

bump..

after I use my computer default defrag software, it fix a bit by give me back "more space"
vob files can open again..but I feel my hdd very messy, so I use defraggler (3rd party software)again..now only 9%, my hdd shrink again(for a limited time perhaps before the defrag complete?)..
is it because I stop the defrag halfway?
thanks again.

 

[Bill2]

Interuppting defrag can cause damaged file system, lost clusters and missing files and folder on the hard drive. What happens is that during defrag, duplicated copies of fragmented files are created and stored temporarily on unallocated sectors on the hdd. If this process is not allowed to complete, the fragments may not be assigned finally to contiguos clusters.

You may need to do a hdd recovery. Google for free tools. You can also download UBCD and use the diagnostic and recovery tools in that. If your drive has any propreitary tool available, you can try that.

 

[ccatlett1984]

I would copy your files off of the external drive. Then format it and copy the files back.

 

[Maxkhoon]

I choose the copy option..because dunno how to use UBCD..

so will I dare to defrag my external hdd again after the format and copying process complete?? is it my defraggler software problem or what? because it could take DAYS to defrag my external HDD.....thank in advice.

 

[Bill2]

I'm not sure how defragging an external drive really helps. if you are booting from it or running programs from it, OK. But if you just use it to store data file (videos, pics, music, docs), then a little bit of fragmentation doesnt matter.

In any case, never interrupt defrag mid way.

 

[Maxkhoon]

my external hdd only mean for videos, music and stuffs, ya..

so I should leave it alone right? no need to defrag it? because I always defrag my laptop internal hdd once in a while, since as you said many programs run it the internal one.. it's better to defrag..

thanks again Bill.