Solved Defragging external USB HDD

[bawldiggle]

I use an external (HDD) spinner for data.
NTFS format

Can I defrag external HDDs
- been using MyDefrag for years and before that MyDefrags precursor JKDefrag.

Should I back up, although when I think of it ... in other rigs it is impossible to backup system files on C:
- so I don't see the difference between internal and external drives being defragged.
- there are no SSD drives involved

I hope my question makes sense ?

Thank you

 

[GokAy]

You can defrag external HDD as far as I know, if you are using it regularly. I don't, but mine are usually just used during backup and then moved to a drawer.

You should backup, yes. Everything will be backed up if you use the right product. Macrium free is popular around here.
I don't understand the bit about "so I don't see the difference between internal and external drives being defragged". What do you mean?

 

[bawldiggle]

Hi GokAy

I don't understand the bit about "so I don't see the difference between internal and external drives being defragged". What do you mean?

Sorry to confuse you -- comes with "thinking" aloud onto my post. I assembled my question/post very late at night.
- half way around the world here "down under" it can be a day or two before I receive a response.
- I should have edited my original post

My data drive (external) allows me to move my collection of PC/IT stuff between (6) PCs

I realised (in my tiredness) that defragging any non-system NTFS drive (internal or external) is no different to defragging a system drive (NTFS)

When I re-read my OP, no wonder anyone was confused

Thank you for your response
- this thread is now resolved

 

[GokAy]

I believe defrag can't move pagefile.sys, and some other system files, but rest can be defragged. That's the only difference as far as I know.