Can I adjust some master NTFS table size to handle large number of files better?

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Changing the reserve space for MFT DOES affect the current drive and has nothing to do with 'future reformats'. Changing MFT reserve size does not affect the actual format of ANY volume present or future. It is a run time parameter and is wiped out in any reformat of the primary drive!

Read closer your support link to Microsoft. It can be confusing. As long as the drive is not too full, optimizing MFT reserve has great benefits. Using Diskeeper in conjunction with changing reserve is highly recommended.

Note that Dell computers we received were all delivered with 50% MFT reserve. We use many large files and reducing the MFT reserve to 12.5% saved these machines from being dog slow when they 'filled up' quickly.

How much MFT space is needed? My rule of thumb for estimating is 'number of files times 4k divided by total drive size'. The result is the percent of drive space needed for MFT. As you note, the actual requirement will vary... but you have to start some place!

The values for the REG_DWORD registry setting are 1=12.5%, 2=25%, 3=37.5% and 4=50%. Always round up so that the MFT reserve is not too small.

Thanks for making your blog available.
Andrew Boshers
vo00hh802@sneakemail.com

Thanks for your comments Andrew. I suspect that the most difficult part of any rule of thumb, and yours is a fine one, is predicting how many files you'll have.
Leo

can you tell me how to format window xp because i dont no how to format the window like delete the window

I'm sorry, arslan, I don't understand your question.

I'm told that Windows XP sends reports to Microsoft about what files are on your comp, what you are accessing. Is this true? I'm kinda paranoid, so if I am accessing stuff, I don't like the idea that everything I do is monitored. Is it true? And if so, can it be disabled?

To the best of my knowledge they do NOT. If any information is collected at all, it is done anonymously ... meaning there's no way to track it to the computer that it came from, and even then it's only after they've explicitly asked for your permission to do so.

Everything you do it most certainly NOT monitored by Microsoft. Even they don't have the computing power to monitor millions of Windows users.

My windows Installer is broken. I can't install some programs. I am running Windows XP. If there's a way to fix this without doing a PC Recovery, then i'd appreciate it.

-Joe

First thing I would do is run the System File Checker. http://ask-leo.com/archives/000074.html

Good luck!

Leo, Just the article I was looking for regarding the 12·5% default size for the MFT.

I am now using Diskeeper 9 which includes Frag-Guard and had to use Frag-Guard to pad the MFT on one drive partition, since when the entire drive has been running better.

I also followed the advice to run a small paging file on drive C: (the OS drive) as well as a large fixed paging file in its own partition. Easier to format if it is corrupted.

You'll find that Raxco's Perfectdisk v6 will also defrag the MFT and has a one-click setting for doing all drives.

I haven't tried O&O.

What would be a good idea, in my estimation, is a system whereby the used file goes back to its original location.

I can certainly recommend using both Diskeeper 9 Professional and Frag-Guard.

Thank you again for the article.

Iain McGregor Lees.

hello peeps

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