Emptying Prefetch Folder?

[Kenny]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly and also
creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click operation. Also
changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to make it more efficient
or disable it completely. Would like to hear others opinions on this.


--

Kenny

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

No need for you to empty the Prefetch folder. XP does this every three
boots.
----

You can force a "boot optimization" by doing the following:
Start | Run | Type: cmd | OK |
Type:

defrag c: -boot

Hit Enter
----

Disk Layout can be manually forced by:
Start | Run | Type: cmd | OK |
Type:

Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks

Hit Enter
----

Start | Run | Type: regedit |OK
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\
Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters

Look for EnablePrefetcher in the right pane, if the value is not 3,
Double click EnablePrefetcher and change the value to 3.
Values are (0 = disabled, 1 = Application launch prefetching, 2 = Boot
prefetching, 3 = Both prefetching). 3 seems to be the preferred option.


Optimizing Startup Times by Using Defragmentation Tools
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/reskit/en-us/prkd_tro_uutk.asp

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In news:uLKSbd81EHA.1124@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl,
Kenny <me@privacy.net> hunted and pecked:
> Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly
> and also creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click
> operation. Also changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to
> make it more efficient or disable it completely. Would like to hear
> others opinions on this.
>
> --
>
> Kenny

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In news:eY$tBe81EHA.924@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl,
Kenny <me@privacy.net> hunted and pecked:
> Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly
> and also creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click
> operation. Also changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to
> make it more efficient or disable it completely. Would like to hear
> others opinions on this.
>
>
> --
>
> Kenny

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Not sure where you got your information from Wesley but XP certainly does not
empty the prefetch folder at any time, unless you set up a batch file for it
to do so. Disabling the prefetch is not a good idea as it certainly does
assist in reducing boot times. Cleaning it out is only a necessity if you
install\uninstall a lot of programs, then the prefetch folder can become
bloated. You should also know that you will need the task scheduler enabled
in services in order for the prefetch folder to become populated. If you
delete all entries in the prefetch folder it will take about three boots for
it to become fully populated. I challenge anyone to provide a benchmark
showing that deletetion of entries in the prefetch folder speeds up either
the boot or the system. Merry Christmas

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

B A L O N E Y !

>-----Original Message-----
>Not sure where you got your information from Wesley but
XP certainly does not
>empty the prefetch folder at any time, unless you set up
a batch file for it
>to do so. Disabling the prefetch is not a good idea as it
certainly does
>assist in reducing boot times. Cleaning it out is only a
necessity if you
>install\uninstall a lot of programs, then the prefetch
folder can become
>bloated. You should also know that you will need the task
scheduler enabled
>in services in order for the prefetch folder to become
populated. If you
>delete all entries in the prefetch folder it will take
about three boots for
>it to become fully populated. I challenge anyone to
provide a benchmark
>showing that deletetion of entries in the prefetch folder
speeds up either
>the boot or the system. Merry Christmas
>
>.
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Actually, I was incorrect. Prefetch folder is emptied of unused *.pf files
after a week or a month of no use for those particular files. Still some
debate on this.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In news:0E6F88CD-B8B2-451D-9B77-872E4B968D10@microsoft.com,
The Unknown P <( mikisiw@msn.com )> hunted and pecked:
> Not sure where you got your information from Wesley but XP certainly
> does not empty the prefetch folder at any time, unless you set up a
> batch file for it to do so. Disabling the prefetch is not a good idea
> as it certainly does assist in reducing boot times. Cleaning it out
> is only a necessity if you install\uninstall a lot of programs, then
> the prefetch folder can become bloated. You should also know that you
> will need the task scheduler enabled in services in order for the
> prefetch folder to become populated. If you delete all entries in the
> prefetch folder it will take about three boots for it to become fully
> populated. I challenge anyone to provide a benchmark showing that
> deletetion of entries in the prefetch folder speeds up either the
> boot or the system. Merry Christmas

 

[johnf]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

I thought that was something you ate?
Would you like to share your knowledge as to who's wrong or right, and what
the actual facts are?

--

johnf

>B A L O N E Y !
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>Not sure where you got your information from Wesley but XP certainly
>>does not empty the prefetch folder at any time, unless you set up a
>>batch file for it to do so. Disabling the prefetch is not a good idea
>>as it certainly does assist in reducing boot times. Cleaning it out is
>>only a necessity if you install\uninstall a lot of programs, then the
>>prefetch folder can become bloated. You should also know that you will
>>need the task scheduler enabled in services in order for the prefetch
>>folder to become populated. If you delete all entries in the prefetch
>>folder it will take about three boots for it to become fully populated.
>>I challenge anyone to provide a benchmark showing that deletetion of
>>entries in the prefetch folder speeds up either the boot or the system.
>>Merry Christmas
>>
>>.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

In article <Ob7VTtC2EHA.3452@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl>,
john_f@bigREMOVEpond.net.au says...
> I thought that was something you ate?
> Would you like to share your knowledge as to who's wrong or right, and what
> the actual facts are?
>
> --
>
> johnf
>
> >B A L O N E Y !
> >
> >>-----Original Message-----
> >>Not sure where you got your information from Wesley but XP certainly
> >>does not empty the prefetch folder at any time, unless you set up a
> >>batch file for it to do so. Disabling the prefetch is not a good idea
> >>as it certainly does assist in reducing boot times. Cleaning it out is
> >>only a necessity if you install\uninstall a lot of programs, then the
> >>prefetch folder can become bloated. You should also know that you will
> >>need the task scheduler enabled in services in order for the prefetch
> >>folder to become populated. If you delete all entries in the prefetch
> >>folder it will take about three boots for it to become fully populated.
> >>I challenge anyone to provide a benchmark showing that deletetion of
> >>entries in the prefetch folder speeds up either the boot or the system.
> >>Merry Christmas
> >>
> >>.
>
>
> I use Prefetch now and then to get rid of the junk.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2495.html
Windows XP Prefetch Clean And Control 1.2.0

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

In article <Oo8Fs9$1EHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl>,
mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com says...
> PREFETCH has a MAJOR flaw.
> once an entry in placed in the prefetch folder. it stays.
> if you uninstall the program its entry does not get removed.
> so the system chases its tail for a while looking for the missing program on every boot
>
> and NO, from experience the prefetch folder is not cleaned every 3 days.
> have had entries for over a month.
>
> I prefer to run with the registry patch to TURN OFF the prefetch operations.
>
> mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com
>
>
>
> "Kenny" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message news:eY$tBe81EHA.924@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly and also
> creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click operation. Also
> changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to make it more efficient
> or disable it completely. Would like to hear others opinions on this.
>
>
> --
>
> Kenny
>

Try this..its safe and quick...and free.
>
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2495.html
Windows XP Prefetch Clean And Control 1.2.0

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

I have been using XP for over 3 years now.

The prefetch folder on my machine has never exceeded 130 items.

At this moment there are 79 items in it with date stamps of 12-1-04 and 12-2-04. There is 1 old item - NTOSBOOT - dated 10-11-04. Total of 4.99MB used for prefetch.

My advice - leave it alone, it takes care of itself.

--
Just my 2¢ worth,
Jeff
__________In response to__________
"Wesley Vogel" <123WVogel955@comcast.net> wrote in message news:uAO$LMK2EHA.2016@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
| Actually, I was incorrect. Prefetch folder is emptied of unused *.pf files
| after a week or a month of no use for those particular files. Still some
| debate on this.
|
| --
| Hope this helps. Let us know.
| Wes

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Read your original and all the replies. Life gets interesting at
unexpected times.
If you want to empty the Prefetch Folder, do it simply. If you keep all
the Batch Files and other "time save" programs [miracle workers]
recommended by others in one Folder, you will wind up eventually with a
huge file.
If you empty the Prefetch Folder (I do it every 7-10 days), life nor
Windows does not end. How I do it:
a. Start/Run/type "prefetch" (less quote markers). and click "OK".
b. When the folder opens, move the pointer up top and select "Edit",
then click "Select All".
c. Under the "File" menu, click "Delete". The file is emptied.
Your Batch File might save you a few clicks but insignificant time. Do
what you deem necessary (wish to).
Gene K

Kenny wrote:
> Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly and also
> creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click operation. Also
> changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to make it more efficient
> or disable it completely. Would like to hear others opinions on this.
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Just curious, are you deleting layout.ini also?


--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In news:ePAoMzU2EHA.2156@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl,
Not Me <nobody@nowhere.net> hunted and pecked:
> Read your original and all the replies. Life gets interesting at
> unexpected times.
> If you want to empty the Prefetch Folder, do it simply. If you keep
> all the Batch Files and other "time save" programs [miracle workers]
> recommended by others in one Folder, you will wind up eventually with
> a huge file.
> If you empty the Prefetch Folder (I do it every 7-10 days), life nor
> Windows does not end. How I do it:
> a. Start/Run/type "prefetch" (less quote markers). and click "OK".
> b. When the folder opens, move the pointer up top and select "Edit",
> then click "Select All".
> c. Under the "File" menu, click "Delete". The file is emptied.
> Your Batch File might save you a few clicks but insignificant time. Do
> what you deem necessary (wish to).
> Gene K
>
> Kenny wrote:
>> Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly
>> and also creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click
>> operation. Also changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry
>> to make it more efficient or disable it completely. Would like to
>> hear others opinions on this.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Wesley,
Sorry to be so late in reply but you know the time of year! Yes, I use
the Edit/Select all feature and the file you mention is selected and
deleted with all the rest. It apparently is replaced when the Prefetch
File begins to re-constitute.
Gene K

Wesley Vogel wrote:
> Just curious, are you deleting layout.ini also?
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Kenny wrote:
> Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly
> and also creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click
> operation. Also changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to
> make it more efficient or disable it completely. Would like to hear
> others opinions on this.

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html

or this:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495

Which might not only answer your question, but give you the "control" over
them you want.

--
<- Shenan ->
--
The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
getting into before you jump in with both feet.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Except that The Experts Exchange IS not free>
Gene K
Shenan Stanley wrote:
> Kenny wrote:
>
>>Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly
>>and also creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click
>>operation. Also changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to
>>make it more efficient or disable it completely. Would like to hear
>>others opinions on this.
>
>
> http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html
>
> or this:
> http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495
>
> Which might not only answer your question, but give you the "control" over
> them you want.
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html
>
> or this:
> http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495
>
> Which might not only answer your question, but give you the
> "control" over them you want.

Not Me wrote:
> Except that The Experts Exchange IS not free>


Scroll down..
You didn't scroll down far enough to see the answers at the bottom..
Why do people never do that?

--
<- Shenan ->
--
The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
getting into before you jump in with both feet.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

"Shenan Stanley" <news_helper@hushmail.com> wrote in message
news:ejJpvKg3EHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Shenan Stanley wrote:
>> http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html
>>
>> or this:
>> http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495
>>
>> Which might not only answer your question, but give you the
>> "control" over them you want.
>
> Not Me wrote:
>> Except that The Experts Exchange IS not free>
>
>
> Scroll down..
> You didn't scroll down far enough to see the answers at the bottom..
> Why do people never do that?
>
> --
> <- Shenan ->

Because of this line:

Sign Up to See This Solution

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html
>
> or this:
> http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495
>
> Which might not only answer your question, but give you the
> "control" over them you want.

Not Me wrote:
> Except that The Experts Exchange IS not free


Shenan Stanley wrote:
> Scroll down..
> You didn't scroll down far enough to see the answers at the bottom..
> Why do people never do that?

Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE wrote:
> Because of this line:
>
> Sign Up to See This Solution


Yeah - that's there...
Most people barely pay attention to other things they click on and then get
signed up on mail lists and install things on their computer left and
right... But finally someone doesn't venture forward.. *grin* But if it
said "Click here for FREE! _insert something here_... " , they would do it.
No spirit of exploration anymore, unless it's easy. heh

In any case..
Go here:

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html

Ignore the request for you to "Sign Up to See This Solution"...
Scroll down, the answer to the question given (at least in this closed
questions' case) is below.

--
<- Shenan ->
--
The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
getting into before you jump in with both feet.