Defragmenting Internal File Storage

FrinkTL · 02-02-07, 12:59 PM

Now the Windows Mobile 5 uses internal flash memory like a hard drive - how it prevents data loss even after a total loss of power - it occurs to me that it now becomes possible for the internal flash storage to become fragmented over time, possibly severely after a long period of file deletions and new additions.

I know that Windows Mobile 5 doesn't come with its own defragmenter tool, and I also know that there are several tools to defragment CF or SD cards (that work quite well). What I can't seem to determine is whether there is a companion tool available that will do the same function on the internal flash storage of the Axim. I have searched this forum and also the web and all I can find are things Like MemMaid that are designed work on the external flash storage.

Does anyone know about a Defragmenter applet for the internal flash storage of the Axim?

efishta · 02-02-07, 01:31 PM

I don't believe that any sort of defragmenting is necessary because flash storage is accessed electrically by the built in firmware, whereas on a hard disk, defragmenting helps because it puts fhe data in a contigous layout so the reading head doesn't have to move to random areas of the platter to access one file.
In addition, flash firmware has built in wear leveling that distributes data written to the flash cells so they are spread out evenly so the life of drive is maximised.
It is because of this that that 1) it's not recommended to defragment the drive and 2) it may not even be possible to defragment it because of the built in firmware that won't allow it even though it reports it as such.
Someone with more knowledge feel free to correct me...

speedy1979 · 02-02-07, 02:41 PM

I recommend hard resetting and reinstalling software manually every 6 months just to get rid of any ditrious that may be left over from installing and uninstalling. You know whatever sktools, memaid, pocket mechanic and a manual registry search leave behind.

This habit is also good because it allow you to re-evaluate the usefullness of the software you intend to install. (your needs may change over a six month period)

This will also defrag your memory if that's necessary.

Mokubai · 02-02-07, 05:34 PM

Due to how flash memory works there is little or no point in "defragging" them. Cleaning them by deleting everything and starting again can help but that is it, they cannot be sped up by defragging as the FAT layer seen by the OS is by no means a real representation of the physical media. You can make it look pretty on a graph of disk usage but the file will still be physically fragmented on the media... the other point is that without a physical head reading the data there is no seek penalty for a fragmented file.

See http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showp...2&postcount=12

As Speedy says though, it is useful to hard reset as it will remove rubbish that may have been left behind after an uninstall that could be slowing the OS down.