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Disk Defragmenter

If Linux and Windows are installed on a computer in different disk partitions, what happens if I run the Windows Disk Defragmenter on the Windows Partition? How should I defragment my Windows partition if I can't use disk defragmenter in the future?

Laminamia :)

gooberis

if you are running Linux off of a Linux native partition, windows should not be able to touch it on its own.
defragmenting your windows partition will have no effect on your linux system, since the defragmenter will not get off the selected partition (vfat)

Laminamia063099

ASKER

When you say "running Linux off of a Linux native partition", what do you mean? i.e. Is it possible to install Linux on a partition that is not native, and if so, what do I do to avoid that?

rex007

Well, there are some versions of linux hat can be installed on DOS partitions.

Windows in totally unable to read Linux partitions so you can run it no problem...

Laminamia063099

ASKER

Gooberis already left that answer. If I find out that that is the correct answer (that no problem will arise if I run the disk defragmenter) then I would have to give him the points.

However, I have overheard in other questions that problems will arise if you run disk defragmenter when you have both OS installed on different partitions. Can either confirm or deny this with certainty?

Thanks,

Laminamia :)

gooberis

boot up into linux and run the command
fdisk -l
this will give you a list of all the partitions eg:
fdisk -l

Disk /dev/hdc: 255 heads, 63 sectors, 525 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 bytes

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/hdc1 1 379 3044286 1b Unknown
/dev/hdc2 510 525 128520 82 Linux swap
/dev/hdc3 * 380 509 1044225 83 Linux

I am running a 4.3GB hdd and my first partition is a W98 partition of about 3GB
the second partition is a linux swap partition and the third is a linux native partition of about 1GB
if you have a similar setup where your linux and linux swap partitions are identified by these types, your windows defrag will not touch your linux files.

Linux can be installed to a dos partition but certain procedures have to be followed. even then your linux should be safe (defragmented but safe)

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

andrewljohn70

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Laminamia063099

ASKER

Adjusted points from 25 to 50

andrewljohn70

Hi Laminamia,
Thanks a lot for the points.
That was a generous offer.
Hope you enjoy your journey through linux.
Would be glad to help anytime.
Smiles :))))
-Andrew