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Prefetch


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#1
Guest_Tony_*

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Hey,

I was just wondering how I can clear the prefetch folder and is it safe to do?
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#2
darth_ash

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Go to "C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch". Select All Files in it. Delete.

Note: Do not delete the folder itself.

Edited by darth_ash, 17 July 2005 - 01:50 AM.

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#3
Guest_Tony_*

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Cool thank you Darth_ash.


The other question is what is that Microsoft malicous software removal software actually do and is it running all the time?
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#4
darth_ash

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NO, it doesnt run all the time. It is downloaded during Windows Update (there is a new one every month). After u do ur first restart after the "Windows Update", It checks for malware, and then deletes itself.
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#5
Guest_Tony_*

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Ok, thank you...
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#6
RockyIV

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Is that tool any good?
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#7
mpy

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What are prefetch files and what do they do?
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#8
Retired Tech

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They load programmes quicker

You can clear the folder if you uninstall a programme, to make sure it isn't trying to load any prefetch files for it
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#9
mpy

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I've heard that they make files load slower :tazz:
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#10
Retired Tech

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If you're frequently using the same few applications over and over again, prefetching can greatly increase the apparent speed of a system. Rather than waiting for you to click an icon to start a program, and then loading all of the associated files, libraries, and pointers necessary to run the program, XP has all the components of your programs preloaded. When you click an icon to start the program, most of the hard work is already done.

The drawback to prefetching is that XP will prefetch a program even if you use it only once or twice. XP will retain a copy of a portion of it in the Prefetch folder. From there, it will prefetch the program, taking resources from your workstation even though you may have no intention of ever using the program again. If you have enough unused or little-used items prefetching, over time your system will actually run slower than if you never prefetched at all. This is especially evident on systems with limited resources.

From here

http://techrepublic....1-5165773.html#
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