AVI Problem?

Gra · Post by **Gra** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:39 am

Hi Guys

Following on from my last posts, about having to force render, I wonder if any of you have come across a similar problem regarding defragging AVI files, which may or not be connected.

For some reason when I run defrag, it won't defrag certain AVi files (even just 3 or 4 MBs). This is something that I raised a little while ago and thought I'd cured the problem by archiving all my AVI captures on a separate drive.

The defrag problem originated around the same time as my rendering problems (see my last post) started so it seems there could be a link. Could this be problem be attributed to some form of incorrect setting - either in MSP or in XP? Has anyone faced a similar problem/ problems?

skier-hughes · Post by **skier-hughes** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 12:25 pm

Have you run check disc to ensure the disc is fine?

Gra · Post by **Gra** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 12:59 pm

Thanks - No I haven't, but I will.

Gra · Post by **Gra** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 6:55 pm

Hi guys

As suggested by Graham, I've now run check disk and all seems to be ok. Any ideas?

skier-hughes · Post by **skier-hughes** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:25 pm

Is it just certain files which it won't defrag?
Or all?
If its the sme ones each time, it may be a problem with these files.

Have you tried a third party defrag app?

golem95 · Post by **golem95** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 1:08 pm

When you run your defrag, it's best to run it in Safe-Mode or perhaps your Video Editor profile (if you've set one up based on Steve J's article in this forum)... in other words, a profile with minimal system processes. For certain you want to make sure that virus software, etc. is turned off.

Also, it's very possible you have something going on in the background that is making use of those AVI files (who knows?) and that could be why they are not defragging.

This link has some helpful tips.

Good luck!

Gra · Post by **Gra** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 1:53 pm

Hi Guys

It seems to be a mixture of AVIs that cause the defrag problem. When it comes to my render problem it is everything that is not AVI (e.g.Mpeg or even cool3d files - I imported a 3sec c3d file last night and the only way I could see it properly was to render - over 11mins!)

The defrag and video profile links look v. helpful and it could be processes running in the background (around 60 or more!) that don't help my problem. Although the CPU usage during idle is around 3-8% on average, it can suddenly spike up to 33% - 60%.

MrA · Post by **MrA** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:05 am

Think it's a prob with what Windows uses as a defrag program and what it "used to" know about file systems, i.e., a carry over from fat 32. To sum it up, it will barf on files larger than 4 gig, or why it wont defrag or move them. The defrag program that comes with Windows XP (maybe some earlier versions as well) is actually from Norton Utilities.. I am not a hardware expert, but, that seems like that is the issue..

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:27 am

A few articles concerning defragmentation
Defragmenting Your Hard Drive
Virtual Memory Optimization Guide

There are sections in that guide concerning defragmentation.

The following articles also describe sectors and clusters. when dealing with video you could in fact use larger clusters than on a machine used for office type work such as word processing and spreadsheets.

Help with PC's.com
Hard Drive Clusters and file Allocation