Frequently asked questions
Do I need to optimize every drive manually?
No. Start with analysis and the Advisor. Automatic optimization can handle ongoing maintenance. A Nothing to do recommendation is a valid result.
Should I use the same method on SSDs and HDDs?
Use a method appropriate to each device. The Advisor can select separately for each drive. Traditional file sorting has a different cost and benefit on an SSD; see Methods.
Is TRIM the same as defragmentation?
No. TRIM tells an SSD which storage regions are no longer needed. Defragmentation changes file placement. See SSD maintenance.
Why does a fragmented file remain after a successful SOLID run?
The ROI policy may intentionally leave it alone, or locks, file rules, size limits, or working space may prevent movement. Inspect the file and report before running again. The remaining-fragments guidance explains what to check.
Why can working space be insufficient when capacity is free?
Free space may be split into regions too small for a planned move. File sizes and the largest contiguous free regions matter as well as the total free capacity. See the working-space example before repeating a full run.
Why does my SSD’s write counter rise during optimization?
File optimization writes data when it moves it. Internal SSD maintenance can add further writes, and the meaning of a counter depends on the device. A rising counter alone does not establish whether the optimization was worthwhile. See SSD writes and ROI.
Why do percentages differ from an older report?
Analysis time, product version, method, and reporting options can differ. The ROI reporting option can omit deliberately skipped fragmentation. Compare equivalent measurements.
Does optimization free disk capacity?
It can consolidate existing free space, but it does not normally remove file contents. Use reviewed cleanup to reclaim capacity.
Can I continue using Windows during optimization?
For normal optimization, use an appropriate method and Performance limits. Boot-time optimization restarts into a maintenance environment, so normal applications are unavailable until Windows returns.
Does closing the window stop a run?
The agent works independently of the window. Use Stop and verify the drive status when you intend to end a run.
Why does a scheduled job say “not scheduled” for its next run?
The job dialog does not calculate the next execution time. The service uses the saved schedule. Inspect the schedule settings, last-run information, and reports. See Scheduling.
Why are automatic-optimization controls disabled?
The application may be waiting for the agent's options, or the service may be incompatible with the interface version. Read the message before interpreting the settings.
Where is DiskCleaner?
Open SystemCleaner as a separate application from Tools. The Classic UI provides integrated DiskCleaner controls.
How do I stop boot-time optimization?
Switch Automatic optimization at system startup off on Boot-Time Optimization before you restart. Clearing all drives does not stop the run: the Windows system drive becomes the fallback. Switching Enable Windows RE optimization environment off stops it as well, because the startup option depends on that environment. See boot-time optimization.
Why is OODCMD unavailable in the trial?
The command-line tool requires a full valid license. Enter or manage licensing through the graphical application.
Why did “resume” pause a command-line action?
resume is an alias for the agent's pause toggle. Check state before issuing it; it does not mean “ensure running.”
Is the dashboard a benchmark of my entire computer?
No. Its rating summarizes drive findings. Use O&O SpeedCheck from Tools for broader Windows checks.
Can O&O Defrag repair a failing disk?
It reorganizes file placement. CheckAndRepair addresses file-system issues; neither operation repairs physically failing hardware. Protect the data and investigate drive health.