Optimization methods
Choose a method according to the media type and your goal. The Optimization Advisor is the usual starting point. It considers whether an operation is worthwhile before choosing how to perform it.
Method comparison
| Method | Purpose | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis | Collect layout and fragmentation information. | Does not reorganize files. |
| SOLID | Consolidate fragmented files with limited writes. | General file optimization for SSDs and HDDs; does not aim to consolidate all free space. |
| SOLID/Complete | More thorough SOLID optimization, including free-space consolidation. | Uses multiple passes, moves more data, and needs more time. |
| STEALTH | Defragment with low resource use. | Useful when responsiveness matters or working space is limited; allow more time. |
| SPACE | Focus on consolidating free space. | Use for the free-space goal; inspect the result rather than assuming every file will become contiguous. |
| COMPLETE/Name | Reorganize files by name. | A thorough HDD method that needs time and free space. |
| COMPLETE/Modified | Reorganize by last modification time. | Intended for an explicit HDD placement strategy. |
| COMPLETE/Access | Reorganize by last access time. | Depends on useful last-access timestamps; the Advisor can flag disabled tracking. |
| OPTIMIZE | Apply configured defragmentation zones. | Zones must be enabled on the target volume. |
| OPTIMIZE/Quick | A quicker zone-based optimization. | Requires zones; suitable when limiting the duration of a zone run. |
| OPTIMIZE/Complete | A complete zone-based optimization. | Requires zones and a longer maintenance window. |
The modern interface calls the quick SOLID method SOLID. OODCMD calls it SOLID/Quick and uses the command solid-quick. OODCMD's solid command selects SOLID/Complete. See the command-line reference to avoid confusing these names.
SSD choices
Use the Advisor and SSD TRIM settings. Sorting an SSD by file name or date generally adds writes without the HDD benefit of reduced mechanical seeking. SOLID's ROI factor helps avoid rewriting large files for a small gain.
Use SOLID/Complete when free-space consolidation is part of your objective, rather than automatically repeating a complete pass after every quick run.
HDD choices
Use a quick file optimization for ordinary maintenance, STEALTH when you need low load, or a more complete method when fragmentation and the maintenance window justify it.
COMPLETE methods implement a placement strategy. They are more disruptive to the layout than ordinary file consolidation. Do not choose them solely because the name sounds more powerful.
Zone methods
Enable and configure zones before using OPTIMIZE variants. If a command reports that zones are disabled, correct the configuration or choose a method that does not need them.
Free space and results
A method that rearranges many files needs working space and time. If the Advisor reports insufficient free space, review cleanup opportunities first. No method guarantees a zero fragmentation value for every file: locks, exclusions, available space, and ROI settings still apply.