Disk optimizing hell

[karavite]

Okay, I have DiskWarrior, PlusOptimizer and Techtool Pro - all the latest versions and I can't get any combination of these damn programs to optimize my OS X 10.1.2 partition.

PlusOptimizer (PO) said I have directory problems, so I use DiskWarrior (DW) and when I go back to PO, it doesn't like what DW did (but OS X seemed a little more snappy after this). So, I run disk utilities and now PO is happy with my directories but only gets a little further when it gives me a cryptic error message (1850,-43) and tells me to tell this to tech support (I'm waiting to hear back).

I decide to run TechTool Pro (TTP) and it grinds away for five minutes on the first pass and then tells me I do not have enough contiguous space to optimize the drive. Am I crazy or is creating more contiguous space part of the reason one optimizes a drive in the god damn first place? The partition is 10 GB with about 4.5 GB free. I'm not having problems, but I'm trying to keep up on my disk hygeine and see if I can get 10.1.2 to run a little faster. I'm not excited about buying Norton, but I don't understand why this is such a hassle with the tools I have - it should work! I can't wait to see new OS X specific utility programs. Drive 10 looks interesting, but no defrag or optimization!

[DeltaMac]

each of the Programs you have, optimize with different criteria or goals in the design. If one completes successfully, running another may undo the others 'adjustments'. Same with Disk repairs. I normally use TTP, make sure you have latest update to work with 10.1.2 (today, that would be 3.0.5) as older versions don't know what to do with OSX file structure. TTP normally takes about 1 1/2 hours to optimize. Bottom Line --- all these programs have their use and are compatible, but maybe not with each other. Why not stick with one that does the job, don't screw things up by using a completely different app just to cross-check

[karavite]

Hi Delta,

Thanks. I have TTP 3.05 and it gave me the not enough free contiguous space message. I'm hoping their tech support responds to my email (I'm sure they will). I'd like to stick to TTP, my most successful and trusted OS 7 through 9 utility and all I ever seemed to need. 1.5 hours for optimizing is no problem - I have to sleep some time!

Do you know if I can use TTP 3.05 for any other operations (beside optimizing) on OS X 10.1.2?

[genghiscohen]

IIRC, TechTool Pro 3.0.5 can also check and repair OS X volume structure. And part of its optimizing routine involves working with directory data, so it should be repairing your directory as well (theoretically).
Did you run PlusOptimizer from the CD? It generally runs better that way.

[karavite]

Did you run PlusOptimizer from the CD? It generally runs better that way.

Thanks - yes I did, and I tried it from a 9.2 partition too, but it always gave me the error message "1850,-43". I'm guessing that although 10.1.2 is running great, I have some directory problem that PlusOptimizer or TechTool just don't like. Or maybe the "not enough continguous space" message from TechTool Pro is the issue? If it is, I have no idea how to handle that! I'll wait to see what their techsupport people say and post the answers here. Both companies are very responsive.

[DeltaMac]

You might need to reformat that drive OS X is installed on. You've got 2 HDs. Suggestion: Squeeze everything up. Copy everything important to your other Drive. do a complete format and repartition, (Why do you need 9.2 on two different drives, Might let you use 0SX just on that drive with just one partition, Have 9.2/Classic all available from just one HD (with SUSE) Might not be workable in your situation. just a suggestion, but better to start with a fresh format, than one you're not sure about now.

[JohnnyV]

Are there any free apps that can defrag and/or optimize OS X? I don't have classic on my drive, and don't have much money to buy apps (the most i can afford is 50 bucks).

[genghiscohen]

AFAIK, there are no freeware defragmenting applications. XOptimize and/or the corresponding Terminal command are free, but that doesn't help the fragmentation problem.
Try contacting a local MUG (Mac Users Group). You might find somebody who is willing to lend you their utility disk.