Directories?

[Wraith]

I use the net every day and like to keep my computer tidy, so every night I run DiskeeperLite to defrag my computer. I download a few programs at times (from the web), but on the whole just look at websites.
Whilst using DiskeeperLite I have noticed that the number of directories on my computer keeps on increasing. Are all of these directories necessary, are they taking up space and can they be tidied?

[TommyC]

I'm afraid I don't know Diskeeper Lite, but I would certainly guess that these directories are being created as either indexes, or full or compressed backups of whatever files and programs it's rearranging in the course of the de-frag. What name formats do they have ? Is there any obvious link in the names to Diskeeper ? If they are generated by your de-frag program, that means you should be able to find a control button or command somewhere that allows you to set a period or date for purging unnecessary backup folders - if not, check the documentation in detail, or contact the program's vendor and ask. But I must add that as a general principle of home computing, de-frag programs use a lot of system resources to copy, store and rearrange thousands of files, and there's really no way you should ever need to be de-fragging your machine every night, especially if you're aware that you're only using it for "everyday" things, and not constantly downloading or creating masses of huge new files. Once a fortnight or once a month should be ample as an effectiuve de-frag period for most home users.

[allan k]

I would also add that defragging excessively can damage a hard disk as it's one of the single most intensive operations your hard disk can do. Occasionally is fine. Note: do it in safe mode