Scripting Defrag in Windows Server 2003

Methods named "Defrag" and "DefragAnalysis" (part of Win32_Volume) are used to manage the Defrag utility included with Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft TechNet Script Center provides a nice example for Analyze Volume Defragmentation. The Technet Script Center Repository also has an example for how to defrag a Windows Server 2003 system using WMI:

strComputer = "."
Set objWMIService = GetObject("winmgmts:\" & strComputer & "rootcimv2")
Set colVolumes = objWMIService.ExecQuery _
("Select * from Win32_Volume Where Name = 'D:\'")
For Each objVolume in colVolumes
errResult = objVolume.Defrag()
Next

Using this information, I created a script to enumerate all local hard drives and to check each one sequentially to see if it needs to be defragmented (TotalPercentFragmentation > 10%). If so, run Defrag. All information is written to the event log.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail the author of this tip at ramseyg@hotmail.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg Ramsey has been working with SMS and desktop deployment since 1998. He currently works for a state agency in Columbus, Ohio. He has extensive knowledge in VBScript (including ADSI, WSH and WMI), Visual Basic, SMS Installer and good 'ol batch files. He is also the team lead for creating and managing both unattended builds and image-based installations using SysPrep.

This article first appeared in myITforum, the premier online destination for IT professionals responsible for managing their corporations' Microsoft Windows systems. The centerpiece of myITforum.com is a collection of member forums where IT professionals exchange technical tips, share their expertise and download utilities that help them better manage their Windows environments, specifically Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS). To register for the site and sign up for the myITforum daily newsletter, click here.

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchWindowsServer.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us    RELATED CONTENT Windows Server Monitoring and Management BitLocker in R2 provides data protection for semi-protected servers Perfmon made easy with PAL utility Converting Citrix XenServer source machines to Hyper-V format Balancing Windows security with reasonable password policies Windows AppLocker in R2: Turning conventional security wisdom on its head Top 10 things you don't know about Windows Server 2008 R2 BranchCache makes branch offices feel like home When to use VM backups versus snapshots in Hyper-V Installing Server Core for Windows 2008 the easy way Migrating virtual machines from Microsoft Virtual Server to Hyper-V RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.