File Placement Optimization vs. Partitioning

[usdcs]

I recall reading somewhere that Windows XP optimizes the placement of frequently accessed files on the disk. However, that this feature is disabled by partitioning the drive. I cannot find the reference where I read that. Does anyone else remember reading this? If so, would you please give me a reference where I can find it again?

Thank you,
Dan

 

[bullhlms]

Microsoft implemented certain disk-layout optimizations in Windows XP. To perform this optimization, during idle time Windows XP moves pages used for booting the system and launching frequently used applications to ensure these files are laid out contiguously on the hard disk. The contiguous disk layout of these pages results in reduced disk seeks and improved disk I/O, contributing to improved boot time and application launch time.

http://www.microsoft.com/hwdev/tech/storage/ntfs-preinstall.asp