CAD Managers

[#1]

In preparation for Autodesk new software roll-out moving from 2011 to 2012 - AutoCAD MEP, NavisWorks, multiple 3rd part applications, bluebeam, object enablers, etc, etc...

I wonder what the opinion is in regards to doing a Disk Cleanup, cleanout of Windows Temp folder & Defragmentation after several dozen pieces of software are un-installed? I know that Windows 7 does defrag by default behind the scene... and that Windows 7 does nothing with segments 64 MB and larger... but after a mass software un-install, I believe that a defrag Should be ran prior to the new installation. However, I am having a difficult time convincing our IT department that this should be done.

What do you think... Should a defrag be done?

Anyone have any documentation that is in support of doing defrag in this case?

[#2]

If your IT is not comfortable defragging your drive every time you want it, I would suggest you accept their suggestions: they are after all "in charge" of your equipment, not you. I defrag occasionally, but it's nothing I do regularly or ever did and it honestly makes no real world difference to the aqverage user's PC experience.

I suspect they may already implement a TEMP folder cleanup regularly (most good IT departments do): ask them about their approach and what they do for you. Ask, consult, and work with your IT: seeking outside " I told you so" advise may only alienate your relationship with your IT department.

[#3]

I'll go along with dean on this one.  current Win7 & NTFS is not DOS & FAT 16, and disk fragmentation is much less of an issue than it was back when.  Unless you have truly tiny disks, and habitually run at 10% or less free space, defragging the drive does not make an observable difference in my personalk experience.  Doing a defrag would not hurt aything, other than IT's schedule, but it won't help either.