Whether you’re a carpenter, installer, or construction worker, a multifunction table will allow you to enjoy maximum grip, optimum precision, and exceptional functionality, even on the move. When you want to view a file, FAT first reads the file allocation table and assures that it exists. Then FAT retrieves the file by searching the chain of allocation units assigned to the file. With NTFS, as soon as you look up the file, it's there for you to use. The NTFS file system reserves space for the MFT to keep the MFT as contiguous as possible as it grows. The space reserved by the NTFS file system for the MFT in each volume is called the MFT zone. Space for file and directories are also allocated from this space, but only after all of the volume space outside of the MFT zone has been allocated.

However, the disk space allocated to these entries is not reallocated and the size of the MFT does not decrease.

We Couldn't Say it Better Ourselves

But is it possible to DIY your own ? Well, even if your workshop is pretty well equiped, it's not that easy, but definitely yes, you can. Any individual could make a table and fix rails, so I will not cover these subjects. I will focus on two fields that can bring success to your work : The master file table allocates a certain amount of space for each file record. The attributes of a file are written to the allocated space in the MFT. Small files and directories (typically 512 bytes or smaller), such as the file illustrated in next figure, can entirely be contained within the master file table record. MFT Record for a Small File or Directory The first record of this table describes the master file table itself, followed by a MFT mirror record. Depending on the average file size and other variables, when the disk is full, the reserved MFT area or unreserved space on the disk may be allocated first. Volumes with a small number of relatively large files will be allocated in unreserved space first, while volumes with a large number of relatively small files will be allocated in MFT area first.

Depending on the average file size and other variables, either the reserved MFT zone or the unreserved space on the disk may be allocated first as the disk fills to capacity. Volumes with a small number of relatively large files will allocate the unreserved space first, while volumes with a large number of relatively small files allocate the MFT zone first. In either case, fragmentation of the MFT starts to take place when one region or the other becomes fully allocated. If the unreserved space is completely allocated, space for user files and directories will be allocated from the MFT zone. If the MFT zone is completely allocated, space for new MFT entries will be allocated from the unreserved space. In both cases, fragmentation of the MFT occurs when one area or another is fully allocated. If unreserved space is completely reserved, space for user files and directories will be allocated from the MFT area. If the MFT area is fully allocated, space for new MFT entries will be allocated from unreserved space. Increase the Size of MFTNo, I don’t make them. But for less than a tenner, I’ll tell you how to. I’ll also tell you how you should use it. I keep looking at “better” alternatives but I can achieve speed, accuracy and flexibility here at minimal cost. The beauty about building your own isn’t just the cost-saving or even the satisfaction of having built your own workbench. You can make choices about exactly how you want it. If you want 3/4″ imperial dog holes on 4″ centres, that’s what you drill. If you want 20mm metric dog holes on 100mm centres then that’s your choice. The NTFS file system reserves space for MFT to keep it as continuous as possible as the MFT grows. The MFT area refers to the space reserved by the NTFS file system for MFT in each volume. File and directory space are also allocated from this space, but only after all volume space outside the MFT area has been allocated. The MFT itself can be defragmented. You should reserve as much space as possible at the beginning of the MFT area before defragmenting the volume to reduce the chance that the MFT area is fully allocated before the defragmentation process is complete. If the MFT area is fully allocated before defragmentation is complete, there must be unallocated space outside the MFT area.