Windows XP has lots of hidden features, one of which is the prefetch files. Prefetch files are used to optimize the application loading and XP system booting up.

Everytime when you open a program for a first time, the prefetch files save the information that is required for loading this program. These files will help to load the same program faster the next time you open it. This is because the computer doesn't have to refer to the original source files all over again.

Prefetch files provide instant information to the computer which helps it load various software in a faster manner. Prefetch files monitor the files and applications which you use over time. The Windows XP Cache Manager monitors the data that is moving between the disk, RAM and virtual memory, so that it helps the prefetch operation to get better performance. The maps are then saved to files with ".pf" extensions in the folder called \Windows\Prefetch.

As soon as an application is loaded, the Cache Manager will first check the Windows\Prefetch folder to see whether there is some corresponding map. If it finds one, it will directly access the directory and files in the map. The Memory Manager will be alerted and asked to use the information in file to load the related data and the memory is coded. This helps the applications and programs to respond quicker.

The prefetch files are located in the %windir%\Prefetch folder, that usually is, C:\windows\Prefetch folder. When you look into the folder, you will find less than 128 files in ".pf" format and one layout ".ini." file.

To meet the fastest download software in the world

Do you know what is UseNext?