You could try adding this new DWORD value under the following reg key to disable it:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OptimalLayout

EnableAutoLayout - DWORD - Value = 0

Normal caveats about dangers of editing the registry apply.

Apparently, this was added to XP as part of the changes made to enhance boot time. It's supposed to run at idle times, no more frequently than once every three days, and stop if other computer activity occurs.

>Does anyone have any idea as to how to explain this? Does anyone know how to put a stop to this? I plan to leave the machine sitting inactive again for a longer while and see if the .DBFs later get defragmented too.
>
>Any information gratefully accpeted.
>Thanks