done, Windows will need to re-create all the prefetch files again, thereby slowing down Windows during boot and program starts until the prefetch files are created—unless the prefetcher is disabled. Windows maintains prefetch files in the Prefetch folder for up to the 128 most recently launched programs. See also Windows ReadyBoost Windows Vista I/O technologies List of Microsoft Windows components Features new to Windows XP readahead – the equivalent Linux technology Link prefetching - the equivalent for websites Cache prefetching References External links The Windows Prefetcher Guide Prefetch or SuperFetch Windows Prefetch Parser Free tool that can be run on Windows, Linux or Mac OS-X. Memory management software Preloading and prebinding Windows components Windows XP