Create contiguous file using C#?

Question

Is it possible to create a large (physically) contiguous file on a disk using C#? Preferably using only managed code, but if it's not possible then an unmanaged solution would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Any file you create will be logically contiguous.

If you want physically contiguous you are on OS and FS territory. Really (far) beyond the control of normal I/O API's.

But what will probably come close is to claim the space up-front: create an Empty stream and set the Length or Position property to what you need.

Answer 2

Writing a defragger?

It sounds like you're after the defragmentation API anyway:-

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa363911%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

The link from the bottom, cos it seems you've missed the C# wrapper that someone has kindly produced.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/jeffrey_wall/archive/2004/09/13/229137.aspx