OPALDRAKE  The daemon, I believe, also checks the local network looking for other TTP serial numbers. Micromat was adamant in their forums and in a public statement that their program does not report back to HQ. I'd be very surprised if it did, because that would be a lawsuit for sure.  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  It would be a good of you to report this experience to Micromat. There might be a solution for it, or there might not, but either way they would want to know what happened.  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  I have 4.5.2, and I am not going to get 4.5.3 as of right now. On the Micromat web site, it says that you really don't need 4.5.3 unless you have a very recent machine that was not out when 4.5.2 was released. The update is really only for those who need it.  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  For both of those having problems, did it *pass* all the tests first? Did you run a surface scan test before optimizing the drive? Did you run the optimize from the eDrive and not the DVD?

As no_spam_bb said, optimize one drive at a time.  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  I wonder if it has to come on in order to unmount the eDrive?  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  Techtool actually told you the volume needed optimizing before it could create the eDrive? Interesting but puzzling. For every computer I've created an eDrive, the Techtool itself moved file fragments in order to create space.

Do not optimize while running from the DVD - the program cannot use virtual memory in that mode and is probably running out of RAM before it can finish the optimization.

Yes, stopping an Optimization can be problematic. You are asking it to stop in the middle of an intensive procedure. That's a gamble (especially if it just happened to be moving the directory when you told it to stop..).  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  In fact, Micromat even suggests running a Surface Scan before Optimizing. That would obviously be done if one follows *every* test from left to right, but don't many of us skip surface scan because it takes so long?

To Optimize the startup volume, always do so from the eDrive. That's one reason it's there.  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  To reboot into the startup volume from either the eDrive or the DVD, simply go up to Techtool Pro and click Quit. This will automatically bring up a dialog box; click on Restart.   
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  Did you try to optimize while booted from the DVD? If so, that could explain the problem. When booted from the DVD, the program cannot utilize virtual memory and will most likely run out of RAM before the optimization can complete. Instead, install the program on the startup volume, then create the eDrive. Run the optimization from the eDrive. (Make sure the drive passes the volume structures routine first, and maybe a surface scan as well.)  
(Version 4.5.3)