Windows XP File Compression

[aclarke_31]

As most of you are aware, after a certain amount of time Windows XP starts compressing files that aren't used on a frequent basis.

These files show with a blue filename.

Does anyone know how you can actually disable or uncompress these files as I would like them to return to their original size?

I know it sounds like a silly thing to because its the operating systems way of saving space, but I don't want them compressed. If they aren't used, I'd rather they were deleted.

Many thanks

[Apple-a-Day]

  aclarke_31 said:

As most of you are aware, after a certain amount of time Windows XP starts compressing files that aren't used on a frequent basis.

These files show with a blue filename.

Does anyone know how you can actually disable or uncompress these files as I would like them to return to their original size?

I know it sounds like a silly thing to because its the operating systems way of saving space, but I don't want them compressed. If they aren't used, I'd rather they were deleted.

Many thanks

1. Hold down the Windows key and press R.

2. Type regedit and click OK.

3. Click the plus sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

then SYSTEM

then CurrentControlSet

then Control

then click FileSystem.

4. Look for an entry on the right side for NtfsDisableCompression. If it doesn?t exist, you will need to create it. To do so, right-click on FileSystem and select New > DWORD Value. Give the value a name of NtfsDisableCompression. Press the Enter key when you are done.

5. Right-click the NtfsDisableCompression entry and click Modify.

6. To disable compression set the Value data to 1. (To enable compression again, set the Value data to 0 or delete NftsDisableCompression)

7. Restart the computer to apply changes.

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

OR just right click on a folder/drive and disable the feature?

[Xahid]

  njlouch said:

OR just right click on a folder/drive and disable the feature?

he is not asking about that compression,

the compression, occurs when you run the disk clean up wizard !

[Apple-a-Day]

1. Click Start, and then click Run.

2. Type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER.

3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VolumeCaches

4. On the File menu, click Export, and then click Desktop, type VolumeCaches in the File name box, and then click Save.

5. Expand the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VolumeCaches

6. Delete the Compress old files registry key.

7. Quit Registry Editor.

[+allan MVC]

a_clarke31 - you've received several different potential solutions in this thread - the one directly above by Cansokid is the answer you are looking for - it will disable the Compress File function in disk cleanup completely.

[night_stalker_z]

  Xahid said:

he is not asking about that compression,

the compression, occurs when you run the disk clean up wizard !

When you run Disk Cleanup, you can choose to disable file compression.

[dr.bisho]

why the hell you like to complicate stuff here .... now i know why

NEOWIN- where unprofessional journalism is called IT tech

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

My mistake, assumed this was reflected by the same features.

  Quote

why the hell you like to complicate stuff here .... now i know why

NEOWIN- where unprofessional journalism is called IT tech

Oh you again. What is your problem? What point are you making?

[dr.bisho]

none... if you cant get it ... i dunt have time to waste explaining

[+allan MVC]

  dr.bisho said:

none... if you cant get it ... i dunt have time to waste explaining

You dunt?

Truth be told, other than being rude (and certainly not helpful) I'm not sure what you are talking about either. If you have something positive to contribute please do.

[dr.bisho]

  allan said:

You dunt?

Truth be told, other than being rude (and certainly not helpful) I'm not sure what you are talking about either. If you have something positive to contribute please do.

well thnx allan , that was really true.... ok ....then as posted by Cansokid

1. Click Start, and then click Run.

2. Type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER.

3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VolumeCaches

4. On the File menu, click Export, and then click Desktop, type VolumeCaches in the File name box, and then click Save.

5. Expand the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VolumeCaches

6. Delete the Compress old files registry key.

7. Quit Registry Editor.

[+allan MVC]

Well, while process laid out by Cansokid is a bit more than needed, deleting the "CompressOldFiles" key is the way to disable file compression in Disk Cleanup. But again, in my opinion your involvement in this thread has been less than helpful.