Compressing files

[justasking]

My computer is running slow...i was gonna compress files but ive never done this b4 and it says its gonna take 13 hours +. Can you tell me if it will be worth my time compressing files and will it make my comp run faster? & yes i do still have free memory on my comp but it still runs slow. Thanks.

[Whickerman]

first thing is delete all your temporary internet files.
(on XP - open internet, goto Tools, Internet Options, Delete files).

Then ensure it's not just slow because it's trying to download Windows updates - they can really slow things down, depending on your system. If they are, let them finish.

Try spybot or similar to check for malware - can't be too careful (free download)

Then try defragging your system: Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter.

[rojash]

Compressing files will not speed up your computer, it will free some space, but if you then need to open any of the compressed files, it will need to decompress them "on the fly", so opening those files will in fact be slower!

If I were you I would follow Whickerman's advice.