On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:54:43 -0700, "Terry R." <F1ComNOSPAM@pobox.com>
wrote:

> On 9/6/2007 8:35 AM On a whim, frank1492 pounded out on the keyboard
>
> > I have an old Dell Inspiron laptop with a 20GB hard drive. Since
> > installing SP2, I only have about 700M left. I was thinking of
> > compressing the files to save space which is a "check box"
> > option in XP.
> > (1) Does compression involve *any* data loss
> > risk?
> > (2) Overall, what are the advantages/disadvantages?
> > (3) Any good free programs that can help me make the
> > decision of what files I can safely delete?
> > As usual. thanks very much for your advice!
> > Frank
>
> Hi Frank,
>
> 1. There is *always* a risk of data loss. That is why you need to
> backup. But compression shouldn't make it a bigger risk.
>
> 2. You save space.
>
> 3. Free programs? No. Free information via the internet.
>
> My suggestion is to buy a 2nd hard drive. You can get a small one at
> Pricewatch for around $40 USD. Compression will never get you the
> storage a 2nd drive can.



This is a laptop, and almost certainly can not take a second drive. He
would need to replace the existing drive with a bigger one. For almost
everyone, I would recommend at least a 60GB drive, which typically
runs somewhat over $100 US. Here's one for $120, for example:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-CF-V.../dp/B000FTEE6M
or http://tinyurl.com/32t8dn


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User
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