On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:27:56 -0700, "Terry R." <F1ComNOSPAM@pobox.com>
wrote:

> On 9/6/2007 12:11 PM On a whim, Ken Blake, MVP pounded out on the keyboard
>
> > 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
> >
> >
>
> Thanks for the correction. I completely spaced on it being a laptop.


You're welcome. It's easy to miss details like that; I've done it too.

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