File deletion question

[tviman]

I'm relatively new to XP so please bear with me... when I delete a small file, like a short cut, it seems to take a long time for the operation to complete. But when I do the same for a large file - several megabytes - it takes no time at all! Why the variance>

There's always a better way. The fun is trying to find it!

 

[bcastner]

Network setting?

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811492

 

[tviman]

Don't think so - all files are on the local machine. Although we have a small p2p network (4 PC's), file access to other machines is on a "READ-ONLY" basis.

There's always a better way. The fun is trying to find it!

 

[bcastner]

You may just be seeing an issue with how much RAM is available to hold the disk cache at any given point in time, and is not being taken by application and shell usage.

I honestly do not think the size of the file is an issue.

 

[linney]

What is Task Manager showing while the delete is in progress?

Try temporarily disabling any virus scanner and see if it improves the time taken.

HOW TO: Set Performance Options (Q308417)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/4/17.asp

Computer Speed and Performance May Decrease (Q310419)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q310/4/19.asp

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.


Spybot

http://security.kolla.de/

Ad-aware

http://www.lavasoft.nu

The last two will check your computer for spyware and adware.