How to Uncompress Files/Folders

Question

Using disc cleanup I decided to compress files to save space. Of course, Windows did not tell me that doing so would slow down the system, so I answered, yes I will be glad to. Anyway, I am trying to uncompress only those files that have been compressed. I know how to go into Windows Explorer and manually click on each file, select properties, uncheck compress, then apply . But this is time consuming. I can't get it to uncompress folders at all, just individual files. Is it possible to click the C drive in my computer, select compress the entire drive, and then go back and uncheck the compress box? Remember, I am only trying to uncompress certain files, not all of them, which are mainly the I386 ones. The only other method I have found is at www.exodus-dev.com in which you run a utility that locates the files for you. But I do not know how to create a batch file. It locates the files, then a screen pops up and down without doing anything.

Message Edited by metamorphosis on 01-09-2008 09:38 PM

mombodog · Answer

Yes you can uncompress the entire C drive, this will get all of them.

It is a command prompt command that will do it.

Open a command prompt, change to the root of C drive by using the following command

type cd C:\ hit enter , space between d and C

it should look like this now

C:\>

now type in

compact /u /s /a /q /i space between t and /

and a space after each individual letter u, s, a, q, i

hit enter, let it process the files.

This will not uncompress all the uncompressable files, just the ones compressed by Windows file compression (disk cleanup).

Message Edited by mombodog on 01-10-2008 09:35 AM

metamorphosis · Answer

Thank you kindly.  It worked!  I saw nothing on Microsoft's site about the command.  I thought the only files compressed were the I396 ones.  After I ran the program it uncompressed 8,393 files within 4,606 directories.    I also appreciate your comments about Acronis.  I finally got it to work.  The problem was a defective HD case.  More on that later.

mombodog · Answer

'I saw nothing on Microsoft's site about the command'   Its there, you just have to know where to look, it is still not obvious though.   http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb491071.aspx   click on 'compact'

Windows General

How to Uncompress Files/Folders

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