Will A Large Folder Size Slow Down Computer?

[Guest]

I have a very large "My Pictures" file--the default folder in the My
Documents file. I'm concerned that the size of it is slowing down my
computer. Does Windows run faster with smaller folders? Also, is the My
Documents folder actually located on the Windows Desktop, or is it just
mirrored there (it's been my experience that too much on the Desktop tends to
slow a computer down.) Thanks for any advice.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have a very large "My Pictures" file--the default folder in the My
Documents file. I'm concerned that the size of it is slowing down my
computer. Does Windows run faster with smaller folders? Also, is
the My Documents folder actually located on the Windows Desktop, or
is it just mirrored there (it's been my experience that too much on
the Desktop tends to slow a computer down.) Thanks for any advice.

No.
Not usually.

The My Documents folder is located in your user profile - not on your
desktop. A pointer to it may reside on your desktop.

Youcomputer could be slowing down for dozens of reasons. Some not so bad -
some horrific.
Explain to us what you mean when you say your computer is "slowing down"...

 

[Guest]

<< Your computer could be slowing down for dozens of reasons. Some not so
bad - some horrific. Explain to us what you mean when you say your computer
is "slowing down"...>>

"slowing down'--just one of those subjective things--I've been loading a lot
of old photos from CD's onto my computer, it may just be filling up the hard
drive itself. Opening the My Photos folder itself has definitely gotten
slower as I've added to it, that it why I wondering if the size of the folder
could be affecting computer performance. I run virus protection, Spybot,
Ad-Aware, have a network router--so I don't think it's anything like that.
Thanks for your help.

 

[mikeyhsd]

might want to consider making several folder and move common subjects to separate folders.
would cut down on the opening time for the one larger folder.



(e-mail address removed)



<< Your computer could be slowing down for dozens of reasons. Some not so
bad - some horrific. Explain to us what you mean when you say your computer
is "slowing down"...>>

"slowing down'--just one of those subjective things--I've been loading a lot
of old photos from CD's onto my computer, it may just be filling up the hard
drive itself. Opening the My Photos folder itself has definitely gotten
slower as I've added to it, that it why I wondering if the size of the folder
could be affecting computer performance. I run virus protection, Spybot,
Ad-Aware, have a network router--so I don't think it's anything like that.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Ron Martell]

<< Your computer could be slowing down for dozens of reasons. Some not so
bad - some horrific. Explain to us what you mean when you say your computer
is "slowing down"...>>

"slowing down'--just one of those subjective things--I've been loading a lot
of old photos from CD's onto my computer, it may just be filling up the hard
drive itself. Opening the My Photos folder itself has definitely gotten
slower as I've added to it, that it why I wondering if the size of the folder
could be affecting computer performance. I run virus protection, Spybot,
Ad-Aware, have a network router--so I don't think it's anything like that.
Thanks for your help.

The number of items in the folder will affect the length of time that
it takes to open the folder, and especially so if you have Windows
Explorer configured to show thumbnails and the folder contains photos.

But in general the contents of any folder should not affect the
overall performance of Windows in any significant way unless and until
you start to run short of space on the hard drive. But in that case
you will also get warning messages from Windows regarding the lack of
space.

Slow performance is most often the result of software, especially if
it is a "who dropped the anchor?" type product such as Norton. You
should look at the items you have loading at Startup (Start - Run -
MSCONFIG and go to the Startup tab) to see what is loading. Then
check out the items with a site such as
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php to see what can be
safely dispensed with.

Good luck
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Rock]

I have a very large "My Pictures" file--the default folder in the My
Documents file. I'm concerned that the size of it is slowing down my
computer. Does Windows run faster with smaller folders? Also, is the My
Documents folder actually located on the Windows Desktop, or is it just
mirrored there (it's been my experience that too much on the Desktop tends
to
slow a computer down.) Thanks for any advice.

The size of the folder should not affect Windows performance but it can slow
down the opening of that folder. See this link for tips on dealing with a
slow computer.

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks very much for taking the time to explain all this to me.

 

[Rock]

Thanks very much for taking the time to explain all this to me.

I'm not sure who the reply is for but you're welcome.