Hi jbh:
Just how big is this file? Is it a file that is ammemded and "saved"
constantly? In this case it could be deeply fragmented-- especially if you
are cramped for free space on the drive.
You can check the free space in "My Computer" by right-clicking the drive
your Publisher Doc is stored on and selecting "Properties". There is no fast
easy rule for how much free space is enough but below 15 - 20% free space is
getting a little tight.
If you have at least 15% free space, you can try defragmenting the drive:
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
Choose "Analyze" first and make a note of "% file fragmentation" in the
result. Even if the analysis says "You do not need to de-fragment this
drive", it will allow you to do so if you have at least 15% free space.
Defragment and try your program again to see if it comes up faster. If this
has helped. it's OK to defragment on a regular basis or just analyze to see
how fast the disk is becoming fragmented. Even if you have lots of free
space, defragmenting might help with a particularly large file that is
frequently saved with changes.
"Virtual Memory" is a process windows uses to "assist" RAM by allocating
space on the hdd for faster access. To check your virtual memory settings:
Right-click "My Computer" and select "Properties". Click the "Advanced"
tab, then click "Settings" to the right of "Performance". Click the
"Advanced" tab and then click "Change" to the right of Virtual memory (don't
worry, it won't change anything unless you ask it to). Unless there is some
specific reason to do otherwise, the Page file should be set for "System
managed size". If it is not set for system managed size, post back here with
the settings values.
I am not familiar with Publisher but if the Publisher doc is just plain too
big to get through the door quickly, check the software documentation to see
if the file can be "split" like chapters in a book.
mark