XP zip'd files appear as locked

[rarewolf]

As a remedy to create more space on my harddrive, Windows XP prompted
me to compress older files (i.e., along with deleting temporary files,
etc). As a result I now have many zipped files that XP is tracking as
normal files ... which is ok, but they interfere with archiving.

For my archiving purposes, I chose a specific 3rd party software.
However, this software will NOT archive any files that "appear" to be
locked, and these compressed files do "appear" to be locked. I
understand why XP may need to "lock" these zipped files, but with
regard to creating additional space by archiving files, it turns out to

be a Catch-22 ... i.e., I'll run out of space if I decompress, and I
cannot copy these files without decompressing. In any case, I'll have
to move some files for creating space, and then decompress these files
for moving them as well.


Once I've created room, how do I disable file compression and make
these files normal again?


TIA

 

[Guest]

As a remedy to create more space on my harddrive, Windows XP prompted
me to compress older files (i.e., along with deleting temporary files,
etc). As a result I now have many zipped files that XP is tracking as
normal files ... which is ok, but they interfere with archiving.

For my archiving purposes, I chose a specific 3rd party software.
However, this software will NOT archive any files that "appear" to be
locked, and these compressed files do "appear" to be locked. I
understand why XP may need to "lock" these zipped files, but with
regard to creating additional space by archiving files, it turns out to

be a Catch-22 ... i.e., I'll run out of space if I decompress, and I
cannot copy these files without decompressing. In any case, I'll have
to move some files for creating space, and then decompress these files
for moving them as well.


Once I've created room, how do I disable file compression and make
these files normal again?


TIA

Hi,
To disable Compression Right click your HDD and Uncheck the Square box which
on the HDD letter Properties Window to not compress the Files/Folders.
Hope this helps
Regards
nass

 

[rarewolf]

Thanx for your response ... seems simple enough.

To keep the file decompression from exploding, I will look for similar
options at the directory level. That is, I am only looking to archive
what is in my documents folders.

)

 

[rarewolf]

Nass )

Accesssing compression for the harddisk didn't work. That is, it was
already disabled. In fact, I couldn't even find it enabled at the
folder level, even while compressed files were located inside. A tool I
wish I had was an ability to search specifically for these files, other
than to find them solely because they were colored 'blue'. Searching
for 'blue' zip files didn't work either

However, I did find a work-around. If I found files located in a
directory, I could disable them at the directory level if I enable
compression for the directory, and then disabled it. This made it only
slightly easier ... i.e., I could multiply select several folders,
enable then disable. I does however, take a long time.

Anyone got a better way???

TIA )

 

[POP]

As a remedy to create more space on my harddrive, Windows
XP prompted me to compress older files (i.e., along with
deleting temporary files, etc). As a result I now have
many zipped files that XP is tracking as normal files ...
which is ok, but they interfere with archiving.

For my archiving purposes, I chose a specific 3rd party
software. However, this software will NOT archive any files
that "appear" to be locked, and these compressed files do
"appear" to be locked. I understand why XP may need to
"lock" these zipped files, but with regard to creating
additional space by archiving files, it turns out to

be a Catch-22 ... i.e., I'll run out of space if I
decompress, and I cannot copy these files without
decompressing. In any case, I'll have to move some files
for creating space, and then decompress these files for
moving them as well.


Once I've created room, how do I disable file compression
and make these files normal again?


TIA

If this is for archiving purposes, FWIW:
Copying any of those files to a new location that is not
compressed to start with, will decompress them. Also, doesn't
Properties have a "lock" check box you can clear?

HTH
Pop

 

[rarewolf]

I don't know that Windows refers to. or uses the term 'locked' ..There
is no such switch in the file's properties, and nothing can be found in
the help file. My archiving software uses the term 'locked' for those
files which might be open for editing ... as in, "'wordfile.doc' not
copied [locked]"

cheerios )

 

[rarewolf]

I was able to complete a backup job over night, but I was not logged
off ... nor had I locked the computer. Whereas a previous trial backup
job (small, a couple of directories) indicated it should work properly
if I locked the computer. However, the previous night's job, with
computer locked, refused to work properly because half the files were
"locked".

Does locking the computer also lock files? If so, why were some files
not locked?

Getting this backup job to work while my computer is secure is driving
me nuts!!!

TIA

I don't know that Windows refers to. or uses the term 'locked' ..There
is no such switch in the file's properties, and nothing can be found in
the help file. My archiving software uses the term 'locked' for those
files which might be open for editing ... as in, "'wordfile.doc' not
copied [locked]"

cheerios )

If this is for archiving purposes, FWIW:
Copying any of those files to a new location that is not
compressed to start with, will decompress them. Also, doesn't
Properties have a "lock" check box you can clear?

HTH
Pop