Slow write to CD-R
I am running XP SP3 Home edition on a Compaq Presario. I have 2 HDD on my system (C: and F:). I archive data to CD (E:). I do this by collecting all current data into one folder (on C: or F:), and then using Windows Explorer I SEND the folder to the CD (standard 700 MB CD-R).As I see it the process happens in 3 stages: Windows puts all the files in a folder called Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\CD Burning, then creates a CD image based on this, and then finally writes that image to CD.If I do this with a 100 MB set of files (maybe 10 subfolders, 200 files), the files copying / transfer (Stage 1 I think, but MAY be stage 2 - definitely not stage 3) happens quickly: the file names just flash up.If I do it with a large folder (say 600 MB, maybe 50 sub-folders and 1000 files) the process happens MUCH more slowly. Sometimes it starts quickly, and then slows right down so that 1 MB files take SECONDS to process.I have tried swapping the Image drive so it is either the same as or different from the source folder; makes little difference. Tried moving the source folder from C: to F:; makes little difference. Switch Anti-Virus off (AVG Free 9.0): no real difference. When the Copy process is running slowly, Windows Task Manager indicates low CPU utilisation - so I think it's some kind of lock on the files being copied. While the Copy task is running I've tried closing Windows Explorer in case that's the source of the lock: makes no difference. A re-start after all the preparation with no other apps running - makes no difference, so it isn't one of the prep. steps or another app. that's holding the lock.I am using cached HDD-write, but drive-cache size doesn't seem to be user-variable. The slow-down is definitely before the Burn starts (CD drive light not illuminated; HDD light steady ON) but, for info, the CD drive parameters are set to fast-write. The system has 768 MB of RAM, and the page file is set to 2204 / 2204 MB (on F:).Any ideas?1 person got this answerI do too
January 2nd, 2010 1:43pm

Well, I found a workaround if not a solution. And one was needed as the Wizard was telling me the first (prep.) step would take up to 7 days to complete!Copy the files which are to be archived to a folder on the C: drive, say in My Documents.Cut / paste these into C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\CD Burning This takes about 5 seconds as only the pointers are rewrittenThe "Files ready for Writing" icon comes up. The actual burn of the CD takes the usual time, but it was the prep. step that was taking for ever.Must be trying to multi-thread some code that was not intended to multi-thread, I guess.
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January 8th, 2010 10:10pm

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