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    File transfer progress bars

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by fred2028, Sep 9, 2011.

  1. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    Why is it that when you transfer a large file, the progress bar shoots across the screen as if you are getting some incredible speed and then drops to a crawl for a long time? I have an internal SSD and transferring to/from a 7200 RPM external HDD over USB 2.0 gets me (apparently) 137 MB/s and then it stays at roughly 99% for a few minutes
     
    fred2028, Sep 9, 2011
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  2. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    Because it's never been a priority for windows to accurately display that progress bar. Seriously, MSFT just hasn't bothered to fix it.

    You can find any number of add-on file transfer utilities that show accurate transfer graphics. Teracopy is one of them.

    In Windows 8, the file copy/move routines and the progress bars are supposed to be much improved.

    There has been talk on TechNet that some of the Windows 8 UI improvements including accurate copy/move progress bars will be back-ported to Windows 7.
     
    newsposter, Sep 9, 2011
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  3. anseio

    anseio All ways are my ways.

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    I've noticed my RAM jumps up for some of the file. So, a 500MB file would transfer at 100+Mbps till most way and then drop down to 50-80Mbps. During the burst, I see my RAM jump a little. Perhaps Win7 is using RAM as part of the cache/buffer for the transfer?
     
    anseio, Sep 10, 2011
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  4. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    Win7/Server2008r2 is very aggressive about using ram as system cache. It is also very aggressive about releasing system cache to user processes when needed.
     
    newsposter, Sep 10, 2011
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  5. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    the file transfer BAR is absolutely accurate and showing what's going on. if it does not behave linearly, then it's because your system isn't behaving linearly at that point (caching or something).

    it's only the "remaining time" that isn't accurate, and can't ever be. it will thus get removed in win8 with more useful, accurate information instead.
     
    davepermen, Sep 10, 2011
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