Why does transfer of large files slow down computer so much

[Husaberger]

I have a decent system yet when I transfer large files from one hard drive to another it causes computer to be unworkably slow

Any ideas how to address this problem?

mobo: asus p8p67 pro
ram : 16 gb gskill
video: nvidia gtx 560 ti
cpu: intel i7 2600k 3.4ghz
HDD: 120gb intel ssd, 3tb seagate and 3 2tb WD
Win 7 pro 64 bit

 

[marsmimar]

Not really sure why it happens but it's a fairly well known issue. A lot of people recommend the free TeraCopy. Seems to do what Windows should be doing on its own.

TeraCopy for Microsoft Windows - Code Sector

 

[whs]

It should not - especially since your OS is apparently on the SSD. Check in the reliability history whether there are any problems indicated (red X).

 

[karlsnooks]

Husaberger,
I recommend the use of RoboCopy with comes with Win 7.

The multitude of options can be overwhelming, although there is a graphical interface which is easier for the beginner.

Just go to an elevated command prompt and type robocopy /?
then after being shocked, just try same simple copy operations with no options.

 

[ailfawka]

Hi guys I had this exact issue, I was transferring about 66gigs worth of data to a partition on the same HDD and I was getting incredible slow down on a PC with a ud3 mobo, 4820 cpu,8gig ddr3 1600mhz ram, gtx680 gpu , 850w psu

so its not the pc by far...but I did manage to improve on this issue, I had my power settings set to performance mode, and improved computer stability by changing it to balanced, its not super stable but its 100x more stable then it was before. why things like this happen with something as simple as data transfer I do not know. hope I helped!

 

[chrysalis]

it slows down because i/o is highly utilised and the cache is flushed out to cache the files you copying.

arguably its poor caching design but that his is why it slows down after.

 

[OldMX]

Perhaps you need to install some intel chipset or disk controller driver?

 

[gregrocker]

The Win7 copy function, like the OS itself, should never bog or hang with adequate hardware (which you have, in spades) and doesn't on any of my installs.

So look at your base install to make sure it follows these Best Practices: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Then work through these Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 including the hardware tests.

 

[Zepher]

Ya, i dont get any slow downs either, and I'll copy up to 2tb sometimes.
Most of the time my transfers are under 100gb with files ranging from 1gb to 7gb.

 

[chrysalis]

I dont get slowdowns but thats because I got 16gig of ram.

on my laptop tho I expect copying muli gig files would kill performance.

 

[gregrocker]

This shouldn't happen in Win7 with optimized Clean install, no freeloaders at Startup.

If you have the perfect, optimized install in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 then test your RAM - Test with Memtest86+ for 5-6 passes as well as all other steps in Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7.

I would not settle for any performance hangs or bogs at all and would find the cause.

 

[Zepher]

I had to free up some space on a drive so I am currently moving 195GB to another drive, and downloading/un-rar'ing some stuff to the same drive I am moving from.
I was just in Photoshop CS6 as well cropping the image I've attached.

 

[Avenge]

I'm moving 70GB from an NAS to a VHD on the Server and my PC has been unusable all day! All 8 of my Cores are thrashing at nearly 100%! It's taken me 15 minutes to type this post, as every second letter doesn't appear, so I have to retype every word! When even a core process like typing is affected, there is something fundamentally wrong! It's a disgrace that Microsoft can't get something as simple as copy/paste right after 30 years in the business! I hate OSX, but I wonder whether this would happen on a Mac?
Appalling programming on Microsoft's part! Why is my PC even being used? Why isn't the File Transfer being handled by the Server?

 

[sbrads]

I don't get any slowdowns on a 5yr old C2Duo 4Gb home build. You have a problem that needs sorting.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you compare the install you have to the optimized perfect install I linked earlier, then work through the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html?

Don't blame MS as file copying problems are not an issue with this OS at all. The problem lies somewhere within your system, either the hardware or the Win7 install.