How Windows NT 3.51 Handles Compression of Paging Files (138629)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
This article was previously published under Q138629 SUMMARY
Windows NT provides virtual memory by creating a paging file (PAGEFILE.SYS)
in the root directory of the boot drive or the root directory of the
Windows NT drive (the drive where Windows NT is installed). In Windows NT
3.51, the Windows NT file system (NTFS) file system supports on-the-fly
compression and decompression of files and directories. This article
explains how Windows NT 3.51 handles file compression of paging files.
MORE INFORMATION
File compression in the NTFS partition is accomplished by reallocating the
file during the operation. Since you cannot reallocate the paging file
while it is being used, compression of an active paging file is not
allowed. When you compress a file in the NTFS partition, the file is
reallocated as new data is written to the file. Because reallocation of the
paging file is not allowed while servicing a page fault, NTFS prevents
compression on active paging files. No message appears notifying the user
that this operation is not allowed.
If you have multiple installed versions of Windows NT 3.51 and multiple
paging files on the same computer (each installation with its own paging
file), compression of the inactive paging file is allowed. However, if you
shutdown and restart another installed version of Windows NT with a
compressed paging file, PAGEFILE.SYS is automatically uncompressed.
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 11/4/2003 |
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| Keywords: | KB138629 |
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