Member Avatar for francisabey

Many Windows Vista users are experiencing problems with slow file transfers. In this guide we will learn a quick tip to improve transfer times.

There are two ways we can fix this problem: by disabling Remote Differential Compression and Disable TCP/IP “Receive Window Auto-Tuning” and/or “Receive Side Scaling” in Windows Vista.

Remote Differential Compression (RDC) allows data to be synchronized with a remote source using compression techniques to minimize the amount of data sent across the network.However, this Remote Differential Compression (RDC) feature in Windows Vista needs to be supported by remote computer, and it will compare the files and update only the newest version.It creates overhead between connections, slows down high bandwidth and local drives’ transfer rate.Disable and turn off Remove Differential Compression feature in Windows Vista may provide a solution to slow file copy, file move or file delete bug.

Windows Vista TCP AutoTuning function is new feature of new TCP/IP stack in Windows Vista that tunes and optimizes TCP receive window size for each network connection for optimum download/upload speed, while Receive Side Scaling (RSS) allows the network load from a network adapter to be balanced across multiple CPUs. However, the implementation is not always goes the intended way, and many has disable TCP Auto Tuning in Windows Vista to solve issues such as slow multi thread download speed and various Internet browsing problems.

Here's

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Short, practical summary and safe steps that build on 's suggestions (and the later tips from and ). Try one change at a time, measure a representative transfer (one large file and a folder of many small files), and revert if anything breaks.

To test Remote Differential Compression (RDC)

  • RDC is a library used by specific sync/replication apps; it does not run unless an application uses it. End users should only disable it for troubleshooting and then restore if an app requires it. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • GUI: Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off -> clear "Remote Differential Compression", reboot and retest.

TCP receive-autotuning and Receive-Side Scaling (RSS)

  • Check current TCP global state first:

    netsh int tcp show global

  • To disable autotuning (test — then revert if needed):

    netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled

    To restore:

    netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal

  • To disable/enable RSS:

    netsh int tcp set global rss=disabled
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled

  • These netsh controls are documented by Microsoft; use an elevated command prompt and test after each change. (learn.microsoft.com)

Precautions and follow-up actions

  • On Vista/Server 2008 there is a documented issue where running certain netsh changes can write invalid registry values; create a System Restore point and export the Tcpip registry key before changing settings. Revert if you see mail/connection problems. ()
  • Update NIC drivers and firmware, and consider disabling NIC offload/chimney features if problems continue (these are hardware/driver-level). If small-file copies are slow, trimming Indexing (Indexing Options -> Modify) or temporarily stopping the Windows Search service can help as suggested. (support.microsoft.com)

If multi-threaded copying is needed, use a multithread-capable tool: Robocopy on Windows 7+ supports /MT:<n> (Vista does not support /MT — third-party RichCopy/GS RichCopy-style tools are options on older OSes). Test with small thread counts first. (learn.microsoft.com)

Change one setting at a time, record results, and restore defaults if you see regressions.

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Member Avatar for kaninelupus

Trimming down the Indexing service can also make a big difference :)

Member Avatar for Catherine_4

The tips are quite unique and I liked them. One advice that I would like to give it to use a multi threaded file transferring software. I was also having this issue and I used GS Richcopy 360 which provided 100% multi threaded file transfer. It saved my time and efforts. I am using it now in windows 10 ultimate. Try it, thanks!

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