Disk compression software compresses and decompresses files on a hard drive, doubling the amount of data stored. However, it can lead to data loss and compatibility issues. Microsoft built a version into its operating systems, but it fell out of use as storage prices fell.
Disk compression software works behind the scenes to automatically compress and decompress files stored on a compact disk drive. It’s somewhat similar to data compression programs like WinZip or WinRAR that compress files into smaller footprints, but there’s one big difference: this software compresses the entire drive, rather than selecting files.
This type of software was popular in the early to mid 1990s when the price of disk storage was relatively high and the average hard drive was 30 – 80 megabytes. Using a disk compression software package, a computer user could essentially double the amount of data stored on a hard drive. Many users have happily used disk compression with no issues, but for others, the experience has been problematic at times.
One problem with some disk compression utilities was that corrupted files were compressed in that state, potentially leading to even more data loss during decompression. Another problem was data loss due to user error. The software created a large file which it used as a virtual drive for data storage and retrieval. Although this file was hidden by default in Microsoft Windows operating systems, users could make it visible and in some cases delete it.
Compatibility was another nitpick. Although disk compression software was designed to be interoperable with standard operating systems and programs such as word processors and spreadsheets, some software has had problems working properly on a compressed drive.
Despite these problems, many people have successfully used disk compression software as a preferable inexpensive option over buying a larger hard drive. The software has become so popular that Microsoft has built a version of it into its operating systems. Users could switch to a compressed drive if they found themselves running out of space. All it took was a few mouse clicks.
Third-party software was also available. Disk compression software fell out of use in the late 1990s as storage media prices fell and it became easier to archive large numbers of files in their uncompressed state.
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