Prevent slow file copying over the network in Vista by disabling Remote Differential Compression

Remote Differential Compression is a feature of Windows Vista whereby data can be synchronized with a remote source using compression that helps to minimize the amount of traffic that needs to be sent across the network. When you are copying files from your Vista computer to a network location, it will automatically try to use Remote Differential Compression.

The only problem with this is that if all devices along the way do not support RDC, such as operating systems before Windows Vista, then transferring the files over the network will actually be slowed down rather than sped up! You would have hoped Vista was smart enough to be able to figure out if the destination device is compatible with RDC, but apparently not!

So if you are copying files from Windows Vista to other pre-Vista computers on your network and it’s taking forever, then you have to disable Remote Differential Compression. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and click on Programs and Features.

Step 2: On the left hand side, click on Turn Windows features on and off.

Step 3: Now uncheck the Remote Differential Compression box in list box.

That’s it! You should now be able to copy files across the network using Vista much faster! If not, you may have a problem with your network drivers and should update them! Also, install the latest Windows Vista updates if the problem continues. Enjoy!