Very high compressin xp iso ( 9.44 MB only!!! )

[ahmad12]

I download a windows xp 64bit DVD from the internet it's size 9.44 MB only !!! when extracting the compressed file ( xp64bit.rar ) the size is 3.55 GB how this compression occurs ???

 

[Twoddle]

It's called bloat.

 

[Dzomlija]

I download a windows xp 64bit DVD from the internet it's size 9.44 MB only !!! when extracting the compressed file ( xp64bit.rar ) the size is 3.55 GB how this compression occurs ???

First, the chances are too much of the OS has been hacked out to allow for such a small download.

Second, it's probably a pirated copy that has been patched to bypass activation, and will likely not pass WGA tests. You're asking for a world of hurt by using it - you'll be better off doing what the rest of us have done and buy a legit copy from you local computer shop.

 

[ahmad12]

But how 3.44 GB compressed to only 9.44 MB ??? What is the software used???

 

[FightingScallion]

The science behind compression is actually pretty interesting. I've got a buddy who does it from the math angle. It is possible to do that, but you have to remember that each compression and expansion probably results in losses. Then again, a well done algorithm can actually improve quality (this is possible for images).

For something like this, it could just be a very slick algorithm. Or maybe it draws on files already available on your computer (for example, if the same thing can be assumed to be on every computer, you could "compress" something by deleting it and merely leaving an instruction to go find it when commanded to expand). Similarity in coding multiple parts might also lead to such things.

That said, I agree with Dzomlija. Don't mess with it. Something like that is a good red-flag. Just buy a legit copy. Screwing MS out of some money for something you will use every day isn't worth it. Compare its cost to a movie. If it keeps you happy for 2 hours, it's worth $8. For $100, then, it merely has to entertain you for about 13 hours. I figure you'll use it more than that. Even pro-rated with what it enables you to enjoy, we'll say a couple hundred hours. If you're not going to use the OS a couple hundred hours, you don't need it. If you will, the money is well spent.

 

[yehiar]

thank you

 

[dmex]

I download a windows xp 64bit DVD from the internet it's size 9.44 MB only !!! when extracting the compressed file ( xp64bit.rar ) the size is 3.55 GB how this compression occurs ???

Some Files are able to fake the real file size by using zero space, Windows reports the "File Size" and "Size on disk" so you can detect files using fake zero space

 

[shaddix]

its called fake lol, you can't compress windows down to 9mb

 

[johngalt]

Another way would be to have an image full of nothing but a repeating character that makes the original that large, but when compressed the repeated chars are removed from the image thus making is very very small. My bet is that it is actually a boot sector virus with a lot of repeated chars to make it look like it is the right size.

Also, stop trying to download free copies of an OS - there is no such thing with Windows XP and Vista. Buy it or live with what you have.