Parallels Compressor Basics
Parallels Compressor is a special utility that helps you keep your virtual machine compact and efficient. It cleans up the unused space on the virtual hard disk, thus reducing the size of your virtual hard disk file (.hdd
) stored on the physical computer.
Parallels Compressor can run in one of these modes:
- Express. This is the default mode. In this mode, Parallels Compressor defragments and compacts the boot volume (the virtual hard disk volume on which the operating system is installed).
- Advanced. In this mode, Parallels Compressor enables you to select the volumes to compress and set the compression level.
By default, Parallels Compressor runs in the Express mode.
Compression Levels
In the Advanced mode, Parallels Compressor supports three levels of compression: Low, Medium, and High. Each level suggests the execution of certain tasks. In the Parallels Compressor wizard, the task levels are indicated by different colors: red
is used for high-level tasks, yellow
for medium-level tasks, and green for low-level
tasks.
Tasks performed when the Low level of compression is selected include:
Truncate Page file. This task recreates the system page file of a smaller size.
Clean Up Temporary System Files. This task deletes temporary files used by the system for the acceleration of operations.
Clean Up System Cache. This task deletes temporary data stored by the system on the hard disk to increase performance.
Empty Recycle Bin. This task permanently removes the files from the Recycle Bin.
Clean Up Temporary Internet Files. This task cleans up the Internet Explorer cache, deletes the cookies, history, address bar, and temporary files.
Disable Hibernate file. This task disables the hibernate file that stores the virtual machine memory when the virtual machine is turned off.
Compact virtual disk(s). This task reduces the size of the virtual hard disk file (.hdd
) in the primary operating system.
Tasks performed when the Medium level of compression is selected include:
Clean Up Temporary Setup Files. This task deletes the installation files used by MS Office and other programs.
Clean Up System Media Files. This task deletes the temporary files used by Windows Media Player.
Tasks performed when the High level of compression is selected include:
Clean up Drivers Cache. This task empties the cache for the most popular drivers. If you are going to install new hardware, clear the check box related to this task.
Clean Up System Restore Information. This task deletes the data related to the last successful system loading.
When you use Parallels Compressor in the Express mode, your boot volume is defragmented and compacted only. To customize the list of tasks and perform more intesive cleanup of your virtual disks, use the Advanced mode.
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