Access files on external drive slow

Dale Webb 565 Reputation points
2025-10-24T02:15:52.28+00:00

Just a weird question. Keep data files on an SSD attached to the USB port of my router. Mapped as H:. Most of the files I access from there are Microsoft Money files and Word files.

I start Microsoft Money with a shortcut:

TARGET: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Money Plus\MNYCoreFiles\msmoney.exe" "H:\Money\d&KWebb.mny"

START IN: H:\Money

The Money data file opens correctly, but SLOWLY; often taking 30 seconds. Word files open briskly.

Is there a reason the Money files open slowly? Something I can optimize to improve the Money file opening time?

Those are the TARGET and START IN directories that Copilot gave me.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. Carl-L 3,995 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-24T07:58:08.05+00:00

    Hello Dale Webb,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. It's my pleasure to help you today.

    I understand that you are confusing when your app seems to be running slowly. As I checked the parameters, this indicate that your Microsoft Money app is still in your C drive, it just open the file and work on the H drive. This parameter doesn't make Microsoft Money open using the H drive, since it is not actually there.

    While the speed might not be as expected, it still shouldn't take 30 seconds to open, in this case, the slow start might come from the fact that your H drive is an external USB drive. Just in case, may I know the type of USB port that is plugged in? Here are a few things you can try to improve it:

    • Temporarily move the .mny file in drive C and try open it from there.
    • Right click on Microsoft Money app > Properties > Compatibility and disable compatibility mode if any.
    • Try to open a smaller file to see how the speed goes. File size could also affect speed.

    Please let me know if there are any updates in this.


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  2. Dale Webb 565 Reputation points
    2025-10-24T19:17:06.5266667+00:00

    may I know the type of USB port that is plugged in: TP-Link says it a 3

    Temporarily move the .mny file in drive C and try open it from there: Done in the past. Not much difference

    Right click on Microsoft Money app > Properties > Compatibility and disable compatibility mode if any. I found compatibility mode settings screwed up MS Money. Have none set.

    Try to open a smaller file to see how the speed goes. File size could also affect speed. Money file is 18KB. That's not particularly large in terms of of today's files. Old program, efficient use of space. Like I said, Word files, averaging 20 KB, open briskly. Maybe size IS the reason.

    I'd show you a screen recording of the startup, but I don't know how.

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  3. Carl-L 3,995 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-28T08:56:05.4433333+00:00

    Hello Dale Webb,

    Thanks for getting back to us.

    It'd be great if you can send us a video of how it goes. You can upload it to OneDrive and share the link here.

    I'm waiting for your answers.


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