# Prompt the user to paste the list of folders to compress from the clipboard
$folders = Read-Host "Please paste the list of folders to compress from the clipboard and press Enter"

# Set the compression level (Valid values are low, medium, high, max, or blank for default)
$level = "high"

# Set the recursive option (Valid values are /S or blank for no recursion)
$recursive = "/S"

# Loop through the folders and invoke compact.exe for each one
foreach ($folder in $folders) {
    # compact.exe uses advanced compression algorithms to compress the files and folders
    # The compression level determines which algorithm is used and how much space is saved
    # The pros and cons of each compression level are as follows:
    # low: Low compression, uses XPRESS4K, saves some space, fast and low CPU usage
    # medium: Medium compression, uses XPRESS8K, saves more space, moderate speed and CPU usage
    # high: High compression, uses XPRESS16K, saves even more space, slow and high CPU usage
    # max: Maximum compression, uses LZX, saves the most space, very slow and very high CPU usage
    compact /C /S /A /I /EXE:$level $recursive $folder
}