So I have paid off all my bad debt on my Credit report?

Ihad a judegment on my report for the amount of 1766.00 when I called they told me the total amount was 4700.00 because of Intrest, but they would settle it and send me a paid in full letter. was this a bad idea, should have I arranged to pay it all. I also paid off some old collections ( 5-6 years old) a couple settled for less and a couple I paid full amount ( fees, orginal charges and intrest) how long will it take to clear up my credit and for my score to improve.