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Computer help forum: Hard drive runs almost constantly.

by: azspyguy November 4, 2008 11:53 PM PST

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Hard drive runs almost constantly.

by azspyguy - 11/4/08 11:53 PM

I am running Vista Home Premium on an HP Media Center PC, model is m8000n. My hard drive light is on solid much of the time and flashes at all other times. This occurs even when the computer has not been used for several hours. I have run Nortons many times in an attempt to clear up this problem. The only infraction that nortons finds is "Tracking Cookie". I have also tried various registry cleaners to no avail. Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Larry.


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How much RAM

by Jimmy Greystone - 11/5/08 7:36 AM

In Reply to: Hard drive runs almost constantly. by azspyguy

How much RAM does this system have in it?


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It's A Vista Thing...

by Grif Thomas Moderator - 11/5/08 7:39 AM

In Reply to: Hard drive runs almost constantly. by azspyguy

Vista has a lot more background programs and services that previous versions of Windows.. It automatically runs a disc defrag in the background as well as a number of other processes.. In order to shut down some of those items, try clicking on the link below, then look to the chart and follow the instructions to disable some of the unnecessary startup services. The "safe" column changes may help and if you're adventurous, the "Tweaked" column might be worth your while.:

http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm

After doing so, you might also try doing a full disc defrag and run Error Checking/Chkdsk. I've found such can also help with constant hard drive activity.

Hope this helps.

Grif


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Just so you know.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 11/5/08 8:00 AM

In Reply to: Hard drive runs almost constantly. by azspyguy

By running Norton you may trigger some item that causes a scan or Vista search to do its thing again. My new machine has over 2GB RAM and I find that low memory machines at 512M tend to show this more often. The 2GB machine finishes Vista's tasks that cause this sooner it seems.
Bob


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