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    HDD at 100%

    Discussion in 'HP' started by spmulk989, Aug 16, 2007.

  1. spmulk989

    spmulk989 Notebook Geek

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    My harddrive always seems to be at or near 100% usage for a while after boot up and randomly aftwards and it also makes the harddrive noise (like a clickish/rubbing sound) that my older desktop makes. Is it normal for it to be doing this? anyone else noticing this too?
     
  2. brianstretch

    brianstretch Notebook Virtuoso

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    You could use SpinRite to thoroughly check the HD, but it's a bit expensive. Alternatively, go to your HD manufacturer's website (Device Manager should list the brand) and get their free diagnostic utility.

    If the sound you hear sounds like the HD is retrying reading data a lot, go with the above. If it sounds like normal HD reading/writing then it could just be Vista doing its thing.

    I'm a very big fan of SpinRite.
     
  3. orev

    orev Notebook Virtuoso

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    Very hard to say based on the information you give. Vista will preload stuff into RAM, so that could be why the disk is going after you boot up. Also, the bootup process takes a while, so that could be it too (just because you can see the desktop and log in does not mean the bootup is complete).

    As for the sounds, can you hear them at a normal distance from the laptop? or are you putting your ear right next to the drive?
     
  4. spmulk989

    spmulk989 Notebook Geek

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    I'm at normal distance, like a foot away from it. I just realized that the hdd light flashes when it makes the noise, so I guess its loading stuff. But it used to be so much quiter (like a week ago) and I havent changed any configurations.

    Im cheap, so SpinRite is out, but I'll try the manufacturer's website.