Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

98SE constantly accesses hard drive

0 helpful
8 replies

by krebstar

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I have just installed windows 98SE on my athlon 1.1 ghz system. But once I open my computer or use windows explorer, my computer will start to constantly be looking for something on the hard drive. the hour glass keeps coming up and the system runs slow. Any ideas?

8 replies

by cd

Do you have an antivirus program installed? NAV, for example, is scheduled to check the system by default each time PC starts, after the regular installation. When the antivirus is starting, it is accesing the HDD and your PC runs slower.

by krebstar

This is rudimentary explanation. I have done all the simple diags. there is nothing running besides the essentials. No antivirus has been installed. and nothing is but the essentials is in MSCONFIG. Although creative live xgamer software is installed, but turned off.

by butlerchuck

Another problem could be office 97 find fast.
Also try hittingt cont alt del and see what you have running. Also at boot up goto start-> run-> type msconfig and see what is in your startup. Try taking out only the bare essentuels. Once you findthe program that is causing the activity then you can tweak it from there.
chuck

by krebstar

This is rudimentary explanation. I have done all the simple diags. there is nothing running besides the essentials. No antivirus has been installed and nothing is but the essentials is in MSCONFIG. Office 97 is not installed either. This is a clean system that has just been reinstalled and the drivers put back on, that's it, no software have been installed, Although creative live xgamer software is installed, but turned off.

by roland63

Your problems have the charactristics of a memory-resident-program (mrp).

In other words, a program that is always on stand by to run OR configured to automatically run.

AntiVirus programs are notorius for causing your type of problem. I'd also recommend disabling Task Manager for this too may be trying to gain up on your hard drive.

After that, programs like Cleansweep, and programs that do "maintenance" are bound to be culprits. Not to mention those that are configured for automatic update and try to run so they can then update when you get onto the internet.

You have your work cut out for you.

Good luck.

by krebstar

Thanks. that would make sense since the registering program or task manager would try to access the disk. Thanks

by mmcdade

First: "Athlon 1.1 ghz system". You're now working, rudimentarily, whether you like it or not, with exponential numbers.

Second seconds: check:

* The motherboard compatibility, BIOS/CMOS settings.
* How much RAM does the PC have available?
*What's the size of the hard drive itself? Have you partitioned the hard drive for any reason?
* Check the file system (FAT or FAT32). With a "1.1 ghz system", it's FAT32.
* Adjust the paging file to reflect that.

Other than that, I don't reallyknow. But I enjoy rudimentary discussion.

Best of luck,

- Mark

This discussion is closed to new replies.