I have a 5 year old Dell M1330 laptop (4gb memory) which has had a new lease of life by installing Windows 8 on a new 256Gb ssd. It was faster starting up than my desktop until suddenly I have a problem with 100% disk activity which is slowing it to a standstill. How do I restore disk activity to normal. My only disk is the ssd.
Disk activity constant 100% on ssd windows 8
- Thread starter stringc
- Start date
I tried that but no activity over 0.1Mbs or so on the disk tab, but header shows it stuck at 100%.
Also run the trouble-shooter in advanced boot up but it was still 100%.
Trying to think when it started and I think it was around the time I loaded Office 365 Home Premium which I have just subscribed to.
It was a clean install on a new ssd at beginning of November, except as it was the upgrade download I had to load Windows 7 first then 8, so it will be bit of a pain if I have to go though that again but it may end up being the solution as it worked fine when 1st installed.
kalten
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1. Check that you have the latest firmware for your SSD (Let us know here and we can point you in the right direction)
2. Turn of indexing on any SSD you have (on an SSD there is absolutely no need for it)
3. Chekc this guide - Not everything is absolutely needed, but I found it a good general guide...read it, then read it again to be sure you have understood what he talks about and the process he follows: http://www.overclock.net/t/1240779/seans-windows-8-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds
4. Check any antivirus you might have installed...and I'd ask why you did....? Windows 8 doens't need a 3rd party AV, at least not in my experience so far!
2. Turn of indexing on any SSD you have (on an SSD there is absolutely no need for it)
3. Chekc this guide - Not everything is absolutely needed, but I found it a good general guide...read it, then read it again to be sure you have understood what he talks about and the process he follows: http://www.overclock.net/t/1240779/seans-windows-8-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds
4. Check any antivirus you might have installed...and I'd ask why you did....? Windows 8 doens't need a 3rd party AV, at least not in my experience so far!
Ok, so I have just turned on the PC again and looking in task manager it appears to be at a more normal level.
However I have acted on the advice from kalten and his suspicions were correct.
Disk indexing was turned on, so I unchecked that option.
I also unchecked the schedule for defragmentation as I did not realise this was operative, as I had never added such an instruction.
I need to get my head round the shrinking page file and in fact noticed when I disabled indexing it said it could not do so on the swap file as it was in use, so I skipped it.
My ssd is a Crucial v4 256GB SATA 3Gb/s 2.5 inch Internal Solid State Drive. It is only Sata 3 but that matched my motherboard capabilities. I have not yet found out if the firmware is up to date but will be checking it.
I am hoping the problem is past, but not knowing why it started is worrying. I can only hope that the above actions will stop it reoccurring.
However I have acted on the advice from kalten and his suspicions were correct.
Disk indexing was turned on, so I unchecked that option.
I also unchecked the schedule for defragmentation as I did not realise this was operative, as I had never added such an instruction.
I need to get my head round the shrinking page file and in fact noticed when I disabled indexing it said it could not do so on the swap file as it was in use, so I skipped it.
My ssd is a Crucial v4 256GB SATA 3Gb/s 2.5 inch Internal Solid State Drive. It is only Sata 3 but that matched my motherboard capabilities. I have not yet found out if the firmware is up to date but will be checking it.
I am hoping the problem is past, but not knowing why it started is worrying. I can only hope that the above actions will stop it reoccurring.
nukemaster
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I did see that ONCE in Win8 and for some reason my card reader and its card was showing 100% as well as my file drive and Win7 SSD.
Strange thing is as soon as i swapped my card reader to the other computer(via usb switch), It stopped and went to normal.
I did notice I had a HUGE search index it was nearly 4 gigabytes(vs under one for all my other systems). The search performance was still VERY good.
The page file shrink should not be too hard, I am not on 8 as we speak so I will try my best.
Press Start -> type "advanced" (swap to settings from apps)
You should see something like View Advanced System Settings. Select it
Now you will be in the System Properties Window on the Advanced tab
Under performance hit Settings then select the Advanced tab in the new window that pops up.
You will see a section called Virtual Memory, select Change
Place a radio button next to Custom size and set the size you want(setting min/max the same reduces fragmentation on hard drives, but is still the preferred method anyway.).
1024 = 1gigabyte. I personally am using 4096(4 gigabytes), but each user has a preference and some even remove it all together. My size may actually be more then needed for a system with 16gigabytes of memory, but at least it is not going to run out.
Other info. Win8 does not actually shut down with the normal shutdown command. It actually logs off then hibernates. So now and then using the restart option may help freshen things up if it is feeling slow.
I actually disabled the fast boot option because the hibernate file was very large(and the SSD I have 8 on is very small).
EDIt. you never have to worry about Win8 defragging the SSD as it will only perform an Optimization(forced TRIM for the most part and this happens fast).
Strange thing is as soon as i swapped my card reader to the other computer(via usb switch), It stopped and went to normal.
I did notice I had a HUGE search index it was nearly 4 gigabytes(vs under one for all my other systems). The search performance was still VERY good.
The page file shrink should not be too hard, I am not on 8 as we speak so I will try my best.
Press Start -> type "advanced" (swap to settings from apps)
You should see something like View Advanced System Settings. Select it
Now you will be in the System Properties Window on the Advanced tab
Under performance hit Settings then select the Advanced tab in the new window that pops up.
You will see a section called Virtual Memory, select Change
Place a radio button next to Custom size and set the size you want(setting min/max the same reduces fragmentation on hard drives, but is still the preferred method anyway.).
1024 = 1gigabyte. I personally am using 4096(4 gigabytes), but each user has a preference and some even remove it all together. My size may actually be more then needed for a system with 16gigabytes of memory, but at least it is not going to run out.
Other info. Win8 does not actually shut down with the normal shutdown command. It actually logs off then hibernates. So now and then using the restart option may help freshen things up if it is feeling slow.
I actually disabled the fast boot option because the hibernate file was very large(and the SSD I have 8 on is very small).
EDIt. you never have to worry about Win8 defragging the SSD as it will only perform an Optimization(forced TRIM for the most part and this happens fast).
False hope \as after a couple of hours light use it has frozen again with the disk activity back at 100%
Just had IE10 open and Office 365 programs, Outlook and Excel.
Avast would have been running, but I think the problems have only been around since I loaded Office 365 on 10th.
I just restarted the machine which installed the latest Windows update that had downloaded, but it did not clear the problem.
Guess will have another look tomorrow.
Just had IE10 open and Office 365 programs, Outlook and Excel.
Avast would have been running, but I think the problems have only been around since I loaded Office 365 on 10th.
I just restarted the machine which installed the latest Windows update that had downloaded, but it did not clear the problem.
Guess will have another look tomorrow.
kalten
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Why are you using Avast in Windows 8?
Office 365 is not something I've used on my machine yet. I do have teh preview version of 2013 though, and that is excellent (imho).
Are you in a position to uninstall O365? If so I'd try that next so that you can rule it either out, or fix the issue - If it is O365 we can then look for more infomation on what it might be doing.
The guide I linked is good, but take everything in it with a pinch of salt..you need to understand why he is doing what he is in it.
I found that by having a SSD for my boot drive and moving my user files to a normal HD, then stopping the indexing on the SSD, that my drive operated much better.
I did not change the swap file settings as I beleive that it is not needed to be changed, and gives some people more trouble than it gives them a boost.
See how you go with the above.
Office 365 is not something I've used on my machine yet. I do have teh preview version of 2013 though, and that is excellent (imho).
Are you in a position to uninstall O365? If so I'd try that next so that you can rule it either out, or fix the issue - If it is O365 we can then look for more infomation on what it might be doing.
The guide I linked is good, but take everything in it with a pinch of salt..you need to understand why he is doing what he is in it.
I found that by having a SSD for my boot drive and moving my user files to a normal HD, then stopping the indexing on the SSD, that my drive operated much better.
I did not change the swap file settings as I beleive that it is not needed to be changed, and gives some people more trouble than it gives them a boost.
See how you go with the above.
Hi Kalten, I was quite impressed with Avast (Free version). It found 2 infected files, then prompted me to close down the PC and it performed another scan before Windows opened up. Security Essentials had let them slip through so feel safer with Avast.
I am inclined to think I will be best to uninstall Office 365 and put it on again, I am still considering doing a complete clean install of Windows as I have just received my windows 8 DVD, so at least I got some value out of the extra cost. I would not be able to do that for another 10days or so which means I probably will not reinstall 365 now, as not sure if it counts as one of my 5 installs. I had problems on my desktop W8 install with installing the Canon MG8150 Printer driver and the one attempt I did on this laptop was unsuccessful. Microsoft support ended up reloading W8 as a clean install on my desktop (impressed by the support) and the driver problem disappeared, so I am mindful that perhaps a clean install may be the better solution.
I will know to disable indexing form the outset.
Nedal0
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I would advice you make sure there are auto Scans scheduled on Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials. If nothing changes, you will have to uninstall Office 365 and Avast then see if the issue is still there.
These things only happen when some sort of a scan is scheduled.
These things only happen when some sort of a scan is scheduled.
kalten
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Fair play on the AV....different AVs catch different virus/trojans in different ways...I've had no trouble with the MS solution, but if you have had issues that MS didnt' catch it's best to boost your efficiency! 
I think you may well be right...a clean boot of your system seems in order.
Follow the guide I linked, make sure you are comfortable with the apps and drivers you have.
I'd also look into the O365 5 install thing...I think that is a concurrent thing, it certainly is for my 2013 preview, which has the same 5 install thing going on! If that made sense!
Keep me posted on how you are doing. I always like to see that people get over the issues that have plagued them!
I think you may well be right...a clean boot of your system seems in order.
Follow the guide I linked, make sure you are comfortable with the apps and drivers you have.
I'd also look into the O365 5 install thing...I think that is a concurrent thing, it certainly is for my 2013 preview, which has the same 5 install thing going on! If that made sense!
Keep me posted on how you are doing. I always like to see that people get over the issues that have plagued them!
HI !
I'm getting the exact same problem ! I've got the same SSD (Crucial V4 256 Go), windows 8 as well, and the symptoms you're describing.
Tried many things like you did (disabling indexing ...) but no solution found.
So I'll keep following your thread, please come and tell us if you find something, I'll do the same if I happen to find something
I'm getting the exact same problem ! I've got the same SSD (Crucial V4 256 Go), windows 8 as well, and the symptoms you're describing.
Tried many things like you did (disabling indexing ...) but no solution found.
So I'll keep following your thread, please come and tell us if you find something, I'll do the same if I happen to find something
kalten
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hmmmm...both of you have the same drive, with the same issue.
I don't think any of my previous comments are going to cut it if this is the case!
We could well be looking at a firmware incompatability here, but that's an extreme reaction to your symptoms.
First things first...check Crucial for firmware updates for your drives.
I found this: http://forum.crucial.com/t5/Solid-State-Drives-SSD/READ-ME-FIRST-SSD-Guides-and-FAQs-updated-12-16-09/td-p/7056
Give it a read - some good stuff on there that might just lead you to the truth here!
Let me know how you get on guys.
I don't think any of my previous comments are going to cut it if this is the case!
We could well be looking at a firmware incompatability here, but that's an extreme reaction to your symptoms.
First things first...check Crucial for firmware updates for your drives.
I found this: http://forum.crucial.com/t5/Solid-State-Drives-SSD/READ-ME-FIRST-SSD-Guides-and-FAQs-updated-12-16-09/td-p/7056
Give it a read - some good stuff on there that might just lead you to the truth here!
Let me know how you get on guys.
kalten
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Oh...and this for the firmware upodates (though don't skip reading up on the other link...some good information and links there for you!)
http://www.crucial.com/support/firmware.aspx
http://www.crucial.com/support/firmware.aspx
Some topic on crucial forums are talking about possible hardware incompatibilities with the Crucial V4. none of this has been confirmed by crucial but it seems to be the only possibility left.
Thanks for the links you provided. It seems that there is no firmware update available for the V4 ... I'm currently trying with my reseller to get my drive exchanged for another model ... but I'll keep searching for a miracle
Thanks for the links you provided. It seems that there is no firmware update available for the V4 ... I'm currently trying with my reseller to get my drive exchanged for another model ... but I'll keep searching for a miracle
Some topic on crucial forums are talking about possible hardware incompatibilities with the Crucial V4. none of this has been confirmed by crucial but it seems to be the only possibility left.
Thanks for the links you provided. It seems that there is no firmware update available for the V4 ... I'm currently trying with my reseller to get my drive exchanged for another model ... but I'll keep searching for a miracle
Thanks for the links you provided. It seems that there is no firmware update available for the V4 ... I'm currently trying with my reseller to get my drive exchanged for another model ... but I'll keep searching for a miracle
I am still seeing 100% activity but not all the time. I have not found the firmware update yet for my Crucial CT256V4SSD2 256GB v4 SATA 3Gb/s (SATA II) 2.5-inch Internal SSD but still had it in mind to do a full clean install of Windows 8 when I come back home next week. I guess that would be a good time to look at the firmware but I am a little lost as what to do in that respect and was hoping the problem would go away before it came to that.
Hi,
I had my Crucial V4 returned and bought a Vertex 4 instead.
All works just fine now. So no solution for the initial problem, but a hardware incompatibiliy or could be the explanation as the SSD is the only thing I changed.
I wish you good luck solving your problem, but strongly advise to contact your reseller and see if this kind of deal can be done. Mine was very comprehensive when I explained all the research done and showed them other people having the same problem with this model
I had my Crucial V4 returned and bought a Vertex 4 instead.
All works just fine now. So no solution for the initial problem, but a hardware incompatibiliy or could be the explanation as the SSD is the only thing I changed.
I wish you good luck solving your problem, but strongly advise to contact your reseller and see if this kind of deal can be done. Mine was very comprehensive when I explained all the research done and showed them other people having the same problem with this model
kalten
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Tontonmox...glad to hear you got sorted....the Vertex 4 is a great SSD, I am personally looking at getting hold of a Vector...but cost is the main issue I have with that lol!
Stringc...I would highly recommend what Tontonmax has done as a solution. I would say that you are indeed looking at a compatibility issue and unless Crucial announce that they have acknowledged this and are wokring on a solution you may well end up 'bricking' your SSD in the not too distant furture.
Let us know how you get on as I am interested to know how you get on in terms of a replacement.
Tontonmox....what supplier did you use...they seem worthy of a mention for Customer Support, if nothing else!
Stringc...I would highly recommend what Tontonmax has done as a solution. I would say that you are indeed looking at a compatibility issue and unless Crucial announce that they have acknowledged this and are wokring on a solution you may well end up 'bricking' your SSD in the not too distant furture.
Let us know how you get on as I am interested to know how you get on in terms of a replacement.
Tontonmox....what supplier did you use...they seem worthy of a mention for Customer Support, if nothing else!
My problem with the V4 is solved. Crucial let me rma it for a M4 which was good of them as I bought it from Amazon, so I have ended up with a Crucial M4256 for £104 which I feel is a good buy, though I could have done without all the problems faced with the V4 with the 100% disk activity.
To date the M4 seems to be acting fine plus if I buy a new laptop it will work faster under Sata 3.
To date the M4 seems to be acting fine plus if I buy a new laptop it will work faster under Sata 3.
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