Solid hdd light, disk 100% highest active time, very slow

[pirates712]

No the hdd did not spin down

It only works when on high performance and plugged in, if it's not plugged in or if I change the plan that's when I get issues.

 

[writhziden]

Can you upload your msinfo32.nfo file? To get this: Start Menu -> Type msinfo32 into the Search programs and files box -> When it opens, go to File, Save -> Save as msinfo32.nfo and save in a place you will remember -> Let it finish the process of gathering and saving the system info -> Right click the .nfo file, click send to compressed (zipped) folder -> Upload the .zip file here.

 

[pirates712]

Done

 

[writhziden]

Problem Devices:

Photosmart Premium C309g-m	ROOT\MULTIFUNCTION\0000	This device is disabled.
Photosmart C7200 series	ROOT\MULTIFUNCTION\0001	This device is disabled.
Photosmart Premium C309g-m	ROOT\IMAGE\0000	This device is disabled.
[COLOR="Red"][B]Base System Device	PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2382&SUBSYS_361B103C&REV_00\4&20EB178D&0&01E4	This device is disabled.
Base System Device	PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2383&SUBSYS_361B103C&REV_00\4&20EB178D&0&03E4	This device is disabled.
Base System Device	PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2384&SUBSYS_361B103C&REV_00\4&20EB178D&0&04E4	This device is disabled.[/B][/COLOR]

The disabled base system devices appear to be hard disk controller devices... I would think this could be detrimental to how the hard disk operates in Windows. Was this intentional?

 

[pirates712]

Sorta kinda, they were coming up as the little yellow triangles and windows said it couldn't find drivers for them.

 

[gregrocker]

Looks like J Micron JMB38X SD/MMC Host Controller, probably for SD or Memory cards. The Vista driver is here: Download HP JMB38X MS,SD,SD/MMC,xD Host Controller Driver 1.00.17.07 Rev.B Driver for Windows XP / Windows Vista - Softpedia

Once it's installed Windows update may have a newer driver for it. It tends to give SD and MMC's a low priority in installer and initial Windows Updates.

Hardware Identification

 

[pirates712]

I installed the driver and now the devices are installed, but I still have the HDD light issue. If you really think a super-clean installation will solve the issue I can try it once I'm done with finals, but I need my laptop for the next couple of weeks.

 

[writhziden]

A super clean install will likely resolve the problems. Let us know when you have a chance to do so.

I am a student, so I understand the need to wait. Work at whatever pace necessary for you to still have access to your computer.

 

[pirates712]

Just to make sure before I do this, there aren't any super-mega-advanced power settings that I could try fiddling with?

 

[writhziden]

If memory serves, you already tried all the known power configuration changes for hard disks. I do not believe there are any left to try.

 

[pirates712]

Alright, I read through the tutorial for a clean install and I'm pretty sure that's what I did the last time. However, I know the installer doesn't do a complete format of the drive, so I think I'll hook it up to my desktop and do a super-format to make sure the entire disk is clean. Anyone have any software suggestions for doing this? After that I'll put the drive back in my laptop and try installing windows again. If it still doesn't work after installing all the drivers and everything I'll just dual boot with some version of linux just so I can use my laptop when it isn't plugged in. I'm assuming that in that case it's most likely a hardware problem that linux doesn't care about, and the inconvenience of using linux is better than buying a new laptop.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Alright, I read through the tutorial for a clean install and I'm pretty sure that's what I did the last time. However, I know the installer doesn't do a complete format of the drive, so I think I'll hook it up to my desktop and do a super-format to make sure the entire disk is clean. Anyone have any software suggestions for doing this?

Simply deleting all partitions should be enough. The installer will then automatically format as necessary.

If you nonetheless want to "wipe the drive", you can use the "clean" command within Diskpart.

You get to diskpart by hitting Shift F10 early in the installation when you are asked about your language choice. That drops you into a prompt where you type "diskpart".

But I wouldn't bother with diskpart unless the standard "delete all partitions" did not work for you.

 

[pirates712]

I know that the last time I tried installing windows was to simply delete the partition, so I feel like just doing that again would result in the same issue. Is it possible that something in the mbr section of the hard drive isn't getting wiped properly by doing this? I find it so strange that everything works perfectly until the laptop is on battery power or on any power plan other than high performance. I wish I knew why it does that.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I know that the last time I tried installing windows was to simply delete the partition, so I feel like just doing that again would result in the same issue. Is it possible that something in the mbr section of the hard drive isn't getting wiped properly by doing this? I find it so strange that everything works perfectly until the laptop is on battery power or on any power plan other than high performance. I wish I knew why it does that.

If you are concerned about something not being wiped, then use "clean" in Diskpart.

If you are even more worried, use "clean all" in Diskpart. That will take several hours.

I have no idea if either will solve your problems.

 

[pirates712]

Well, I know windows worked on this computer once upon a time, so it can't be a hardware compatibility issue. I also know it has the same problem with two different hard drives, including a brand new one so a hard disk problem is unlikely. The only other thing I can think of is something with the actual controller on the motherboard... but then again multiple versions of linux work perfectly so idk.

 

[gregrocker]

SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

 

[pirates712]

I wiped the disk using "clean all" and still the problem persists upon re installation. Well, I never actually made it to the desktop, I had to force shut down, boot into safe mode, and change the power plan to "high performance".

 

[gregrocker]

Try moving the HD to another computer to install plugged in by itself, then SysPrep to move HD to another computer before moving it back to problem machine. It might even start up without SysPrep.