XP Pro slow when accesing HD

J

Jaffo

Hi all,

I've had a look through some messages and site to no avail and was hoping to
find help here. My problem is with XP Pro, running on the following specs:

Athlon XP2000
1GB RAM
120GB and 80GB HD's
XP Pro up to date with patches/drivers

The problem I'm having appears to be whenever the HD's are being used, the
system becomes very slow. If I transfer a large file from my laptop, or
write a DVD's worth of data, it's taking MUCH longer to do than it was a few
weeks ago. When transferring files over 100LAN, where previously I could
hear the HD spin up to a constant level of noise, there are now distinct
pauses as the file moves across and moving the mouse about sees the cursor
stutter. Previously, it would be smooth and I could carry on using other
apps without noticeable affect on performance.

The same sort of thing happens when I convert DVDs or write them. I used to
be able to leave CloneDVD running while I checked email or whatever but now
the whole system crawls so I have to leave it to do it's ripping/writing.
This is also much slower than before, where it used to take 15/20 mins to
convert or write a DVD it now can take well over an hour.

I've looked through stuff I've installed recently but I can't really spot
anything; the only thing I thought was the latest VIA drivers but I think
the problem had started before I put them on. I'm thinking it may be
something to do with the HD controller?!? Anyway, I'll probably end up doing
a repair install of XP but it was a chore last time so will leave it a day
or two in the hope someone may know what the problem is.

TIA for your help

Jaf
 
J

Jaffo

It looks like the second HD (that I use for ripping and doing DVDs etc) was
defaulting to PIO instead of DMA mode. Had to change the driver for the
primary IDE channel to a standard driver as I couldn't switch it back to DMA
mode with the installed driver. Appears to be working ok now, just writing a
DVD at proper speed whilst typing this.

Hope this helps any others with same probs!
 

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