After reading some XP tweaks, I set Indexing to Manual in Computer Management > Services.

Is there any need to also go to System Drive properties and uncheck, "Allow Indexing service to index this disk for fast searching?"

I did uncheck it, and it started accessing files and changing attribs. I stopped it, figuring as long as the files were already indexed, it was okay to leave it that way, and I left it unchecked. Was that an accurate guess?

I disabled it straight after installing windows. In my opinion its just a resource hog, not very efficient indexing. It seems to be constantly all files over and over although I have a lot of file activity on my computer.

One tip for services though, look down the list and change anything that is automatic and stopped to manual. Just so things aren't starting up when they don't need to.

after unchecking, then ignore all and let it finish changing attributes

searches have been fine with it off

Did you uncheck the box on your drive properties too?

Ah, thanks. I was typing this as you answered Chewy.

I forgot that step myself. So thanks for the reminder.