BleepingComputer.com: CPU usage is normal but HDD light stays on

Hello, I have windows XP. my comp is about 5 years old now. Recently I have downloaded skype and comcast's free norton antivirus. Those two things are the only new things downloaded to my comp in probably half a year. The problem just arrived late february. The HDD light stays on constantly even when the comp is not in use. I have done a check disk scan and well as fixed registry errors using Norton. It seems to have given me some relief. I can now be on the comp probably around an hour or so inbetween massive slugness. Please help

Boot to safe mode. Do you have the same problem?

how to do safe mode?

Reboot. As soon as the system starts booting begin tapping the F8 (function) key continuously. This will take you to the advanced boot options screen. Choose safe mode.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/
Booting to Safe mode explained, from B / C Tutorials -
Use this method if you can -
Windows XP
Using the F8 Method:

• Restart your computer.
• When the machine first starts again it will generally list some equipment that is installed in your machine, amount of memory, hard drives installed etc. At this point you should gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a Windows XP Advanced Options menu.
• Select the option for Safe Mode using the arrow keys.
• Then press enter on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.
• Do whatever tasks you require and when you are done reboot to boot back into normal mode.

This post has been edited by noknojon: 19 March 2011 - 09:32 PM

When in safe mode I do not have the same problem. The comps hdd light acts normal.

Open msconfig and on the General tab choose "selective startup" (disable everything from loading) and reboot. Does the problem still occur? If not, start adding items back to msconfig one or two at a time, rebooting after each change, until the problem reappears and you'll have identified the offending process. This is clearly a time consuming process, but it is the best way to determine if some process loading with the system is the cause of your problem.

If this method doesn't work, look in Task Manager to see if anything is scheduled to run in the background. Also check your av to see if it is set to run scans in the background. Also, you can open task manager to the processes tab, sort on the cpu column, and see if anything is using the cpu when the hd is active.

Last, if the problem still exists you should post in the Am I Infected forum on this site.

is this everything including microsoft office items???

Ok, there are 4 things listed under selective startup. I should uncheck all 4?

hello?

YES

the light stay on almost constantly with the systems services now checked.

I don't understand. In a FULL selective startup (NOTHING loading with the system) - all items UNchecked - what happens? Your posts are confusing.

My Bad. I am sorry. With everything unchecked, the comp runs fine. The problem i was experiencing was gone. The hdd light only flickered on small occasions which is what I am used to it doing

Okay. Then as suggested above, start adding items back one at a time, rebooting after each change, until the problem recurs.