Physical Disk Overload

Hello Geeks,

I am having a problem with and overload of disk usage. I open the Task Manager and view the standard stuff CPU/ Memory/ Disk/ Network. I created an image showing the usage of the Disk. I also have a image of the spec. of my computer.If you have anymore questions let me know.

 

Details like computer specs are always needed.

The Task Manager image - click the little arrow left of the top Network Service that's showing 19.2MB/s, what's hiding under there?

 

Here is the Image you asked for... Also it is a issue that spikes and then drops down to normal usage if that helps any. Do you need any more system information?

 

Let's wait until you have the all clear from the malware team, eh?

 

I was clean. I just haven't done the READ&RUN ME for awhile so I figured I do one just in case there was a infection deep in the system. I didn't think I had one I use one real-time AV and two scan/remove only AV which is effective but you can't be too careful.

 

Good to know you're clear, the logs collected are also helpful to get a feel for what might be impacting your drive I/O.

I just had a very quick look at the logs, IntelRST (Rapid Storage Technology) isn't required for your drive setup, it's only needed for RAID or HDD w/ SSD caching, uninstall it. I think the similar applies to Smart Connect but that shouldn't impact drive I/O.

WD Drive Manager might be having an impact, Stop the Service and check (Services.msc). When you reconnect your WD external, this may be required to be restarted before connection.

SmartDefrag was running during log collection, disable it from startup (it's really not needed unless you are very short on free space, Manually running it monthly or less would be better and I've seen defrag tools causing BSODs at Boot time). You have ~40% free space, resetting the Optimize drives Service to auto would be my option.

Uninstall/disable all the Dell bloatware + any software you don't use/need that isn't vital to Windows, the notebook hardware and security.

Try to take enough time to run comparison checks after each disable/uninstall, you might be able to pinpoint those that have the biggest impact.

Don't forget to make regular manual System Restore points before making any changes that you think might be out of the ordinary.

 

So anything that says Dell on it I should delete/uninstall? I attached an image on what the Dell software that is installed.

 

The top one you should not uninstall - if you haven't done so already, grab a bunch of new DVD blanks and burn the Recovery Disc set - once you have those safe, they can be used to reinstall Windows as it was when it left the factory.

The bottom 4, as far as I can tell, are safe to uninstall.

The remaining 3, I'm not sure about - anyone reading with recent Dell experience have any comments to make on these?

 

Isn't there a way to do a backup without discs? I have a 6TB external and a 1TB external. The 6TB is the one that sits in a drawer and the 1TB is the one that gets used more frequently. Also I am doing a Windows Update to see if that could be a possibility for Disk Usage.

 

Sure, you can use a backup and restore system/software - but if the data is already bugged... Better to have a fallback as well.

 

So how would I create a factory restore point if I already have data on the HDD? I started the Dell Backup and Recovery but there was issues doing it.

 

What was the failure error when you tried to create the Restore disc set?

 

I going to check tonight and Snip the error but I was trying to do the backup onto my 1TB external. There is data on it but like 600GB free space. Also is this a factory partition for a backup? Attached

 

So I tried to do a System Restore Point but I got this Message. 1st. Attachment. I also tried to do a Factory Backup With Dell Backup and Recovery Software and I got this message. 2nd. Attachment.

 

Dell will send out ONE set of Recovery Media per PC at no cost to the purchaser, even after the one year warranty has expired.

As far as the Dell Software, you don't necessarily need any of it. You can't create the same image the Dell software would using Windows to create an image. The Dell software will want DVDs or a USB drive, not an external drive. If you enter your Service Tag at the Support screen on Dell's website, you can manage your own driver updates should you desire and you wouldn't need the Dell Update software either.

Looking at the hardware specs, this machine is no slouch.

Can we get a Speccy report? And a list of installed programs?

Is this the original HDD, or have you upgraded?

 

Here are the programs don't know a better way of obtaining the list. And yes this is the original HDD. Could fit the spec. report on this post.

 

Here is the spec. Report. Thanks for all the help. Also what program can create a factory image with out all the stuff I've added because all the data files, documents, pictures, etc. I do regular uploads to my external. I just want the basics it came with and with the Windows 8.1 Product Key intact. Because I know that when you do a full wipe it gets rid of the product key and pre-installed versions can't be activated again.

 

One thing I do see is A LOT of programs. The one red flag is that AVG and SuperAntiSpyware are both installed and if I'm not mistaken both are real time protection suites.

Have you tried running only the AVG to see if it alleviates the issue?

Normally it is not recommended that you run two A/V suites at the same time.


As far as your license key goes, it's stored in the BIOS similar to the old SLP keys in the XP/Vista days. A Windows 8.1 retail disc will recognize the key embedded in the BIOS and will not ask for a key at installation. I just did a clean install on a Dell which came with Windows 8 that had a dead HDD the other day.

As far as Recovery Discs, they are not the same as a backup system image. The original Dell software will create the former, and Windows the latter.

 

The Super AntiSpyware is just a Standalone scanner (Free Edition), it isn't a real-time AV. AVG is the real-time one.

 

When you go into task manager, can you note any processes which are using an inordinate amount of system resources when there is a spike in usage?

 

Usually it is the System Service an Service Host: Local System (Network Restricted) 8,7 mainly those one but sometimes other ones and when I run any program the Usage jumps to 99-100%. Sometimes AVG Scanning Core Module: Server Part jumps up.

 

How many programs are running at startup, and in the background?

There may be processes that invited themselves to run which you don't really need. Have you checked msconfig?

 

Here are all the programs/services that are running I can also get you an image of the startup list in CCleaner.

 

Other than Bonjour and Cyberlink I don't see anything which invited itself in.

This is Windows 8, and I have seen quirky things with it. You could try stopping both Bonjour and Cyberlink from running in the background. Also, have you performed an sfc scan from an administrative command prompt?

 

Here are the sfc/scannow logs. It did find some corrupted files but was unable to fix them.