Ever Wonder why your Hard Drive Spins-Up randomly?
Try Disabling Vista Indexing Option.
Windows Vista has a service called Indexing, where it keeps track of the files on your computer and stores information about the files, including the file name, date modified, and properties like author, tags, and rating. When your hard drive spins up unexpectedly, it's the Indexer checking for new files. If you use the 'Windows Search' feature then it's helpful. Instead of looking through your entire hard disk for a file, Vista scans the index, allowing results to appear in a small fraction of the time that a search without the index would take. If you don't use the search feature, then it can be annoying. Don't confuse the 'Windows Search' with your 'Internet Browser Search'.
Windows Search, Searches your computer. Browser Searches, Search the Internet.
How do you know if you're using the 'Search' function? If you don't know, than more than likely, you're not using it.
How to Disable the Index
Solution #1:
Navigate to Start -> Computer -> under Hard Disk Drives you should see your hard drive, usually labeled Local Disk C:, if you have more than one hard disk, it will also be listed here.
Right Click Local Disk C: -> then navigate the menu to Properties.
The Properties window shows detailed information about your Drive. In the center of the window you will also see a Pie Chart of Used/Free Space on your disk.
Below the pie chart there are two check boxes, by default -> 'Index this drive for faster searching' is checked.
Uncheck it. Click Apply/OK for the changes to take effect.
Problem solved.
Note: Do Not check 'Compress this drive to save disk space'. This function is for extra hard disks, but never for your primary C:, or main drive.
Solution #2:
Navigate to Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services
Scroll Down to Windows Search. Double Click 'Windows Search'. In the new window you will see several options:
Navigate to Service Status ( 3/4 down the page)
You have the options [Start] [Stop] [Pause] [Resume]
Click 'Stop' to Stop the Service.
To prevent Windows from starting the service automatically, Navigate to StartUp Type (Mid-Page). In the dropdown box, choose Disable.
Click Apply for the changes to take effect, and your finished.
The Next time you start your computer, your Indexing Service should be disabled.
Don't be concerned if you disable Vista Indexing. If, by rare chance you do use the Search Function on your hard drive, it will just take long for Vista to find the file.
Of course if you change your mind you may always navigate back and enable the Indexer.
