Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsive
 

My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up to the
desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other startup
programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming responsive.
You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very very slow.
Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!

All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red Scorpion,
great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu problem as a
dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation did say the
Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked for
consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN Journals or
something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow, but
diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved otherwise. I
can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i played a
movie clip and opened up some documents).

Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and then
rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on Google). I haven't
tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally although as
mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.

Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't work (it
says no boot problems detected).

1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on what to
look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if it's
recommended.

2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to another drive
from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40 minutes and then
hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no permission to access
the folder.

Thanks



System specs:

c2d E6600
4 GB RAM
DFI P965-S dark
8800GTX

Re: Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsive
 

It seems to be a SATA cable problem. Other OS than Vista works fine, but
Vista needs a high quality ones because its way of work with disks. The best
ones are those that has a metalical slip to press into the HD and mobo
connector, but they are difficult to find.

I cannot undertand why, but after about 100 Vista cold boots, you need to
change the SATA wires. Perhaps for hot/cold changes, but this issue is
present only with Vista and more freq. with Vista x64...

I think is a concatenated problem: a bad hardware designer that designed
very bad connectors. Bad mfrs. that make no quality cables and bad Vista. My
Vista says defective sectors, looses operating system files and if computer
unexpected shuts down, at least with 50% of freq you need to reinstall Vista
due disk problems. I've turned back to XP x64 and it does not present any of
the issues in same computer: Aus P5E (Intel X38 chipset), 4 GB RAM, Q4660
and a bunch of hard disks that does not shows any errors in XP x64, XP 32
bit, linux (gentoo and ubuntu), but it does in Vista. And it works abut 20%
faster. Visual Studio loads in less than 1 second and with Vista needs about
10.
--
Microsoft Visual C++ MVP
========================
Mi blog sobre programación: http://geeks.ms/blogs/rfog
Mi blog sobre literatura: http://rfog.blogsome.com
Libros, ciencia ficción y programación
========================================
Nada es tan inevitable como un error cuyo tiempo se ha cumplido.
-- Ley de Tussman.

"Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4310851B-8416-420D-820A-975CC87DFF9C@microsoft.com...
> My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up to the
> desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other startup
> programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming
> responsive.
> You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very very
> slow.
> Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!
>
> All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red Scorpion,
> great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu problem as a
> dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation did say the
> Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked for
> consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN Journals
> or
> something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow, but
> diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved otherwise.
> I
> can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i played a
> movie clip and opened up some documents).
>
> Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and then
> rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on Google). I
> haven't
> tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally although
> as
> mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.
>
> Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't work (it
> says no boot problems detected).
>
> 1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on what to
> look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if it's
> recommended.
>
> 2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to another
> drive
> from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40 minutes and
> then
> hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no permission to
> access
> the folder.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> System specs:
>
> c2d E6600
> 4 GB RAM
> DFI P965-S dark
> 8800GTX
>

Re: Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsive
 

Do note that SATA is an IDE extension, but the BIOS will configure the IDE
drives before SATA drives on many systems, unless you enter BIOS setup and
make some changes as to what drive is the first/second - as well as what
drive has the boot priority. You may have to experiment, but read through
your Motherboard Manual and see if it has something to say about these
priorities. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to disable the IDE drive
manually or tweak the setup with the Vista Boot Manager(s).

The cables are an option too, of course, but if you can access the drive
from XP without trouble I'd guess they are more or less allright.

I understand that this is a Dual-Boot machine now. May I ask in what order
you installed the two systems?


Tony. . .



"Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4310851B-8416-420D-820A-975CC87DFF9C@microsoft.com...
> My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up to the
> desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other startup
> programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming
responsive.
> You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very very
slow.
> Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!
>
> All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red Scorpion,
> great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu problem as a
> dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation did say the
> Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked for
> consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN Journals
or
> something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow, but
> diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved otherwise.
I
> can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i played a
> movie clip and opened up some documents).
>
> Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and then
> rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on Google). I
haven't
> tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally although
as
> mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.
>
> Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't work (it
> says no boot problems detected).
>
> 1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on what to
> look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if it's
> recommended.
>
> 2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to another
drive
> from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40 minutes and
then
> hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no permission to
access
> the folder.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> System specs:
>
> c2d E6600
> 4 GB RAM
> DFI P965-S dark
> 8800GTX
>

Re: Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsi
 

I'll give the cables a try, and honestly speaking wish this was the case.
Saves me a couple of hours of re-installing.

The installation order was:

1. Vista on Seagate 320GB Sata. The WD 80GB IDE was plugged out (power and
IDe cable). So the Vista installer saw only 1 disk.
2. Install XP with the SATA plugged out. XP also sees only 1 disk.

This way, the OS'es don't mess with each other's boot manager. All i need to
boot from either is to press Escape during bootup (a motherboard feature) and
pick which HDD/OS I want to. Been working since alpha releases of Vista.

Normal boot sequence will see Vista/SATA boot up, as I've set the SATA drive
to be the 1st HDD device to boot.

"Tony Sperling" wrote:

> Do note that SATA is an IDE extension, but the BIOS will configure the IDE
> drives before SATA drives on many systems, unless you enter BIOS setup and
> make some changes as to what drive is the first/second - as well as what
> drive has the boot priority. You may have to experiment, but read through
> your Motherboard Manual and see if it has something to say about these
> priorities. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to disable the IDE drive
> manually or tweak the setup with the Vista Boot Manager(s).
>
> The cables are an option too, of course, but if you can access the drive
> from XP without trouble I'd guess they are more or less allright.
>
> I understand that this is a Dual-Boot machine now. May I ask in what order
> you installed the two systems?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
> "Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4310851B-8416-420D-820A-975CC87DFF9C@microsoft.com...
> > My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up to the
> > desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other startup
> > programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming
> responsive.
> > You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very very
> slow.
> > Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!
> >
> > All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red Scorpion,
> > great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu problem as a
> > dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation did say the
> > Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked for
> > consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN Journals
> or
> > something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow, but
> > diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved otherwise.
> I
> > can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i played a
> > movie clip and opened up some documents).
> >
> > Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and then
> > rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on Google). I
> haven't
> > tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally although
> as
> > mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.
> >
> > Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't work (it
> > says no boot problems detected).
> >
> > 1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on what to
> > look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if it's
> > recommended.
> >
> > 2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to another
> drive
> > from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40 minutes and
> then
> > hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no permission to
> access
> > the folder.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> >
> > System specs:
> >
> > c2d E6600
> > 4 GB RAM
> > DFI P965-S dark
> > 8800GTX
> >
>
>
>

Re: Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsi
 

Thank you all !

It's a combination of bad connection and/or cable coz after a couple of
re-connections (to different SATA ports on my motherboard) and change of SATA
cables, Vista is working again. The SATA drive is currently hooked on the
same SATA port, but different cable (though I think the previous cable should
work now).

I am however experiencing missing system links (such as Windows defender
initially not working because it "couldn't find the system path"; i solved it
by registering the .dll's again). Some start menu items are also missing,
like Administrative tools, Windows Update etc. I managed to restore the
Administrative tools link, but not the other Start menu items. I have a
feeling the USN Journal repair by the XP boot has something to do with this.

Any way to restore my User profile/links/settings ?

"Emranius" wrote:

> I'll give the cables a try, and honestly speaking wish this was the case.
> Saves me a couple of hours of re-installing.
>
> The installation order was:
>
> 1. Vista on Seagate 320GB Sata. The WD 80GB IDE was plugged out (power and
> IDe cable). So the Vista installer saw only 1 disk.
> 2. Install XP with the SATA plugged out. XP also sees only 1 disk.
>
> This way, the OS'es don't mess with each other's boot manager. All i need to
> boot from either is to press Escape during bootup (a motherboard feature) and
> pick which HDD/OS I want to. Been working since alpha releases of Vista.
>
> Normal boot sequence will see Vista/SATA boot up, as I've set the SATA drive
> to be the 1st HDD device to boot.
>
> "Tony Sperling" wrote:
>
> > Do note that SATA is an IDE extension, but the BIOS will configure the IDE
> > drives before SATA drives on many systems, unless you enter BIOS setup and
> > make some changes as to what drive is the first/second - as well as what
> > drive has the boot priority. You may have to experiment, but read through
> > your Motherboard Manual and see if it has something to say about these
> > priorities. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to disable the IDE drive
> > manually or tweak the setup with the Vista Boot Manager(s).
> >
> > The cables are an option too, of course, but if you can access the drive
> > from XP without trouble I'd guess they are more or less allright.
> >
> > I understand that this is a Dual-Boot machine now. May I ask in what order
> > you installed the two systems?
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
> > "Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:4310851B-8416-420D-820A-975CC87DFF9C@microsoft.com...
> > > My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up to the
> > > desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other startup
> > > programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming
> > responsive.
> > > You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very very
> > slow.
> > > Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!
> > >
> > > All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red Scorpion,
> > > great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu problem as a
> > > dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation did say the
> > > Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked for
> > > consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN Journals
> > or
> > > something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow, but
> > > diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved otherwise.
> > I
> > > can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i played a
> > > movie clip and opened up some documents).
> > >
> > > Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and then
> > > rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on Google). I
> > haven't
> > > tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally although
> > as
> > > mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.
> > >
> > > Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't work (it
> > > says no boot problems detected).
> > >
> > > 1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on what to
> > > look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if it's
> > > recommended.
> > >
> > > 2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to another
> > drive
> > > from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40 minutes and
> > then
> > > hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no permission to
> > access
> > > the folder.
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > System specs:
> > >
> > > c2d E6600
> > > 4 GB RAM
> > > DFI P965-S dark
> > > 8800GTX
> > >
> >
> >
> >

Re: Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsi
 

This is good news - errors like these are a troubleshooter's nightmare! Who
knows what could be the root cause? Luckily(?), the SATA cables are an
achille's heel and applying and routing them around the case, may require
twisting the cable to put tension on the connector.

I have one machine that would randomly and irregularly pop out one of the
cables when I walked by the box - and it is not like it's rocking or
anything, when I do, a little twisting solved that one!

Tricky stuff, this!

I am not on Vista myself, so cannot contribute to the start-menu troubles. I
guess you should try and make a system re-store, using the restore points to
an earlier date - or you could make a 'repair-install' which you can get at
by booting off the CD/DVD and choose to install (not repair!) and after
pressing F8 (accepting the EULA) you will have an option to repair any
previous installations that you have, presented to you. This conserves your
personal files and settings (no reason to skip your B/U!), but destroys any
updates you've got from MS so, mount a couple of day's patience while the
system updates, and you're back to normal. Do I recall people complaining
that you may have to 'Activate'? Don't worry, these are just robots, kiss
their boots and be done with it - nobody suspects you of anything illegal.


Tony. . .


"Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:EF4F54D3-65AD-43D6-8199-AA4C7B89958F@microsoft.com...
> Thank you all !
>
> It's a combination of bad connection and/or cable coz after a couple of
> re-connections (to different SATA ports on my motherboard) and change of
SATA
> cables, Vista is working again. The SATA drive is currently hooked on the
> same SATA port, but different cable (though I think the previous cable
should
> work now).
>
> I am however experiencing missing system links (such as Windows defender
> initially not working because it "couldn't find the system path"; i solved
it
> by registering the .dll's again). Some start menu items are also missing,
> like Administrative tools, Windows Update etc. I managed to restore the
> Administrative tools link, but not the other Start menu items. I have a
> feeling the USN Journal repair by the XP boot has something to do with
this.
>
> Any way to restore my User profile/links/settings ?
>
> "Emranius" wrote:
>
> > I'll give the cables a try, and honestly speaking wish this was the
case.
> > Saves me a couple of hours of re-installing.
> >
> > The installation order was:
> >
> > 1. Vista on Seagate 320GB Sata. The WD 80GB IDE was plugged out (power
and
> > IDe cable). So the Vista installer saw only 1 disk.
> > 2. Install XP with the SATA plugged out. XP also sees only 1 disk.
> >
> > This way, the OS'es don't mess with each other's boot manager. All i
need to
> > boot from either is to press Escape during bootup (a motherboard
feature) and
> > pick which HDD/OS I want to. Been working since alpha releases of Vista.
> >
> > Normal boot sequence will see Vista/SATA boot up, as I've set the SATA
drive
> > to be the 1st HDD device to boot.
> >
> > "Tony Sperling" wrote:
> >
> > > Do note that SATA is an IDE extension, but the BIOS will configure the
IDE
> > > drives before SATA drives on many systems, unless you enter BIOS setup
and
> > > make some changes as to what drive is the first/second - as well as
what
> > > drive has the boot priority. You may have to experiment, but read
through
> > > your Motherboard Manual and see if it has something to say about these
> > > priorities. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to disable the IDE
drive
> > > manually or tweak the setup with the Vista Boot Manager(s).
> > >
> > > The cables are an option too, of course, but if you can access the
drive
> > > from XP without trouble I'd guess they are more or less allright.
> > >
> > > I understand that this is a Dual-Boot machine now. May I ask in what
order
> > > you installed the two systems?
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony. . .
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > > news:4310851B-8416-420D-820A-975CC87DFF9C@microsoft.com...
> > > > My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up to
the
> > > > desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other
startup
> > > > programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming
> > > responsive.
> > > > You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very
very
> > > slow.
> > > > Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!
> > > >
> > > > All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red
Scorpion,
> > > > great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu
problem as a
> > > > dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation did
say the
> > > > Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked for
> > > > consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN
Journals
> > > or
> > > > something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow,
but
> > > > diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved
otherwise.
> > > I
> > > > can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i
played a
> > > > movie clip and opened up some documents).
> > > >
> > > > Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and
then
> > > > rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on Google). I
> > > haven't
> > > > tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally
although
> > > as
> > > > mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.
> > > >
> > > > Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't work
(it
> > > > says no boot problems detected).
> > > >
> > > > 1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on
what to
> > > > look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if it's
> > > > recommended.
> > > >
> > > > 2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to
another
> > > drive
> > > > from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40 minutes
and
> > > then
> > > > hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no permission
to
> > > access
> > > > the folder.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > System specs:
> > > >
> > > > c2d E6600
> > > > 4 GB RAM
> > > > DFI P965-S dark
> > > > 8800GTX
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >

Re: Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsi
 

Hi Tony,

Yeah, a repair install would probably solve it, but I weighed that against a
clean install; i.e. if I'm gonna install it again, might as well bite the
bullet and go for a clean system. Until the missing links present a bigger
problem though, I guess I'll just live with it. :)

Re-installing over a previous Vista installation will make your copy
"illegal", due to it it being unactivated. This was cleared by a
MSVP/microsoft employee in another Vista forum I read.

Thanks again for the help and suggestion !

"Tony Sperling" wrote:

> This is good news - errors like these are a troubleshooter's nightmare! Who
> knows what could be the root cause? Luckily(?), the SATA cables are an
> achille's heel and applying and routing them around the case, may require
> twisting the cable to put tension on the connector.
>
> I have one machine that would randomly and irregularly pop out one of the
> cables when I walked by the box - and it is not like it's rocking or
> anything, when I do, a little twisting solved that one!
>
> Tricky stuff, this!
>
> I am not on Vista myself, so cannot contribute to the start-menu troubles. I
> guess you should try and make a system re-store, using the restore points to
> an earlier date - or you could make a 'repair-install' which you can get at
> by booting off the CD/DVD and choose to install (not repair!) and after
> pressing F8 (accepting the EULA) you will have an option to repair any
> previous installations that you have, presented to you. This conserves your
> personal files and settings (no reason to skip your B/U!), but destroys any
> updates you've got from MS so, mount a couple of day's patience while the
> system updates, and you're back to normal. Do I recall people complaining
> that you may have to 'Activate'? Don't worry, these are just robots, kiss
> their boots and be done with it - nobody suspects you of anything illegal.
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
> "Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:EF4F54D3-65AD-43D6-8199-AA4C7B89958F@microsoft.com...
> > Thank you all !
> >
> > It's a combination of bad connection and/or cable coz after a couple of
> > re-connections (to different SATA ports on my motherboard) and change of
> SATA
> > cables, Vista is working again. The SATA drive is currently hooked on the
> > same SATA port, but different cable (though I think the previous cable
> should
> > work now).
> >
> > I am however experiencing missing system links (such as Windows defender
> > initially not working because it "couldn't find the system path"; i solved
> it
> > by registering the .dll's again). Some start menu items are also missing,
> > like Administrative tools, Windows Update etc. I managed to restore the
> > Administrative tools link, but not the other Start menu items. I have a
> > feeling the USN Journal repair by the XP boot has something to do with
> this.
> >
> > Any way to restore my User profile/links/settings ?
> >
> > "Emranius" wrote:
> >
> > > I'll give the cables a try, and honestly speaking wish this was the
> case.
> > > Saves me a couple of hours of re-installing.
> > >
> > > The installation order was:
> > >
> > > 1. Vista on Seagate 320GB Sata. The WD 80GB IDE was plugged out (power
> and
> > > IDe cable). So the Vista installer saw only 1 disk.
> > > 2. Install XP with the SATA plugged out. XP also sees only 1 disk.
> > >
> > > This way, the OS'es don't mess with each other's boot manager. All i
> need to
> > > boot from either is to press Escape during bootup (a motherboard
> feature) and
> > > pick which HDD/OS I want to. Been working since alpha releases of Vista.
> > >
> > > Normal boot sequence will see Vista/SATA boot up, as I've set the SATA
> drive
> > > to be the 1st HDD device to boot.
> > >
> > > "Tony Sperling" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Do note that SATA is an IDE extension, but the BIOS will configure the
> IDE
> > > > drives before SATA drives on many systems, unless you enter BIOS setup
> and
> > > > make some changes as to what drive is the first/second - as well as
> what
> > > > drive has the boot priority. You may have to experiment, but read
> through
> > > > your Motherboard Manual and see if it has something to say about these
> > > > priorities. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to disable the IDE
> drive
> > > > manually or tweak the setup with the Vista Boot Manager(s).
> > > >
> > > > The cables are an option too, of course, but if you can access the
> drive
> > > > from XP without trouble I'd guess they are more or less allright.
> > > >
> > > > I understand that this is a Dual-Boot machine now. May I ask in what
> order
> > > > you installed the two systems?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Tony. . .
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:4310851B-8416-420D-820A-975CC87DFF9C@microsoft.com...
> > > > > My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up to
> the
> > > > > desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other
> startup
> > > > > programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming
> > > > responsive.
> > > > > You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very
> very
> > > > slow.
> > > > > Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!
> > > > >
> > > > > All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red
> Scorpion,
> > > > > great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu
> problem as a
> > > > > dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation did
> say the
> > > > > Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked for
> > > > > consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN
> Journals
> > > > or
> > > > > something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow,
> but
> > > > > diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved
> otherwise.
> > > > I
> > > > > can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i
> played a
> > > > > movie clip and opened up some documents).
> > > > >
> > > > > Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and
> then
> > > > > rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on Google). I
> > > > haven't
> > > > > tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally
> although
> > > > as
> > > > > mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.
> > > > >
> > > > > Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't work
> (it
> > > > > says no boot problems detected).
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on
> what to
> > > > > look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if it's
> > > > > recommended.
> > > > >
> > > > > 2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to
> another
> > > > drive
> > > > > from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40 minutes
> and
> > > > then
> > > > > hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no permission
> to
> > > > access
> > > > > the folder.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > System specs:
> > > > >
> > > > > c2d E6600
> > > > > 4 GB RAM
> > > > > DFI P965-S dark
> > > > > 8800GTX
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
>
>
>

Re: Vista x64 excessive HDD loading at startup @ System unresponsi
 

That does not sound right since activation should not be an issue. I was
advised to perform an in-place upgrade (Vista's version of a repair install)
by a technician in MS Product Support Services and activation had not yet
been done on the system being "repaired." Anyway, activation is not
required, just compliance with the EULA, when installing Windows.

"Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:CBCABCBE-0060-4AAD-8483-F71675BAB4C1@microsoft.com...
> Hi Tony,
>
> Yeah, a repair install would probably solve it, but I weighed that against
> a
> clean install; i.e. if I'm gonna install it again, might as well bite the
> bullet and go for a clean system. Until the missing links present a bigger
> problem though, I guess I'll just live with it. :)
>
> Re-installing over a previous Vista installation will make your copy
> "illegal", due to it it being unactivated. This was cleared by a
> MSVP/microsoft employee in another Vista forum I read.
>
> Thanks again for the help and suggestion !
>
> "Tony Sperling" wrote:
>
>> This is good news - errors like these are a troubleshooter's nightmare!
>> Who
>> knows what could be the root cause? Luckily(?), the SATA cables are an
>> achille's heel and applying and routing them around the case, may require
>> twisting the cable to put tension on the connector.
>>
>> I have one machine that would randomly and irregularly pop out one of the
>> cables when I walked by the box - and it is not like it's rocking or
>> anything, when I do, a little twisting solved that one!
>>
>> Tricky stuff, this!
>>
>> I am not on Vista myself, so cannot contribute to the start-menu
>> troubles. I
>> guess you should try and make a system re-store, using the restore points
>> to
>> an earlier date - or you could make a 'repair-install' which you can get
>> at
>> by booting off the CD/DVD and choose to install (not repair!) and after
>> pressing F8 (accepting the EULA) you will have an option to repair any
>> previous installations that you have, presented to you. This conserves
>> your
>> personal files and settings (no reason to skip your B/U!), but destroys
>> any
>> updates you've got from MS so, mount a couple of day's patience while the
>> system updates, and you're back to normal. Do I recall people complaining
>> that you may have to 'Activate'? Don't worry, these are just robots, kiss
>> their boots and be done with it - nobody suspects you of anything
>> illegal.
>>
>>
>> Tony. . .
>>
>>
>> "Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:EF4F54D3-65AD-43D6-8199-AA4C7B89958F@microsoft.com...
>> > Thank you all !
>> >
>> > It's a combination of bad connection and/or cable coz after a couple of
>> > re-connections (to different SATA ports on my motherboard) and change
>> > of
>> SATA
>> > cables, Vista is working again. The SATA drive is currently hooked on
>> > the
>> > same SATA port, but different cable (though I think the previous cable
>> should
>> > work now).
>> >
>> > I am however experiencing missing system links (such as Windows
>> > defender
>> > initially not working because it "couldn't find the system path"; i
>> > solved
>> it
>> > by registering the .dll's again). Some start menu items are also
>> > missing,
>> > like Administrative tools, Windows Update etc. I managed to restore the
>> > Administrative tools link, but not the other Start menu items. I have a
>> > feeling the USN Journal repair by the XP boot has something to do with
>> this.
>> >
>> > Any way to restore my User profile/links/settings ?
>> >
>> > "Emranius" wrote:
>> >
>> > > I'll give the cables a try, and honestly speaking wish this was the
>> case.
>> > > Saves me a couple of hours of re-installing.
>> > >
>> > > The installation order was:
>> > >
>> > > 1. Vista on Seagate 320GB Sata. The WD 80GB IDE was plugged out
>> > > (power
>> and
>> > > IDe cable). So the Vista installer saw only 1 disk.
>> > > 2. Install XP with the SATA plugged out. XP also sees only 1 disk.
>> > >
>> > > This way, the OS'es don't mess with each other's boot manager. All i
>> need to
>> > > boot from either is to press Escape during bootup (a motherboard
>> feature) and
>> > > pick which HDD/OS I want to. Been working since alpha releases of
>> > > Vista.
>> > >
>> > > Normal boot sequence will see Vista/SATA boot up, as I've set the
>> > > SATA
>> drive
>> > > to be the 1st HDD device to boot.
>> > >
>> > > "Tony Sperling" wrote:
>> > >
>> > > > Do note that SATA is an IDE extension, but the BIOS will configure
>> > > > the
>> IDE
>> > > > drives before SATA drives on many systems, unless you enter BIOS
>> > > > setup
>> and
>> > > > make some changes as to what drive is the first/second - as well as
>> what
>> > > > drive has the boot priority. You may have to experiment, but read
>> through
>> > > > your Motherboard Manual and see if it has something to say about
>> > > > these
>> > > > priorities. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to disable the
>> > > > IDE
>> drive
>> > > > manually or tweak the setup with the Vista Boot Manager(s).
>> > > >
>> > > > The cables are an option too, of course, but if you can access the
>> drive
>> > > > from XP without trouble I'd guess they are more or less allright.
>> > > >
>> > > > I understand that this is a Dual-Boot machine now. May I ask in
>> > > > what
>> order
>> > > > you installed the two systems?
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > Tony. . .
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > "Emranius" <Emranius@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> > > > news:4310851B-8416-420D-820A-975CC87DFF9C@microsoft.com...
>> > > > > My Vista x64 SP1 (got it from Connect) build currently boots up
>> > > > > to
>> the
>> > > > > desktop and then loads for 30-40mins (with the sidebar, and other
>> startup
>> > > > > programmes coming up gradually very very slowly), before becoming
>> > > > responsive.
>> > > > > You can move the mouse but clicking on anything will be very very
>> very
>> > > > slow.
>> > > > > Before last night, it would take less than 30 seconds!
>> > > > >
>> > > > > All this happened after installing a new Heatsink (Xigmatek Red
>> Scorpion,
>> > > > > great performer btw). Confirmed it's not a faulty install/cpu
>> problem as a
>> > > > > dual boot to XP works fine. On first boot, the XP installation
>> > > > > did
>> say the
>> > > > > Vista drive (hooked on a SATA port, XP is IDE) had to be checked
>> > > > > for
>> > > > > consistency, and passed all 3 stages. It did however fix some USN
>> Journals
>> > > > or
>> > > > > something. At first i thought the SATA drive got fubared somehow,
>> but
>> > > > > diagnostics on the drive (Seatools) from the XP install proved
>> otherwise.
>> > > > I
>> > > > > can also browse and use files from the SATA disk while in XP (i
>> played a
>> > > > > movie clip and opened up some documents).
>> > > > >
>> > > > > Safe mode stops at crcdisk.sys, before loading 20-30 minutes and
>> then
>> > > > > rebooting (also a common problem judging form the hits on
>> > > > > Google). I
>> > > > haven't
>> > > > > tried booting into safe mode again, since it does boot normally
>> although
>> > > > as
>> > > > > mentioned, takes 30-40 minutes before becoming responsive.
>> > > > >
>> > > > > Booting off from the SP1 CD and choosing Startup Repair doesn't
>> > > > > work
>> (it
>> > > > > says no boot problems detected).
>> > > > >
>> > > > > 1. Short of formatting and re-installing Vista x64, any ideas on
>> what to
>> > > > > look for ? I might try re-installing over the existing Vista if
>> > > > > it's
>> > > > > recommended.
>> > > > >
>> > > > > 2. Any way for me to copy my documents from the Vista drive to
>> another
>> > > > drive
>> > > > > from within XP ? (besides of course going in Vista, wait 40
>> > > > > minutes
>> and
>> > > > then
>> > > > > hopefully be able to copy). Currently it says I have no
>> > > > > permission
>> to
>> > > > access
>> > > > > the folder.
>> > > > >
>> > > > > Thanks
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > > > System specs:
>> > > > >
>> > > > > c2d E6600
>> > > > > 4 GB RAM
>> > > > > DFI P965-S dark
>> > > > > 8800GTX
>> > > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>>
>>
>>