Is this normal?

[codegoboom]

Occasionally, when I leave my computer, with no application-windows open, I come back to the sound of heavy activity (like a drive is being searched, maybe)... I press the space bar, or move the mouse, and it immediately stops.

So, how might I find out what activity was taking place?

[raf]

by using Xtreme Logic (downloadable from yourfather@conception) => you take out all harddisks and if it then remains silent, then it were the harddisks ! if it still shows activity (unlikely though) then take out another piece of your choice.

seriously: we need a bit more info :
what OS? --> do you have backup/maintenace processes schedule when system is 'idle'
connected to internet? --> any trafic-indicating-lights flickering? what do the firewall logs say?
do you have a webserver running on that machine? --> someone might use your michine for spamming/hacking
did you ran a search for virusses/spyware?

did you allready try to check the processes and the CPU time they used thus far?

[codegoboom]

I don't know man

- XP pro
- not connected to internet
- nothing in my security software logs
- have the Platform SDK, so I guess Win-server-2k3 is there?

beyond that, I'm Joe-stupid-user...

[raf]

after such a (long enough) period of activity, hit crtl - alt -del and then go to "taskmanager" and look at the tab "processes". Click on the "CPU Time" column so they are displayed in descending order, and then look at the processes in the first column.

look them up at google to know what they do.

[codegoboom]

Thanks, I'll try that... :)

[Willy Duitt]

That would be normal if you have Indexing Service turned on...

GoTo: My Computer --> Right Click on your Drives (C:\) --> Choose Properties --> check/uncheck (Allow Indexing Service to index this disc for fast file searching)....

This is for XP, you were not quite clear what OS you were using but it is worth checking since this process or a simular one will run while idle....

.....Willy

[codegoboom]

As was so subtly hinted, I'm not quite clear about many details (yet), so...
The indexing thing may very well be it, though; Thank you. ;)

[Ultragames]

Indexing Service would do it, and Idle Task Run would do it. Its so that when your not using your comp, it cleans its self up. I'd turn IS off, but dont mess with Idle Task run. I actualy turn it on manualy when im in the bathroom or something.