Strange Slow Down after Backing up DVD

[evt]

Hi guys,

I'm experiencing a strange slow down effect on my computer. Upon booting the computer up if I proceed to rip and transcode a move the task is handled in a timely fashion (approximately 30 minutes using Intervideo DVD Copy 3). I then burn the file to disk in approximately 10 minutes usng 8x media. However, after this point the problems begin, if I try to backup another DVD the computer will slow down dramatically cutting speed down in half. Does anyone have any idea why this is occuring? Is this the switch from DMA to PIO that I have heared mentioned before? If so, how do I switch to DMA without restarting the computer? I am using Windows XP Pro Service Pack 2.

Thanks in advance guys.

[budz]

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=7625
check that link on how to enable dma mode in xp pro

[redwudz]

Are you sure it's switching to PIO mode? That is usually permanent unless you change it back yourself. If you are just experiencing a general slowdown, it sounds like the software you are using isn't releasing resources after it is done. If this is the case, I'd find better software.

[evt]

I'm not sure that it is switching to Pio Mode. As far as software goes, this is happening independent of the software I use. Generally, I use AnyDVD in conjunction with Intervideo DVD Copy 3. However, I also use DVD Shrink 3.2 with DVD Decrypter and the same thing has occured.

[evt]

I just checked the settings on my computer the Primary setting is UDMA and the Secondary setting is DMA when available and lists the current setting as UDMA. Is this the correct setup?

Also, what else could be causing slowdown after one burn?

[redwudz]

No, your DMA info looks OK. You have a small HD for video and 256MB memory, though that shouldn't be causing a problem. How is your HD freespace?

If you are limited on free space on your HD and your software is using the HD to make up memory, that could cause a slowdown. Again, the software should be releasing the RAM memory after it's done it's work.

You might monitor your Task Manager and see what memory and HD usage you have when you have these problems. If the HD usage is very high and your HD is short of space, that could explain it.

[evt]

I have about 25/40 gigs free on the HD.

A bit of a newbie question how do I use the Task Manager to see what HD and memory usage I have.

[redwudz]

Open the Task Manager (Right click the task bar, select Task Manager) Click on Performance. I'm on a laptop at the moment with 256MB memory. My performance shows 250MB PF, mainly because I've been using the laptop for a while and some programs are running in the background. My CPU usage varies with what I am doing. If my Page file goes much over 256MB, then the operating system starts using the HD for extra memory storage, which can slow down the system at times. If you had very low HD space, it could slow down considerably. Your PF will usually use all the memory available.

You can leave the Task Manager on while you are encoding, etc., and see what your numbers are. I'm no expert on this, but PF numbers a lot higher (Such as double) than your on-board memory are generally going to make your system run slower.

It's more complicated than that, actually. Just adding memory isn't the whole answer. It has to do with how the OS and some programs work. Some programs don't release their memory usage as they should.

I don't know if this helps any, there are so many things that can cause slowdowns. You can also check the Task Manager to see what programs and processes are running in the background. Some antivirus, screensavers, backup programs, and even viruses and trojans can use up memory and cause slowdowns.

Of course, it's won't hurt to up your memory, but there is no guarantee that doing that will solve the problem. I would still suspect programs are causing the problem. The OS usually can compensate for low memory without any major slowdowns. Hope this helps a little.

EDIT: I guess I should mention this before someone else does. You can adjust your virtual memory (Hard Drive memory usage) by going to Control Panel > System > Advanced >Performance settings >Advanced. You can change it there. The OS does a very good job of setting that number, and I doubt you can do better. You can make it bigger, if you want, and see what, if any difference it makes.

[mattyboy]

Are you sure it's switching to PIO mode? That is usually permanent unless you change it back yourself. If you are just experiencing a general slowdown, it sounds like the software you are using isn't releasing resources after it is done. If this is the case, I'd find better software.

I agree, If its taking THAT long, try using a memory refresher app. to dump your RAM right away, or restart your comp and see if that helps.

[evt]

Redwudz

Thanks for the help; I'll take a look next time and see what my memory usage is at.

mattyboy,

Whenever I restart my computer my problem is solved. Is there any specific memory refresher app that your aware of?

[mattyboy]

AH, yeah let me look around, Ill try to get a link ASAP.

EDIT: http://www.download.com/3000-2086-10070530.html

Give it a try. I really suggest that you get more RAM though. 265MB is really low for most of todays PC tasks like video editing and such.

[evt]

I tried recreating these circumstances again. After I backed up a couple of DVDs the same thing occurred when I tried to backup a third; essentially, the decrypting process/transcoding process slowed down to 1X speed. I checked the device manager and DMA was enabled and was being used. In addition, I checked the Task Manager and the CPU usage was only at about 15% and the PF was about 210 MB. On startup the PF was still at about 170MB.

Do these number sound normal? Is there anything else that could be causing this slowdown?