How to Turn Off File Indexing in Vista

[SCDVD]

I just installed a Compaq computer for a friend with Vista Basic on it. It appears to be continually indexing files. There is continuous activity on the hard disc. Is there a way to turn file indexing off on Vista?

[redwudz]

You can try this, but I have never seen a lot of difference with Vista doing 'something' in the background with indexing disabled.

1. Left click on My Computer
2. Right click on your hard drive
3. Left click on Properties
4. Click on General tab if not already selected
5. Uncheck 'Index this drive for faster searching' which should disable it.
6. You may need to repeat if you have additional hard drives

[Ai Haibara]

I think it's also possible to disable the actual service that does the indexing, too. I need to look into it, because I'm getting tired of the constant drive indexing as well. :/

[redwudz]

Indexing shows up in 'Control Panel' also, but apparently just adjustment and location of files. You can look in 'Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Services' and stop it there, though. Or you can turn it off for all but the boot drive. Even if you stop it, some hard drive processes still seem to run fairly often.

[Ai Haibara]

Yeah - what I've found so far in the few searches I've run this morning mentions setting the service, "Windows Search Service," to Disable, and then reboot. Not sure how much of an effect that'll have, though, and I haven't tried it. (In addition to telling Vista not to index the drives.)