asked on

Processor 'sleeps' after 10-15 minutes

I have an application that uses a lot of bandwidth & disk but few processor cycles. If I'm active at my workstation, the bandwidth use remains high. If I leave my workstation inactive for 10-15 minutes (no mouse or keyboard activity) the bandwidth drops to about 10% of normal levels. As soon as I move the mouse, it jumps up again. I would like for it to use the max available bandwidth all the time.

What's going on?

P4 1.4GHz
512MB Ram
Single 80GB IDE drive
Win2000 Pro

CrazyOne

Well if I am understanding you correctly you could try this. Open the Task Manager to the Processes tab. Locate your app and right click on it and select "Set Priority" and then select the priority you want.

The Crazy One

covington

ASKER

I've tried that - no luck. I don't think it's a processor issue - it's a disk or network 'sleep' issue.

My NIC is a CNet PRO200 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter. The network uses 2 linksys 100 MB switches tied into one 100MB Linksys Router.

CrazyOne

How many machines are on the network? Is there a sever involved if so then this where you probably have to deal with this from the server.

SysExpert

Have you tried turning off all the power saving options in both the BIOS and in the control panel ?

I hope this helps !

covington

ASKER

re: how many machines
6-10, depending on time of day and usage. The overall network usage is not high when this machine 'sleeps.' It's definitely dependent on time since last activity. I can watch the bandwidth drop, and then I move the mouse 1/2 inch and it climbs back to full speed again. I have the screen saver off.

"Is there a server involved?"
I goofed on the specs. This is a Win2k server, not pro. What ideas do you have about it being a server? I'm not sure why any server other than this onbe would affect anything. Each machine is standalone - there is no domain.

re:
power savings options in control panel:
yes, I think they're all off.

re: power savings options in BIOS:
Good idea! I haven't checked that yet. I'll check at next reboot.

covington

ASKER

Nope, no BIOS power settings that seem remotely applicable.

Any other ideaS?

covington

ASKER

Nope, no BIOS power settings that seem remotely applicable.

Any other ideaS?

SysExpert

I would run Perfmon in Log mode and see what process suddenly changes ( if any ).

Also -Have you applied SP3 yet ?

Other options, use a free scripting tool to move the mouse every 5 minutes....

covington

ASKER

re: perfom
Anything in particular I should monitor for each process?

re: SP3
I'm on automatic update. Will that get me SP3 or not?

re: scripted mouse movements
No, thanks - I'd like to find the root cause. :)

st_steve

That's a strange kind of application? Seems like the application is monitoring for user input and uses MORE resources if it determines that there's a user using the computer. You would think it'll be the other way around; use the resources to the max if there's no one using the computer and let the user use the resources when someone is sitting at the computer.

What kind of application is this anyway? Did you write this yourself??

covington

ASKER

The application is WinMX.

It doesn't matter whether or not WinMX has the focus. I think this behavior is happening across all applications, but WinMX has an historical bandwith graph that makes it very easy to see the problem.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

SysExpert

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irwank

convington,

If it's all about network sleep issue, go to Device Manager (you know the sequence - My Computer Properties --> Hardware --> Device Manager) and then go to NIC Properties.
Uncheck any option allowed to saving power on that device.

Hope this help.

Irwan.K
Karawang, Indonesia
irwank2k2@yahoo.com

irwank

sorry for my english.. :-)
I mean.. power saving.
*smile*