[Resolved] Constant Program Activity While Idle

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

I only noticed this since upgrading to a new PC using Windows 7, but a few programs do the same as FontCreator. That is, even when they are minimised and not being used at all, my PC buzzes with a high-pitched noise constantly until the program is closed.

Opera 17, Firefox, SRWare Chrome, and FontCreator all do this.

The Windows Task Manager shows that CPU use is zero, and memory use is not climbing, so what is FontCreator doing that keeps my computer excited?

[León Fridsma]

That's probably your (onboard) graphics card or your soundcard that's making the noise. It's possible that one of the power circuits is not properly decoupled and one of the coils is resonating, wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Erwin Denissen]

Even minimized applications receive and process Windows messages. As you can see in your Task Manager, FontCreator isn't doing a lot when minimized, so I don't know why your computer makes such noise while FontCreator is running.

When a cat makes a higher-pitched sound it usually indicates it is happy, so maybe your computer is just happy as long as FontCreator is running

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

I like cats, and am happy when they purr but this noise doesn't make me happy.

Novatech offered to recall the unit, but it would mean disruption to my work. I guess I can manage with my XP system for a week, but I was hoping it was a software fault that could be fixed, since it only occurs when some software applications are running.

Disconnecting the lead from the sound card stops it, while muting the speakers does not, so I guess Leon is right.

If it's not actually wearing out a fan then there's nothing much to be concerned about — I can always unplug the sound card lead.

[Dick Pape]

Glad you mentioned this.

I too have had an infrequent very busy FC which either goes on for some time or until I cancel FC. I have been working FC when this begins. Takes 100%CPU and gives a lot of disk activity. the 100% grabs my attention.

WinXP, FCVn 6.5, no cats (hate cats!).

Don't need solution, just wanted to make Erwin and/or Leon worry! Dick

[Erwin Denissen]

Development on version 6.5 ceased a long time ago. Do you have the same issue with version 7.5?

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

Update on this. I no longer have the issue after installing a new monitor.

[Erwin Denissen]

Must have been your former graphics driver.

Thank you for letting us know!

[Dick Pape]

well, I haven't had it since upgrading to Win7 either.