Resolved Hard drive 'running' light

A computer I am upgrading ,Dell Optiplex GX270.has a very small Hard drive 'running Light' near the On button , I would like to put a larger one that is easier to see, I like to know when the HD is running, ( a 50watt bulb perhaps ?, joking,)
Any suggestions ?
Spanner.

 

How in the world could you get anything done watching and worrying about a light. The next thing you will be on here because the light is blinking and you aren't doing anything on the PC and wonder why.

 

Thanks Mr Bill for your concern for my productivity level, but there are times when I like to know if the HD is running especially if I cannot hear a grinding noise from it. I have another Pc ,( Midi,) that has a clear HD running light on the top.
Perhaps the question should be asked,'why design a pc with a very small running light, why have one at all if it has to be that small.

Mr Bill,what would you do with the rest of your day if you did not have to answer questions such as mine ?
But back to the question, any ideas ?
Have a nice day.
Spanner.r

 

Nothing but honey do's. I am retired from Bell & AT&T.

 

These lights are mostly LED's. Some use Fibre Optic flex to show the light from it's source. I can't imagine how you could increase the size without re-designing the computer case.
If you're not worried about the cosmetics, you could probably cut/drill a larger hole and fit a piece of plastic of your colour/choice. Neil.

 

I don't think this is possible without some electronics engineering background. That specific LED was chosen by the designer because its electrical characteristics fit that circuit, and because its physical size fit the case.

That said, I really don't see what good it will do because the HD activity light is not really that useful - not like it was many years ago. The problem is, if your computer is running, Windows is doing things. It may be indexing the drive, looking for Windows Updates, or if Windows 7 and you did not disable it, it may be defragging the drive. Your security programs may scan or update their files.

In other words, if you are idle, your computer is not - but unlike 10 - 15 years ago, that does not automatically suggest malware activity.

Also, if your HD is "grinding" you want the noise the get your attention, not a light as that is a sure sign the drive motor bearing are beginning to fail.

That said, a simple search shows there are many software solutions that put indicator icons on your desktop or in your System Tray, as seen here.

 

Any such animal on Windows 7 besides the resource monitor? Well, I did see the CPU gadget, but I don't think it shows harddrive activity.

The HD light on my Dell is rather small, too, but I can see it. My XP machine has a custom case with two large quarter moon shaped red lights to indicate HD activity. It does come in handy sometimes.

 

The majority of people that I know that have a PC have them on the floor under the desk or table. That is where mine is. Little rough looking at the HD light when I have my keyboard pulled out on the slide.

 

There have been times when an update was in progress, and it seemed like the computer was hung or something. I wouldn't have known the difference had it not been for the harddrive indicator light.

 

I would not let ANY program do a download without my approval. Notify me, YES. Download automatically NO.

 

Do you mean built into Windows? Not that I am aware of any, and certainly none that put a nice little "indicator" LED icon on your desktop or system tray. There are several of those via that link I provided above.

I agree with MrBill and most people have their cases sitting on the floor or otherwise out of the way. The problem with relying on the light to determine if the computer is functioning is you really can't because you can still have drive activity even if Windows itself is choking. If you have absolutely no drive activity for several minutes, that may be a clue, but I probably would have restarted Windows by then anyway - or walked away to see if Windows can sort its own problem out, as it often does.

I guess with my computers sitting on the floor, and the fact since migrating to W7 and W8, lockups are so rare anymore I would rather lean over and look at the indicator light instead having yet another program start with Windows, dumping yet more icons in my System Tray or on my desktop.

So I agree with Arie - and if I can't start TM, that's my indication my system is hung.

 

Right. I have Secunia and Microsoft/Windows update set to notify me.

 

I am the same way about things happening automatically. I generally don't like it because of past history. This includes updates, but also auto-deletes with spam blockers and malware scanners. There have just been too many false positives for me to be that trusting.

But it should be noted that automatic download and install of Windows Updates is the default setting and there are 100s of millions of users who are running defaults - with no problems.

I have one W7 system I let Windows update itself automatically and for nearly 4 years, no problems.

Since keeping Windows current is essential for security, and manually checking and installing updates takes user discipline not all users have, I have to recommend keeping the defaults for most users - since the user is always the weakest link in security.

 

Agree about the user being the weakest link in security. But I have seen many post about a MS update causing havoc with somebody's computer. I also have seen other post about other updates causing havoc with a computer also. That is my main reason why I do them myself and wait a day or 2 after they are released.

 

Yup - I agree. It is not that uncommon to find posts where an update caused problems - or at least, where users experienced problems after an update suggesting the update caused the problem. But what we see in the trenches does not reflect real world. The Honda mechanic seeing broken Hondas all day may easily think Hondas are lousy cars too.

For sure, if a disciplined user, I say go the manual way. But if not, and you are in the habit of waiting weeks (or longer) to run Windows Update, then automatic would probably be better - at least with W7 and W8.

 

I've only had one MS update cause a problem - it was in XP comp about 6 years ago I think.
When notified that updates are ready to download - I let them, and install and I DO NOT USE the comp while this is in process.
I have a theory that if you carry on with normal usage while the Updates are installing - errors may happen. Neil.