Limitation with indexing enging only running during idle time.

Version Info:
WDS Beta version 02.06.500.5373

The WDS indexer *never* runs when any other thread in the system is competing for IDLE processing time.

*as far as I can tell!*

Here is the scenario and why:

I run two instances of the Folding@Home Service (FAH) on my DUAL Athlon MP dev box 24x7. Each FAH client process has its process priority set to IDLE(4), resulting in the lowest process priority of 4 with all its threads having a base thread priority of 1. I can let the FAH clients run on my box using all free IDLE processor cycles.. and NEVER do I notice that it is running because the OS will pre-empt the FAH clients whenever I do anything else; which is always at a higher process/thread priority.. such as compile code, etc, etc.

The WDS processes on the other hand are all set to Process Priority 6 or 8.. with all its threads having a base priority of 6 or 8. which even though is higher then the FAH clients @ 4, the WDS indexer never gets schedule on its own. I am always being forced to monitor the indexer status and FORCE it to "Index Now"... which defeats the purpose of having a "smart" background IDLE time indexer.

IMHO... the WDS indexer _should_ still get its fair share of IDLE CPU time even with other IDLE time threads competing for CPU cycles. Especially on the Dual CPU or dual-core system.

I understand the motivation for wanting the indexer to backoff as to not dimish the end-users experience with their desktop computers, but you should at least give _advanced_ users the ability to change the scheduling priority within the WDS configuration and setup dialog to allow it to compete with other IDLE time threads.

Thanks for listening.

Heston T. Holtmann, B.Sc.Eng.

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Limitation with indexing enging only running during idle time.

CleverCoder

Hi Heston,

Forwarding this on to our our dev team to get their thoughts and will let you know what I hear.

Thanks,

Bill Connors

Program Manager, Windows Desktop Search - Communities
Rob Mauii
Thanks.. I'm looking forward to whatever the WDS team comes up with as an improvement or advice/recommendation on the subject.

Heston
Deefer

Hello Heston,

I know that this does not completely solve your problem, but you can speed up the indexer by checking the "Prioritize Indexing" option.

To do this, right click on the WDS icon in the system tray (magnifying glass) and select "Desktop Search Options." In nav pane of the Search Options window click on "Advanced." Once there, select "Prioritize Indexing."

Paul Nystrom - MSFT
Limitation with indexing enging only running during idle time.

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