At some time, maybe after a Windows security update or something, I noticed my hard drive was running constantly. Fearing that it would burn out, as well as drain my battery more quickly when unplugged, I searched the web for answers. I knew that it was some type of software "switch" that had been flipped. I tried stopping several processes to no avail. Finally I found this link which indicated it might be a Windows Search Index issue:
After disabling Windows search, my hard drive seems to have calmed down significantly. Now it seems to be periodically accessed instead of constantly. Try it and let me know if you have similar luck.
Now I just need to find out how to properly configure my range extending router.
