32-Bit Disk Access Can Degrade Hard Drive Performance

ID: Q97041


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11


SUMMARY

Disabling 32-bit disk access can improve hard drive performance if you have a system BIOS or hard drive controller designed and optimized specifically for your hard drive.


MORE INFORMATION

Some hard drive controllers have built-in optimizing routines that are similar to those that the 32-Bit Disk Access system uses. In these cases, 32-bit disk access can degrade hard drive performance because some optimization routiness may occur multiple times for each disk operation. This results in slower overall disk access.

Consult your hardware documentation to see if your hard drive controller or BIOS provides any built-in disk access optimizations that may make the use of 32-bit disk access unnecessary. Check your Windows documentation for the advantages of using 32-bit disk access.

Additional query words: 3.1 3.11 3.10 win32

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: September 23, 1999
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