Spotlight indexing problem? Constant fan running.

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Level 1

85 points

Spotlight indexing problem? Constant fan running.

Spotlight : fans running but no 'dot' to signify indexing? 8 mdworker processes running in Activity Monitor. No external drives connected. Any suggestions or ways to tell if spotlight is actually indexing? 500gb SSD drive; 2011 Mac Book pro. Also, does Spotlight have an indexing schedule or what would make it start on its own? NOTE: I had connected an external drive prior due to other issue but then removed. All 'extra' applications are off. Reset PRAM and SMC several times but did not resolve the issue.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.7), 2011 new PB

Posted on Oct 11, 2016 5:02 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 11, 2016 5:16 PM in response to A. Stradford

No schedule / manually > Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

A. Stradford Author

Level 1

85 points

Oct 11, 2016 5:08 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Carolyn,

Thanks for the prompt response. Yes, I'm aware of that path but what if it's already indexing? Wouldn't I just be starting over? Just wondering how to tell if its already in progress.....

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Answer 3

A. Stradford Author

Level 1

85 points

Oct 11, 2016 5:15 PM in response to A. Stradford

I Also notice it only seems to search the interent...won't even pull up file names I start typing which are on the desktop...would this indicate an index in progress?

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Answer 4

A. Stradford Author

Level 1

85 points

Oct 11, 2016 5:23 PM in response to A. Stradford

Carolyn,

When I try your indexing suggestion I get "Privacy List Error'. 'The item couldn't be added or removed because of an unknown error". Any thoughts?

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Answer 5

A. Stradford Author

Level 1

85 points

Oct 12, 2016 2:49 PM in response to A. Stradford

Called Apple Support and discussed.....erased drive and restored using Time Machine...this took overnight (~9hr.).

Problem seemed to still be present at morning but not as bad. Spoke again with Apple Support and made appointment to visit Genius at store for hardware diagnoses. During day problem appeared to decrease in intensity ~90-95% but still something 'weird' but smaller going on. So.....restore does seem to have been the way to go. Will see what the hardware peek shows tomorrow. Apple Support as usual very diligent and helpful ! Even on this old machine.

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