Windows (Explorer.exe) Randomly Access $MFT (Master File Table) of other HDDs

[Windows Central Question]

Hi,

I have couple of hard drives on Windows 8.1 and while I'm using Chrome/Firefox or something else, Explorer.exe randomly access to $MFT (Master File Table) of other internal or external harddrives, which I don't use at that moment.

I used Resource Monitor and SysInternals to see what happens but I only figured out the Explorer.exe access $MFT.

Windows Search Indexing turned off, PageFile turned off. There is not any programs on other drives.

The drives randomly spin up every couple of minutes. And they make noise, that's why I'm asking.

Can you please suggest me anything to find what causes/triggers that?

 

[Ryujingt3]

So your drives randomly spin up and make noise? Do you have any applications running in the background or tasks that may cause that? Such as antivirus.

 

[tomejo9937]

Yes, only while I'm using Firefox or Chrome browser. But not while using Microsoft Edge browser or any other programs.
There is no background application and no antivirus.
I want to know what causes/triggers to access to $MFT (Master File Table) of other hard drives. Can anyone suggest me to how to use properly SysInternals or anything else to see why Chrome and Firefox wants to reach other hard drives? (Such as how to setup a filter in Process Monitor / SysInternals or anything else... )
Thanks

 

[Ryujingt3]

Do you have any extensions in Chrome or Firefox that may cause this?

As for using SysInternals, does this help?

https://www.howtogeek.com/school/sysinternals-pro/lesson1/