i remember having a server with 8.4.4 where we had multiple problems with autovacuum. if i am not mistaken there are some bugs related with vacuum until 8.4.7. i would suggest you to upgrade to the latest 8.4.x version BR, -- View this message in context: http://postgresql.1045698.n5.nabble.com/Postgres-becoming-slow-only-full-vacuum-fixes-it-tp5725119p5725129.html Sent from the PostgreSQL - performance mailing list archive at Nabble.com. -- Sent via pgsql-performance mailing list (pgsql-performance@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) To make changes to your subscription: http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-performance