Very slow computer, but low cpu usage

I'm trying to diagnose a problem with a WinXP Pro PC. The
computer recently (yesterday) started running extrememly
slowly. I suspected a spyware invasion, but that doesn't
seem to be the case - at least not the usual suspects
anyway.

When I check the task manager, there are no unusual
processes running and the cpu usage is very low - like 2
to 10 percent. I am seeing some red lines in the cpu
usage graph, but I don't know what they mean. The max cpu
usage is around 20 percent.

My question: Do you think this is a hardware issue? The
memory usage seems ok. I wonder if the cpu is going bad.

Thanks for any insights.
Ann

Ann;
Not likely a hardware problem.
Make sure you have updated your AV and spy detector applications
within the last few days.

Run an updated virus scan.
Or Scan for Viruses online:
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/ho...IZTYMWPAZTJWUFJ
Run Disk Cleanup checking all boxes except "Compress old files"
(Windows XP)
Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Clean-up
Run Defrag.
Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter
If you have file sharing software such as Kazaa, disable it.
Check this link:
http://www.aumha.org/a/noads.php
Run Ad-Aware (free version) or Spybot to check for spyware:
http://www.lavasoft.de/ (Update if you already have it)
Or
http://spybot.eon.net.au/ (Update if you already have it)

This may apply if you recently installed Windows XP Service Pack 1:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=815411

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...roups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"Ann Brady" <abrady@logicaldatasys.com> wrote in message
news:063e01c39ce7$65a97a50$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> I'm trying to diagnose a problem with a WinXP Pro PC. The
> computer recently (yesterday) started running extrememly
> slowly. I suspected a spyware invasion, but that doesn't
> seem to be the case - at least not the usual suspects
> anyway.
>
> When I check the task manager, there are no unusual
> processes running and the cpu usage is very low - like 2
> to 10 percent. I am seeing some red lines in the cpu
> usage graph, but I don't know what they mean. The max cpu
> usage is around 20 percent.
>
> My question: Do you think this is a hardware issue? The
> memory usage seems ok. I wonder if the cpu is going bad.
>
> Thanks for any insights.
> Ann

I'm having the same problem. My computer hangs when I try
to install software or open web pages, Allaire Homesite,
and even just My Computer. I also suspected spyware,
which hasn't proven to be the issue.

I really don't believe this is a hardware issue, but I'm
at a loss as to what it /is/. As Ann said, any insights
would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Catie


>-----Original Message-----
>I'm trying to diagnose a problem with a WinXP Pro PC. The
>computer recently (yesterday) started running extrememly
>slowly. I suspected a spyware invasion, but that doesn't
>seem to be the case - at least not the usual suspects
>anyway.
>
>When I check the task manager, there are no unusual
>processes running and the cpu usage is very low - like 2
>to 10 percent. I am seeing some red lines in the cpu
>usage graph, but I don't know what they mean. The max cpu
>usage is around 20 percent.
>
>My question: Do you think this is a hardware issue? The
>memory usage seems ok. I wonder if the cpu is going bad.
>
>Thanks for any insights.
>Ann
>.
>