100% CPU caused by DPCs, Interupts, and System Process.

[Guest]

I have a long term problem that I've been trying to tackle on my Compaq
Presario 2700US running Windows XP. Basically the computer will randomly
kick up to 100% CPU usage. I have not found a cause, but generally it is
when using programs that are demanding on the system (Media Player,
Spreadsheet, etc), but not always. Restarting the computer does not always
make the problem go away. It's very random, and I can't seem to track down a
solid trigger. It's as if the computer has its good days and its bad.

I have ruled out virus and trojons since I have reformatted the hard drive
and done multiple reinstallations of Windows. The most recent reinstall, I
went ahead and upgraded to SP2. The problem still exists. The only
difference between SP1 and SP2 is that the computer no longer shuts down
after an extended period at 100% CPU.

Using Process Explorer (www.sysinternals.com) I have discovered that the
Deferred Procedure Calls, the Hardwar Interrupts, and the "System" processes
are the major users of the CPU. The DPCs are generally in the 50-60 percent
range, the interupts are in the 20-30 percent range, and the System takes up
the remaining 10-20 percent. I'm thinking it's hardware related, but the
folks over at HP will not suggest anything beyond the Virus or Trojan theory.
They don't want to listen to the fact that I've done a full format of the
hard drive, multiple virus scans, and multiple spyware scans. The computer
has a minimal amount of software installed and is used as a secondary
computer. Mostly for school work and online class work. Any suggestions
would be appreciated. If you need anymore information let me know, I think
I've included most of what I know of the issue.

 

[glad]

Basically the computer will randomly

kick up to 100% CPU usage.

It can be adware/spyware program.

The most recent reinstall, I
went ahead and upgraded to SP2. The problem still exists.

Try to reinstall Windows.
But first check it by Ad-Aware and Kaspersky.

 

[Guest]

I think you missed the part where I stated that I've ruled out virus/spyware.
Multiple reinstallations, multiple virus scans, multiple adware scans, and
the problem existising prior to the computer being put online after a fresh
install tells me it would be very difficult to contract a virus or any
spyware via online activities. I am well aware that spyware, and viruses can
cause major issues, but let's remember that technical problems do exist
beyond them and I am 100% certain that this is the case. I just don't know
where to go from here.

Thanks for you comments though.

 

[S. Taylor]

If this is a desktop pc (not a laptop) , you can troubleshoot hardware
issues
by uninstalling hardware, till are you're left with are the motherboard, ram
hdd, video card, keyboard, mouse & monitor.

Microsoft has a memory diagnostic tool that others have posted about in this
ng, that you can
use to rule out the ram.
The HDD manufacturer should have a diagnostic tool that you can get from
thier website,
to check the HDD.
Elsewise, you cou'll have to change out 1 device at a time and running the
pc, to try and figure out
which one causes the trouble.

 

[bmoney13]

This is funny cause I have the same exact problem. I have also done
multiple reinstalls, scans, etc. I have the presario 2700t.