100% CPU usage

[Linda]

I am writing this on my laptop as my desktop can not run any programs
because the taskmanager states CPU usage is 100%. I am not running any
programs when this happens. It happens when I first turn it on. McAfee
won't start up when the computer is turned on. I've emptied my temporary
internet files. I've scanned and deleted any malware. I have not added any
new programs. I have plenty of RAM and a large enough HD. What can I do to
get my computer to stop using 100%?

 

[Jane Colman]

Look carefully at your Task Manager and ascertain which particular
services/programs are actually using that 100%. It's almost impossible to
diagnose the problem without knowing which service is hogging the CPU.

 

[Linda]

Does this information help? I'm still having trouble. :-(
This is what shows when I call up task manager:
msimn 31,108K
bagent.exe 11,076K
hpqtra08.exe 4,544K
OSD.exe 3,200K
MPFTray.exe 11,908K
hpwuschd2.exe 2,696K
gttask.exe 7,500K
point32.exe 4,236K
DellMMKb.exe 4,900K
explorer.exe 26,200K
MSPMSPSv.exe 1,856K
MPFService.exe 7,000K
Mcdetect.exe 1,820K
CTSVCCDA.exe 1,580K
Nhksrv.exe 1,400K
svhost.exe 4,908K
svchost.exe 5,160K
taskmgr.exe 2,136K
svchost.exe 6,980K
svchost.exe 2,112K
lsass.exe 1,112K
services.exe 4,644K
winlogon.exe 796K
csrss.exe 3,508K
smss.exe 472K
System 220K
System Idle Process System 20K

 

[Jane Colman]

Linda, can you go to Task Manger, View, Select Columns and make sure the CPU
usage is checked. that way we will be able to see the percentage of CPU
that each process is actually using. Then we will find the culprit

 

[Linda]

Jane,
I'm sorry, right after I posted I figured out how to do that. It was the
DellMMKb.exe using 99%. I ended the process. The CPU usage went down to 7%
but I still can't get most of the programs on my computer to work. If I try
to open, for example, IExplorer and Outlook Express, a window pops up saying
I don't have enough memory to do so. (I have lots of memory!!) McAfee
won't open at all. Windows messenger won't open at all. Opening anything
whether it's a window's folder or a link while on Internet takes
f-o-r-e-v-e-r!!!!!
I'm in real big trouble, huh!?

 

[Linda]

P.S. Jane
Have booted that computer up into safe mode. Am looking around. Noted, in
the Device Manager, a yellow exclamation point at the Microsoft System
Management BIOS Driver. Can't figure out what it is, what's wrong, or what
to do.
:-{

 

[Jane Colman]

DellMMKb.exe is the Dell Multimedia Keyboard controller. If you don't need
to assign multimedia functions on your keyboard, you can make sure this is
disabled via msconfig, startup. Your keyboard should work just as a normal
keyboard.

As for the Microsoft System Management BIOS Driver...that is an essential.
Normally with any devices listed, if you uninstall them and reboot, Windows
will automatically recognise them on a reboot and install the drivers for
them. To uninstall a device, right click on the device and select
Uninstall. Reboot. Windows will detect the device and install the drivers.

Do make sure you do a thorough scan of your system for adware/spyware.

 

[Linda]

Jane,

I did remove the Keyboard controller. The usage is down to 7%.
I can not scan my system as I can't access my McAfee. I can't switch
between programs without pulling up Task manager and switching in the
application window.
Now I can't even boot to Set Up using the F2 button. The computer just
won't let me.

 

[Jane Colman]

Not being able to use your AV program is a real worry. One of the signs of
a serious infection is the apparent nobbling of AV.

Give this online virus scanner a try and see what it comes up with:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

If you have a working cdrw, I would suggest that you save all of your
documents etc to cd and be prepared for a complete reformat and clean
install of XP.

 

[Guest]

Not being able to use your AV program is a real worry. One of the signs of
a serious infection is the apparent nobbling of AV.

Give this online virus scanner a try and see what it comes up with:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

If you have a working cdrw, I would suggest that you save all of your
documents etc to cd and be prepared for a complete reformat and clean
install of XP.

Go into the start menu>run then type %temp% Next, delete all the files
in here. Some, you might not be able to delete, but do as many as you can.
This worked for me and my cpu usage problem with explorer.exe

 

[Guest]

I've just picked up on this thread since my computer is taking 5 minutes to
start up. I checked the task manager and 99% of the usage is down to
mpftray.exe. I have McAfee personal firewall v. 5 (which they tell me is too
old for support and would I like to buy another - well no really. The problem
started when I bought a new version of Norton AV. All had been fine with NAV
2003, but 206 seems to be eating everything. Can this be why mpftray is
acting up? I've had various blue screens lately on using the DVD writer - and
I'm at a loss!