Windows XP CPU 100%

[Terry James]

Operating System: Windows XP Anti Virus Software : Microsoft Security Essentials Internet connection ADSL router.
Computer Specifications :- Manufacturer Dell Product Name DIM4500 Machine Type AT/AT COMPATIBLE
Windows XP Personal Service Pack 3
Security 128 bits
Windows Update's version number 7.2.6001.788
Workgroup MSHOME
Active Desktop Installed

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
System Model DIM4500
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 4 GenuineIntel ~2392 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Intel Corp. A02, 22/05/2002
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)"
Time Zone GMT Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 1,024.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 201.79 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 1.39 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

Hello
I use my old XP machine only for certain applications that I can’t transfer to my Win 7 mc without significant cost.
All of a sudden the cpu starts running at 100% with no applications open. Sometimes it settles down but then ramps up again making the machine virtually unusable.
Anybody any clue?
Terry

 

[EvanDavis]

My first thought would be to open Task Manager and look in the Processes Tab to see that there isn't anything untoward in there that shouldn't be there.

 

[muckshifter]

My first thought would be to open Task Manager and look in the Processes Tab to see that there isn't anything untoward in there that shouldn't be there.

then pop along to http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/ and do a scan, just to be sure you not got a nastie you don't know about.

 

[Terry James]

Hi guys,
Evan, I tried looking at ‘Task Manager’ but don’t know what to look for?
Muckshifter, I looked at your link to trendmicro who offered three security products at a cost (& free trial). Don’t know which one you are suggesting or if it is appropriate as I run MSE & IObit malwear fighter?

 

[muckshifter]

Hi guys,
Evan, I tried looking at ‘Task Manager’ but don’t know what to look for?
Muckshifter, I looked at your link to trendmicro who offered three security products at a cost (& free trial). Don’t know which one you are suggesting or if it is appropriate as I run MSE & IObit malwear fighter?

Press the button to start the scan, the 32bit one ... is all.

 

[Terry James]

Did the trendmicro housecall, no treats found. ‘Advanced System Care’ found some problems but I don’t think they were causing the main problem.
Its settle down a bit, only occasionally ramping to 100% and is usable.
So thanks, I will see how it goes.
TJ

 

[EvanDavis]

‘Advanced System Care’
TJ

That is a virus all on its own in my opinion. Worst bit of software anybody could install on their computer.