pointer - hourglass, activity icon

[RobF]

Mouse pointer often shows the hourglass icon, signifying something, like
system waiting for some action to fulfill. This when nothing is in process.
Why does this happen, how to correct? Suggestions much appreciated.

 

[Malke]

Mouse pointer often shows the hourglass icon, signifying something, like
system waiting for some action to fulfill. This when nothing is in
process. Why does this happen, how to correct? Suggestions much
appreciated.

Something is running in the background. This can be a legitimate
program/process or malware. There is no way for anyone to give you a more
specific answer based on so little information.

Narrow down the troubleshooting:

The First Question Of Troubleshooting: what changed between the time things
worked and the time they didn't?

The Second Question of Windows Troubleshooting: what is the malware/virus
status of the machine? If you think it is clean, what programs (and
versions) did you use to determine this?

Be sure the computer is clean:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

If the machine is clean, see what is running at Startup:

Start>Run>msconfig [enter]

This brings up the System Configuration Utility. Look on the Startup tab and
find the probable culprit. Uncheck the box next to its name, Apply and OK
out. You don't need to restart immediately, but the next time you do you'll
get a dialog saying you've used the Utility. Just tick the box that says in
effect, "don't bother me about this again".

Important - Do not use the System Configuration Utility to stop processes.
Instead, use Start>Run>services.msc [enter] and do not stop any services
unless you really, really know what you're doing.

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560
The free Autoruns program is very useful for managing your Startup -
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/default.mspx - Autoruns

Malke

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Mouse pointer often shows the hourglass icon, signifying something, like
system waiting for some action to fulfill. This when nothing is in process.

Something *is* in process. You just can't see what it is.

Why does this happen, how to correct? Suggestions much appreciated.

It's very difficult to say why with so little information. There are
many possibilities--some legitimate, others caused by malware.

 

[Gerry]

Rob

Process Explorer provides more information than Task Manager.

Download Process Explorer.

For further information about Process Explorer see here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/SystemInformation/ProcessExplorer.mspx

A new addition to Process Explorer is that you can now right click on a
process and search Online for relevant information.

How much RAM?

Try Ctrl+Alt+Delete to select Task Manager and click the Performance
Tab. Under Commit Charge what is the Total, the Limit and the Peak?


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Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
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