System Idle Process won't relinquish CPU

[TR]

On my WinXP Pro SP1 system (1.7ghz, 512MB RAM) the System Idle Process
continues to eat up CPU even when I'm trying to moving the mouse. I say
"trying to move" because the mouse is very sluggish, and sometimes
clicks have no effect.

If I drag a window, CPU consumption by the SIP drops to ~40%. But when
simply moving the mouse around, System Idle Process CPU consumption
stays in the high 90s, and it seems mouse performance is suffering as a
result.

Can I tweak the system to have the SIP relinquish CPU more quickly?
I'm using a USB wireless keyboard and mouse, if that makes a difference.

Thanks
TR

 

[compsalvage_cscs]

SIP is showing you the free processing power you have at scheduled
intervals.
If the only thing wrong with your computer is your mouse, follow these
steps.
If there are other un-explainable events occuring while your computer
is on, post them.....

If your mouse is jumpy there are a few steps you should consider before
cracking open your case:
Clean your mouse
Clean your usb/ps2/serial connectors
Ensure your computer is not infected with adware, spyware, or viruses.

If none of these help, check your CPU Temperature with this information
tool.
http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en

If you are running hot, crack your case and clean your CPU Fan, as well
as your power supply and any other ventalation ports you may have.

 

[Guest]

One more item to consider for sluggish/jumpy mouse movement: if it's
wireless, replace the battery. You will get that symptom if the battery is
dying.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

On my WinXP Pro SP1 system (1.7ghz, 512MB RAM) the System Idle Process
continues to eat up CPU even when I'm trying to moving the mouse. I say
"trying to move" because the mouse is very sluggish, and sometimes
clicks have no effect.

If I drag a window, CPU consumption by the SIP drops to ~40%. But when
simply moving the mouse around, System Idle Process CPU consumption
stays in the high 90s, and it seems mouse performance is suffering as a
result.

Can I tweak the system to have the SIP relinquish CPU more quickly?
I'm using a USB wireless keyboard and mouse, if that makes a difference.

Thanks
TR

Break out a dictionary and look up the word "idle," sometime. ;-}
The "System Idle Process" metric is the amount/percentage of time that
your CPU has nothing to do. A reading of 98-99% is generally
considered a good thing, and readings above 90% are normal. Think of
it like a car's engine idling in your driveway before you place the
car in gear.

If your computer is slow, it's because of something else, not the
System Idle Process.



--

Bruce Chambers

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