'System' process suddenly using 50%+ CPU time

[Len]

Sometime in the last few days (today is 8-4-04) My Dell
laptop running XP Pro has suddenly slowed down, and when
I look in Task Manager I see the 'System' process
constantly using about 50% of the CPU time, with no
programs running. I keep the machine as clean as
possible, with nothing in startup, no IM, no auto-check
for email, etc. This just started. There was a Windows
critical update about 5 days ago. Could this be the
culprit? Has anyone else experienced the same problem?
Thanks,
Len

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=827315

Download Ad-Aware 6.0 and scan your PC for the presence of spyware
http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

Note: Be sure to click on the "Check for updates now" link before scanning.

Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

3 Steps to Help Insure Your PC is Protected
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Sometime in the last few days (today is 8-4-04) My Dell
| laptop running XP Pro has suddenly slowed down, and when
| I look in Task Manager I see the 'System' process
| constantly using about 50% of the CPU time, with no
| programs running. I keep the machine as clean as
| possible, with nothing in startup, no IM, no auto-check
| for email, etc. This just started. There was a Windows
| critical update about 5 days ago. Could this be the
| culprit? Has anyone else experienced the same problem?
| Thanks,
| Len

 

[Guest]

Please see the following instructions.

Spyware/Virus Removal and Prevention:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/windowsxpsolutions.htm
(Links to online virus scans on the same page)

How to optimize Windows XP, 2000, ME
for the best performance (Step-by-step Visual Guide):
http://www.fixyourwindows.com

Good Luck!

 

[Len]

Len here again, original poster

I use Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D religiously. Also current
on NAV, etc. Delete all temp files, and generally keep
machine clean and totally up-to-date. What could be
causing the 'System' process to go wacky?