100% CPU Usage

[bubbacc]

I have a Celeron 800 ... 256 RAM ... when I initially
boot up and I check Windows Task Manager I have 100% CPU
suage ... when I check the "Applications Tab" i have
nothing running yet ... the Processes Tab show 27 items
on the list (some of which appear to be duplicates) ...
and the "Performance Tab" show 100% CPU usage and ~171 PF
usage(what ever that is). When I try to start an
application most of the time it craters immdeiately ...
and I suspect the 100% CPU usage is the culprit ... any
suggestions?

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

When you look at the processes tab, do you see anything in particular that
is consuming that much CPU time or is continuously jumping up to a high CPU
percentage? NOTE: it is normal for System Idle Process to be in the high
90x.

Aside from that, this is indicative of something hanging the system, hence
you might find an error in Event Log. Open Control Panel, open
Administrative Tools, open Event Viewer, look for errors that either
correspond with the time the event happens or for repeated errors, double
click the error, the information contained within may give a clue as to the
source of the issue.

 

[bubbacc]

it shows 3 "svchost.exe"s running ... 1 ususally has ~60
in the CPU column

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
virus scan.

Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
www.lavasoftusa.com

If your system is clear of viruses, open Control Panel, open System, go to
the Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery, remove the
check from "Automatically Restart" under System Failure. This will cause
the system to blue screen instead of restarting on errors and the
information on the blue screen may give a clue as to the source of the
issue.

Open Control Panel, open Administrative Tools, open Event Viewer, look for
errors corresponding to the crash, double click the error, the information
contained within may give a clue as to the
source of the problem.

Assuming you have an XP CD and not a recovery CD, place the XP CD in the
drive, when the setup screen appears, select "Check System Compatibility,"
the report it generates may point to problem hardware or software on your
system. If you do not have an XP CD, you can download this application
known as the Upgrade Advisor from the following site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
Note: If you have access to a broadband connection it might be best to
download using that as this is a rather large download.

Check for the latest drivers for your hardware, especially your graphics
card and soundcard and all peripherals connected to your system. No not use
Windows Update for this, go to the device manufacturer's web sites and if
you install updated drivers, ignore the message about drivers being unsigned
by Microsoft.