CPU 100%

[Alden]

Hi, my CPU is 100% all the time, from the second I log on. When I first got
it, my computer was running XP Home AMD Processor, until I got a virus from
one of those electric picture frames (which when I plugged it in it formatted
my hard drive). Now I have installed XP Pro. setup for an i386 (Intel)
processor when I actually have an AMD. Could this be why it is 100% all the
time, or do I have software making it that high? I'm running: Apache 2.2.2;
MySQL + Administrator; IIS 5.1; Nero MediaHome Server (rarely); Winamp Beta
Orb Server (rarely); MailEnable server; and Remote Desktop. I'm using less
than half of my ram and page file. Is windows misreading the CPU threads?
Thank you.

 

[R. McCarty]

Did your Anti-Virus block the virus or did it actually deliver it's payload
?
I don't follow your comment about i386 (Intel) - are you saying that in
Device Manager, Processor category your CPU is incorrectly identified ?

From your description it sounds like the computer is still infected. I would
run these two on-line scans, both allow for removal of infected items.
http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/
http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/

It also helps when describing your issue to list what Security Software
you have. Different products have various levels of detection and your
software may not be providing enough protection.

 

[Alden]

I don't think it's a virus because I just did a fresh install and it's still
doing it.

What I ment below (the i386) is that I have windows for an i386 processor,
but I have an AMD processor.

 

[R. McCarty]

OK, now I understand the i386 is a technology description, not for
specifically Intel processors. Both Intel and AMD processors adhere
to the same standards so XP works using either brand processors.

If you're comfortable with the machine's security, then I'd download
and run Process Explorer from SysInternals. It can give you a much
higher detail on what is running in the system. Also I'd check Event
Logs and see if the machine is logging errors.
Click Start, Run ( type ) EventVwr.Msc [Enter]
Expand the System Event Log
Check the Right Pane for Red Icons that denote errors
Double-Click each one to read the details box with a description &
Event ID #.

Process Explorer ( Ver 11.1 ):
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

 

[Eric]

Read this Q&A -

Why is 100% processor use showing under the Performance tab of Windows Task
Manager when I have nothing running? -

http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ProcessorProblems.htm#cpuuse

Eric - http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

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

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party firewall
(if any)? Is the machine fully patched at Windows Update?

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Security FAQ & Checklist
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/8463