cpu usage goes up and down and computer freezes

[jocelyn_hebert]

Recently my computer froze and I had to shut it down manually, when i
tried to reboot, it went as far as the Windows Logo screen and kept
seeking my hard drive, never manage to get it to boot, so I did a
repair install. That seem to have solved the problem, but now sometimes
my computer gets sluggish and in the task manager the cpu usage goes up
to 90% and then down to 0, mouse and keyboard respond slowly and I
have to shutdown using the power switch. When I restart my computer
everything seems normal and I can use it for several hours without any
problems. It doesn't seem to be application specific, I've encountered
this problem using internet explorer and other programs. I have used
benchmarking software to test my hardware (prime95, memtest, etc), they
ran for several hours without any problem. I have Computer associates
internet security suite, and scanned for viruses, malware. I am at a
lost to what is causing this problem, any help or pointers to possibles
causes would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ron Martell]

Recently my computer froze and I had to shut it down manually, when i
tried to reboot, it went as far as the Windows Logo screen and kept
seeking my hard drive, never manage to get it to boot, so I did a
repair install. That seem to have solved the problem, but now sometimes
my computer gets sluggish and in the task manager the cpu usage goes up
to 90% and then down to 0, mouse and keyboard respond slowly and I
have to shutdown using the power switch. When I restart my computer
everything seems normal and I can use it for several hours without any
problems. It doesn't seem to be application specific, I've encountered
this problem using internet explorer and other programs. I have used
benchmarking software to test my hardware (prime95, memtest, etc), they
ran for several hours without any problem. I have Computer associates
internet security suite, and scanned for viruses, malware. I am at a
lost to what is causing this problem, any help or pointers to possibles
causes would be greatly appreciated.

While your CPU usage is a 90% go to the Process tab in Task Manager
and click twice on the CPU column header. That will put the
processes using the most CPU time at the top of the list and should
provide a clue as to what is going on. Post a list of the top 4 or 5
processes and their CPU usage % back here if you need further advice
or assistance.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Homer S.]

Recently my computer froze and I had to shut it down manually, when i
tried to reboot, it went as far as the Windows Logo screen and kept
seeking my hard drive, never manage to get it to boot, so I did a
repair install. That seem to have solved the problem, but now sometimes
my computer gets sluggish and in the task manager the cpu usage goes up
to 90% and then down to 0, mouse and keyboard respond slowly and I
have to shutdown using the power switch. When I restart my computer
everything seems normal and I can use it for several hours without any
problems. It doesn't seem to be application specific, I've encountered
this problem using internet explorer and other programs. I have used
benchmarking software to test my hardware (prime95, memtest, etc), they
ran for several hours without any problem. I have Computer associates
internet security suite, and scanned for viruses, malware. I am at a
lost to what is causing this problem, any help or pointers to possibles
causes would be greatly appreciated.

From the sounds of it, you may be having a hard drive problem. Try
running a full disk check and see if it shows any hard errors.

HJS

 

[jocelyn_hebert]

checked process in task manager, the process system seems to be the
culprit, did a full diagnostic using seatools, both my drives passed
the test, but the test for the file system failed(ntfs), also checked
the event viewer for errors and under system I have this error: atapi(
The device. \Device\Ide\IdePort3, is not ready for access yet. ) I have
sata drives by the way. So I guess a reinstallation of XP from scratch
is in order, Regards to all for pointing me in the right direction!