CPU usage very high when idling

[Walter R.]

My CPU usage jumps around between 20% and 80% although nothing is running
but the desktop. The hard drive is rattling constantly. This has been going
on all morning.

How can I get a handle at this problem? Is this some kind of a loop? Is this
bad for the hard drive?

 

[jel183\(UK\)]

My CPU usage jumps around between 20% and 80% although nothing is running
but the desktop. The hard drive is rattling constantly. This has been
going on all morning.

How can I get a handle at this problem? Is this some kind of a loop? Is
this bad for the hard drive?

Open your Task Manager - right clock on the clock and select Task Manager.
See what is using your processor and report back...
+
Check for Spyware etc using Spybot S&D and Adaware. run a Anti Virus Scan
.... All in Safe Mode

See what happens after that...

 

[Anando [MS-MVP]]

Hello Walter,

There can be quite a few possibilities, the primary one being Spyware. More help on Spyware here:

The Parasite Fight [Aumha.org]
http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm


--

Anando
Microsoft MVP- Windows Shell/User
http://www.microsoft.com/mvp
http://www.mvps.org


Folder customizations
http://newdelhi.sancharnet.in/minku

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

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE]

My CPU usage jumps around between 20% and 80% although nothing is running
but the desktop. The hard drive is rattling constantly. This has been
going on all morning.

How can I get a handle at this problem? Is this some kind of a loop? Is
this bad for the hard drive?

Make sure you are free of malware.
Malware Removal:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware