MSTask takes 100% of CPU time

[mbfan72]

My Dell occasionally slows down and eventually freezes. If
I check task manager I find that MSTask.exe is using up
90 - 100% of the CPU. Once this starts all I can do is
shut down. It isn't predictable when this will happen, ie.
sometimes it occurs right at start-up, other times after
the computer has been on for some time, and sometimes not
at all.

I had Norton Antivirus 2002 and now Norton AntiVirus 2004.
System scans did not find anything. We have DSL Internet.

I have tried the Dell, Microsoft and Norton knowledge
bases but either this is not a common problem or I am not
using the right keywords.

I would like to know what the problem is before simply
wiping the hard drive and hoping that it solves the
problem.

Thanks.

 

[dcdon]

Hi 72,

Some Symantec Products don't like some of the hotpathes. Try runnin an online antivirus at
Symantec. http://securityresponse.symantec.com/ . Right about in middle see Free online...
If nothing, try unistalling the Norton or look back at any Updates done in the last short
while. Write your Hotpatches down and post them to help access.

thanks,
don
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My Dell occasionally slows down and eventually freezes. If
I check task manager I find that MSTask.exe is using up
90 - 100% of the CPU. Once this starts all I can do is
shut down. It isn't predictable when this will happen, ie.
sometimes it occurs right at start-up, other times after
the computer has been on for some time, and sometimes not
at all.

I had Norton Antivirus 2002 and now Norton AntiVirus 2004.
System scans did not find anything. We have DSL Internet.

I have tried the Dell, Microsoft and Norton knowledge
bases but either this is not a common problem or I am not
using the right keywords.

I would like to know what the problem is before simply
wiping the hard drive and hoping that it solves the
problem.

Thanks.