System Idle Process

[Russ]

I've read from the experts in other messages that system idle process
runs when the processor has nothing else to do.

But whenever my computer is on a real go slow and becomes unusable,
it's always system idle process that has the most percentage. Obviously
the computer is not idle otherwise I would be able to use it.

Thanks

Russ

 

[Malke]

I've read from the experts in other messages that system idle process
runs when the processor has nothing else to do.

But whenever my computer is on a real go slow and becomes unusable,
it's always system idle process that has the most percentage. Obviously
the computer is not idle otherwise I would be able to use it.

Something is using cpu cycles and you need to find out what it is. The usual
troubleshooting steps are to:

1. Scan for viruses and malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

2. Then if the machine is clean and still exhibits the symptoms, do Clean
Boot Troubleshooting:

Clean boot in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Clean-boot advanced troubleshooting in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

And as always, ask yourself The First Question Of Troubleshooting: what
changed between the time things worked and the time they didn't?

Malke

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I've read from the experts in other messages that system idle process
runs when the processor has nothing else to do.

Sort of, but not exactly. That's just the name for what the system is doing
when it's not doing anything. It's there to make the total add up to 100%

But whenever my computer is on a real go slow and becomes unusable,
it's always system idle process that has the most percentage.
Obviously the computer is not idle otherwise I would be able to use
it.

I can't tell from the scanty information you've privided what the problem
is, but I can assure you that it's not System Idle process.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

System Idle Process is exactly what it sounds like.
It is the % of processing power you have waiting for something to do,doing
nothing.

If you are having problems, this is not the cause.
Follow this link:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm