system process cpu usage odd

[bh]

In reviewing the processes running via task manager, even
when I have no applications running, the system process
alternates quickly between using about 40% of the CPU and
0%. The idle process fluctuates by this 40% too (i.e.
when system is at 0%, idle goes up by 40%). This is
definitely affecting the performance of my computer. I
have checked for viruses, and ran the latest version of
adaware and spybot to make sure my system is free of
these pests. I did not have this problem with Windows
98. What in Windows XP could be running with this weird
cpu usage pattern? Thanks.

 

[Rocket J. Squirrel]

I'm not sure if it's "weird". Windows XP does a lot of housekeeping in the
background, e.g., indexing, partial defrags, searching for media files to
add to your media library, etc., all of which is for your benefit (although
some people prefer not to use the indexing service.) Look elsewhere for
performance improvement - don't throw the baby out with the bathwater {;-)

Rocky

 

[bh]

I should add that one sympton of this problem shows up
when running any screen saver. The screen saver works
for a couple of seconds, then pauses a second, then
resumes for a couple of seconds, then pauses etc. etc. I
just know that we're not getting the best performance on
this, a small office computer. By the way, I checked the
indexing service - set to manual and currently not
running.

I do appreciate your input and will certainly keep it in
mind as I pursue this "problem?". Thanks.

 

[Unknown]

Running any kind of virus scanner?

I should add that one sympton of this problem shows up
when running any screen saver. The screen saver works
for a couple of seconds, then pauses a second, then
resumes for a couple of seconds, then pauses etc. etc. I
just know that we're not getting the best performance on
this, a small office computer. By the way, I checked the
indexing service - set to manual and currently not
running.

I do appreciate your input and will certainly keep it in
mind as I pursue this "problem?". Thanks.