Task manager reports "System" running at 50% load during Idle!

S

sph

I'm concerned I've picked up a virus. With no load on the system, one
logged in user, no apps running, the system is very sluggish. Task Manager
reports that the image named "System" running under the Local System userid
is taking over 50% of the CPU. "System Idle Process" is taking the other
50%.

What could be happening here? What is this basic "System" process? The
kernel? What could cause it to spin out of control like this?

A reboot temporarily fixes it.

On a 530HT processor w/XP SP2 installed.

thx,
s
 
M

Malke

sph said:
I'm concerned I've picked up a virus. With no load on the system, one
logged in user, no apps running, the system is very sluggish. Task
Manager reports that the image named "System" running under the Local
System userid
is taking over 50% of the CPU. "System Idle Process" is taking the
other 50%.

What could be happening here? What is this basic "System" process?
The
kernel? What could cause it to spin out of control like this?

A reboot temporarily fixes it.

On a 530HT processor w/XP SP2 installed.

thx,
s
Click to expand...

Since you are concerned about a virus, what does a scan with a current
version (not earlier than 2004) antivirus using updated definitions
show? Do the scan in Safe Mode.

Malke
 

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