CPU keeps going to 100%--any suggestions to remedy?

by Lee.Koo Feb 14, 2008 7:51AM PST

Question:

Hi, I'm running Windows XP Pro SP2 and I have developed a
problem where by the CPU keeps going to 100% and either
freezes the PC or slows it down to virtually standstill. I
have searched on the net and found that quite a few people
have this problem. I tried some of the fixes suggested, but
they didn't work. I have to reboot the PC and then it?s fine
for awhile. What could possibly be causing this problem? Is
this a problem with the operating system or is it a hardware
problem? I hope you can help with this problem. Cheers!

--Submitted by Anthony K.

Answer voted most helpful by the CNET Community newsletter readers:

CPU Usage Stuck at 100%

There are many things that can cause a computer to show 100% when you display the CPU usage. Spyware, viruses, bad drivers or damaged programs can all lead to this type of problem. In some cases, it can be a known issue with your specific model computer, so you should first check the website for your computer to see if you see anything there regarding this issue. If not, then there are several ways to approach this problem.

1. BACKUP Your Data ? Sorry but I can never say this enough. You should never work on a computer without first backing up any critical data.

2. As mentioned above, check your manufacturer?s website for any known problems with your specific computer model.

3. System Restore ? If the problem just started within the last few days, there is always a fair chance that running a Windows System Restore and setting your computer back a few days may solve your problem. But if you have had the problem for awhile OR you have installed a bunch of programs or updates recently then this may not work at all. System Restore can be found by going to START > ALL PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS > SYSTEM RESTORE. Note: I would not recommend going back more than a week or so.

4. Virus and Spyware ? I can only assume that you already did this but a computer that is infected with viruses and/or spyware can exhibit this type of behavior. So make sure that your computer is totally clean by running full virus and Spyware scans. You may even want to double check by running one of the many free online virus scans.

5. Identify the Process - See if you can identify a specific process that is using the most CPU percentage. Use Ctrl+Alt+Del to open task manager and click on the processes tab. Scroll down through the list for any process that has the highest CPU percentage. You can try to end that process and see if that helps and then Google the name of the process to help figure out what it is. You may luck out and find the exact program to uninstall or update to fix the problem. But, in most cases it will turn out to be one of the many generic windows processes and may not really give you any real clue as to the exact problem.

6. Disconnect Peripherals ? Shut down your computer and unplug all external devices such as Printers, Scanners and Backup Drives. Leave only your Mouse, Keyboard and Internet Connection plugged in and reboot your computer to see if the problem is still there. If the problem goes away, plug things back in, one at a time until you have isolated the problem device.

7. Shut Down Startup Items ? Use msconfig to Shut down all startup programs and reboot the computer to see if the problem goes away. If it does then go back and methodically turn back ON individual startup items until the problem returns. Once you isolate the offending program, you can Google the name of the file to find out which program it is related to. To use MSCONFIG click on START and then RUN and type msconfig in the run box and then click on OK. Click on the STARTUP tab and you will be presented with a list of items that are going to run automatically every time the computer starts. You can select or deselect any items the you want to start when your computer boots. Now click on OK and reboot your computer. You can go back anytime and run msconfig to turn back on any items that you choose until you find which one is causing your problem.

8. Update all drivers for your computer ? Go to the website for your computer and download and install the latest drivers for your computer. Start with Chipset, Video, and Sound drivers first, followed by network, modem and others.

9. Update Bios ? In some cases the Bios may need updating, but I would stay away from this unless you really know what you are doing, because you can permanently damage your computer if you mess up during this process.

10. Problematic Programs ? There are many programs that have been known to cause this type of problem. For example some earlier versions of Kodak Easy Share software had this problem. Norton and some other antivirus software can become corrupt and cause this issue as well as software and drivers associated with many All-In-One printers. You should suspect any program that calls home for updates as well as file sharing programs like kazza and limewire. Other VOIP software such as Skype can also be a problem. I would suggest uninstalling any programs that you do not need at this moment to help isolate the problem. NOTE: Do not uninstall anything you want that you do have a way to reinstall such as having the original CD?s or downloads.

11. Full Recovery or Reinstallation ? If all else fails then you may have to resort to a full system Recovery or a reinstallation of Windows. This would be a last resort, but can rejuvenate a computer to like new condition and for some problems, may even be less time consuming.

Good Luck and Please keep us posted as to what you find.

Dana
Wayland Computer

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-10149_102-0.html?forumID=7&threadID=284007&messageID=2705924#2705924

Submitted by waytron

If you have any additional suggestions or experience of your own to share with Anthony, please click the reply link and post away. Please be detailed as possible in your answers. Thank you!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -

OH YES

by LionsMike Mar 1, 2008 6:23AM PST

I have seen computers with more than 10 toolbars and Yes they do slow things down. Still nothing compared to hundreds of ad ware,and spyware, or an overheating CPU.

- Collapse -

Windows XP - 100% CPU

by db025 Mar 2, 2008 1:31AM PST

I had the same problem with my HP running Windows XP home SP2 from about Oct 06 to Jun 07. System restore was no help. I had Norton System Works, tried Spybot, Adaware, Kazpersky, and about a half dozen others. EVERY ONE found something missed by the others. None was 100% useful. I tried removing this and that program, nothing helped. I did isolate the problem to one item, but couldn't remove it. Googled it and found it had something to do with the OS and couldn't be removed. Finally took my HP to Best Buy for the Geek squad - twice. They were a really big help - twice. Couldn't find anything wrong - TWICE! They sold me a new HDD and charged more to set it up. Wanted even more to transfer my data old HDD to new. I sent the old HDD to my wife's daughter, the family expert. She reported back "nothing wrong with the HDD, works as it should". Meantime, the new HDD started doing the same thing, and isolating to the same program. Sorry, I don't remember the name now, was something like "Prevex" or some such with the "P" and "x" in it. On a recent visit with the daughter she re-set up the new HDD. It seems to work better now, but I'm a bit leery so made a decision I've been thinking about for some time. I bought a MacBook. I now use the old HDD as a USB drive on the Mac, and the HP for nothing but on board games. BTW, the daughter also fixed her mom's computer. Her computer is in Chinese. The "nice young man" from COMCAST set her up when we first returned to the US (I assume using icons, I doubt he could read Chinese). She got EVERY porn channel possible, and because I'm not that hot on English computer programing, I sure wasn't going to try a machine that spoke to me in Chinese. I can speak enough, but my reading skills are sorely lacking. He daughter finally cured that problem too.

- Collapse -

FULL RECOVERY OR REINSTALLATION

by ShlomoML Mar 2, 2008 7:39AM PST

hi, could someone tell me how to restore my computer to the original state when it was delivered. although some of you experts talk about reinstallation you dont say how. not just a a few days restore, but to the original state.please explain any technical terms as I am no computer buff

- Collapse -

Get Better Help and more details.

by DADSGETNDOWN Mar 2, 2008 9:04AM PST

This "thread" / "Topic" is called,
(CPU keeps going to 100%--any suggestions to remedy?).

I put information at the bottom about System Restore.

You should check out all the different forums they have that would better suit you.
http://forums.cnet.com/
I think I would stay with in these forums below.

Home Installation. http://forums.cnet.com/5204-10154_102-0.html?forumID=99&tag=dir.forum

Computer Help. http://forums.cnet.com/5204-6122_102-0.html?forumID=44

Computer Newbies. http://forums.cnet.com/5204-6121_102-0.html?forumID=45&tag=dir.forum

Desktops. http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7586_102-0.html?forumID=68&tag=dir.forum

It sounds like you might have "Recovery Discs".
Which would be very easy, go to the Computer Makers Web Site find
your model they will tell you how.

(Some companies throw the recovery into files on your hard drive,
Usually another Partion or drive.)

If you want more responses and better information, try searching
the forums, for YOUR Computer Model, or terms like "OS Install"
"Install Operating System" "New or Fresh Install".
Remember next to the search box is a drop down list to
"Search within this forum" rather than all forums.

After looking a little bit,
You could Make it a "Thread" / "Topic", in the forum
that best fits.
Include the Make and model, whether or not you have install OR
recovery discs and all that.

Even though some may reply here, you really should.
You would WAY be better off.

You might be able to use "System Restore" and find the earliest date.
In WindowsXP it can be found by clicking,
Start going to Accessories then System Tools and run system restore.
Leave "Restore my computer to an ealier date" highlighted and
click next and it will take you to a calendar where you will have to
scroll to find all the restore points available, the available dates
will be blue.
This way you won't lose all your recent work, like documents, email,
History, Favorites.

- Collapse -

Slow Computer 100% activity

by andyr1385 Mar 3, 2008 7:32AM PST

Try disabling any indexing that may be going on in the background. My X1 program chewed up a lot of resources. I have disabled it and am using the VISTA Search feature.