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
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General discussion
CPU keeps going to 100%--any suggestions to remedy?
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
91 - 120 of 339 Posts
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After reading all of the reply to Anthony's problem (and thank you Lee for bringing his problem to the form), I feel somewhat vindicated. There are many more good people out there who will re-formant, and re-install, usual as a last resort. I'm just so used to doing it that I just dive rite in.
I run a complete backup every month, and the back up is on a USB Hard Drive, that I keep in a fire proof file box. I take no chances with my programs, and data, and that's the advice I give out to clients. However, I don't tell them how easy it is to preform a re-format, and re-installation. Why go around giving away bussness?
Regards,
TMV
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In #10 you wrote: "Do not uninstall anything you want that you do have a way to reinstall such as having the original CD?s or downloads."
Did you mean: "Do not uninstall...UNLESS you have a way to reinstall..."
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I just wanted to note that the searching/indexing function of Windows Desktop Search (XP), or Windows Search (Vista)... can tie up the system, bringing it to its knees... why... I don't know, but it's so aggravating, I've stopped the Windows Search/Indexing service and disabled it completely. When I want to search for something, I'll let the PC look for it and wait... rather than the Search program constantly trying to "index" and failing to remain in the background to do so. Nothing more aggravating than being locked out of your own computer by an errant 'feature'. I've not had any system 'crawl' since. And I can wait for my own on-demand search to complete... just don't need split-second search timing, when it disables the system when I need it.
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Thanks for your suggestion. However, I don't quite understand "search PC" where do I find that?
Thank you. Oh by the way I use Google Desktop search and after a recent crash searched for lost documents that had been saved.
I found a succession of 300 entries, ten to the page of the same files by Microsoft bloating the system with duplicate files and they totally disabled my Play lists.
I can't wait to get an Apple/Mac
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Don't let anyone put you off from buying an apple pc or macbook. The only thing you will miss is 10,000 useless software progs you don't need and a boatload of windows problems. Get a loan if you need to, it will be worth it.
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Means to Search your computer.
I'm personally not to keen on the idea of google desktop.
for a variety of reasons.
but use it or click start then click search, click all files and folders, there is a drop down list that should be on the local drives if not change it to local drives.
Type your search.
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You asked, "However, I don't quite understand "search PC" where do I find that?"
I found an article a while back that addressed that; I had the same problem. Here's a quote from the article:
If you are using a Windows XP-based computer, the computer may run slowly. Additionally, you may see the following symptoms in Windows Task Manager: ? The current CPU utilization is high.
? The size of the pagefile may be as large as 1.2 GB or more.
? The Cidaemon.exe process uses lots of pagefile space and lots of CPU time.
CAUSE
This issue can occur if the Indexing service is running on the computer. The Indexing service uses the Cidaemon.exe process to index files. The Cidaemon.exe process builds and updates the Index catalog. Additionally, the Cidaemon.exe process typically uses lots of pagefile space and lots of CPU time.
RESOLUTION
To resolve the issue, turn off the Indexing service. To turn off the Indexing service, follow these steps: 1. Double-click My Computer, point to Explorer Bar on the View menu, and then click Search.
2. Click Change preferences, and then click Without Indexing Service.
3. Click No, do not enable Indexing Service, and then click OK.
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Before restoring, reinstalling etc. please try a scan with spybot installed and updated. Also please ensure that you have legal windows and antivirus updated.
Best of Luck!
Johnson
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downloads real time protection that stops any site with a cookie from loading until you OK it but won't allow you to "always allow this site. Then I got so tired of digging it's debris out that I reinstalled my OS. Very disappointed as I had used free Spybot for years.
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You could have the new November 2007 version or the old December 2007 version. Check your version number. 1.5.2.20 is the new version version which works as it should.
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I couldn't find a way to post but I have a ton of experience with this problem since I was an early adopter of Microsoft Update as opposed to Windows Update...
There is a known problem with SVCHOST @ 100% due to failed WSUS and Windows Updates B.I.T.S.
and...
there is a problem with HP's software for printers (including HP update/HP director/HP bloatware etc.
The resolution is very wordy and would take up quite a lot of space here and I will spare you the details.. but do search microsoft forums for CPU 100% or SVCHOST 100% (since that's the process that is causing the 100%)
I really like you because you IMMEDIATELY state the importance of backup. I hope that the CPU 100% problem goes away... I haven't seen it in months... but it has taken me up to 4 hours to fix after identifying it...
greg
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I have that problem many times even with SP3. My problem is I try too many spywares and other small security tools. After uninstalling them always a trace or a modification to Windows, stays inside the Windows to cause problems.
What you have to do is go to Sys. restore and when find a good one, restore your computer every month by giving it a name you can remember. Since I do that ...No problem, go to restore and hit the key.
That's what I would do. Format, install Windows only on C:. Other programs on D: and set virtual memories to all drives, that way the other drives will be fast as well.
Good luck.
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I have found (ALT+CTL+DEL) clicking on Process then Clicking CPU Usage 2x's will put your highest used processes at the top. This works fairly well in finding the culprit. But you may also need to check on how much Physical Available Memory you have by clicking on Performance tab. If you have very low (<20K) then you may have a program that is playing PacMan with your memory. If a program is waiting on memory then it may give a false (low) CPU %, but it may be the one using all the memory and wants more. Sometimes Skype, Iexployer, anti virus will not release any memory. So by checking Memory usage also may help point out a process that you may want to end and see if your PC starts running normal. NOTE. The problem of trying to End Process is it needs memory to start and run.
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Thks Dana
for all this great info!!
I experience something strange lately - it came actually overnight - after I had cleaned out (deleted) a lot of stuff I thought was useless....maybe not!
When I xx-click on any folder, the "Search Window" opens instead of the folder itself. I have to r-click + "open" to actually enter the any folder.
I called my laptop's tech support, they tell me that this is caused by either a worm in the MS system and I have to re-install my OP.
I run about every anti-virus or anti-worm software on the market, but none of them can find any parasite or worm - my laptop seems as clean as a whistle.
What do you think - Might there be another way to fix this??
Unfortunately I do not have a OP installation disc, everything came pre-installed. I just ordered a recovery disc (just in case) - because I particionned my HD and the tech support could not enter their pre-installed program (by tapping 0 while booting)
I am using XP professional, IE6 (don't like IE7 - too slow and safety annoying..)
Thank you for your time and hopefully a feedback
Have a good weekend
Renee in NYC
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(your post's title at google.com!)
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ATT: R.PROFFITT
You just saved not only my day with posting this google link but I was also able to fix the problem in a 10-Minute action!Unbelievable!
It fixed also my headache of having to re-install my whole op system (only suggestion by tech suppport!!!)- never believe Tech support prior to checking the forums!!!
Let me send you a big "HUG" of gratitude
Renee in NYC
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Never have more thsan a single anti-virus and anti spyware program running at the same time. Doing so gives your computer a bellyache
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Go to PCWorld.com - Windows Tips: A simple fix
Topics > Tips & troubleshooting > Windows Tips. This is a column by Scott Dunn, contributing editor, March 2006.
There is a solution for this problem. It is apparently a bug in Windows Edit File Type dialog box. His solution is:
Open the registry, scroll to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DIRECTORY\shell (if the problem occurs when you double-click folder icons)or to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell (if it happens when you double-click drive icons) With the shell icon selected in the left pane, double-click the Default icon in the right pane. In the Value data box,type none and click OK; then exit the Registry Editor. The next time you double-click a folder or drive icon it should behave properly.
I had this problem and this solution solved it. Back up the registry before proceeding.
PB
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I have been having a similar problem, which seems to have started a few weeks ago. I was about to reformat my HD when I found that I could simply shut down some of the (to)many programs running in my systray. I closed down Yahoo IM--don't know I have it anyway--Adobe Download and my SanDisk card reader. But, I found that my cpu useage has dropped from 30-50% down to 0-8%.
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I checked my task Mgr & the highest one under CPU is "System Idle process (Image name) then user name (System). goes or(jumps)between 78-92. I run my spyware & virus & never get anything wrong. Should I end Process I'm not sure with this one?. Running Windows XP Media Center Edition Version 2002 SP2. Dell Inspiron 9400.
Thanks,
Frank L.
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Brother-in-law had same problem. Turned out to be a driver for his USB card read. Start from scratch (backup data, format, re-install). Update carefully and consider doing a restore point after each update. That way you can see if its the update that caused the problem.
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Only suggestion I have is to first google the offending process before disabling it to make sure you know what you?re disabling.
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Task Manager/Processes lists only the processe's file names which in many cases can be rather difficult to identify with the program in question. There is a very nice freeware program called Process Explorer (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx) which lists also the program name and company of all running processes. Makes it a lot easier, strongly recommended.
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HI!! I READ THE LETTER ABOUT COMPUTERS HANGING ... YOU WROTE TO THE PERSON TO UPDATE BIOS AS ONE OF THE SOLUTIONS. I?M A NOVISE TO COMPUTERS,BUT RECNOGIZED THE VERY SAME PROBLEM . HOW DO I UPDATE BIOS? PLEASE HELP!! DUMBER THAN DUMB.... I THINK!
PRETHANKS TO YOU WHO ANSWERS!
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With all due respect, first TURN OFF CAPS LOCK, IT'S LIKE SHOUTING
OR UNEDUACTED, LACK OF RESPECT and things like that.
not TO MENTION really annoying to read 
Be sure you have tried the other HUNDREDS of suggestions before you update bios, or reinsatll OS, or format and such things.
to update your bios, go to your Motherboards website and download the BIOS drivers and probably the install utility . and that type of thing.
and if any questions because you can't find or they don't give directions, contact your motherboard manufacturer.
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I have AntiCrash and Hare from Dachshund software! Just try! If u want this program e-mail me! My Email is k1tiki@yahoo.com!!
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