CPU processor ALWAYS running at 100% usage?

[Papa Deuce]

Any ideas why?

Running a P4, 2.8 with 512 RAM.... RAM is usually running at 40% unless I am gaming, when it runs about 80 or 90%. Running XP.

 

[buckylarue]

Do you have a DSL or cable modem connection? If so, it's possible that you have gotten a computer virus that is hijacking your computer, most likely to send spam and propogate itself. I'd run a virus check and anti-spam/pest patrol software to check.

 

[jfulcer]

Any ideas why?

Running a P4, 2.8 with 512 RAM.... RAM is usually running at 40% unless I am gaming, when it runs about 80 or 90%. Running XP.

Virus/Trojan?? That's what I would normally say. Either that or your IP is being pounded by a virus of some sort from somewhere else.

Check your task manager to see what's running. What's using the CPU and does anything look 'unusual'?

 

[Papa Deuce]

Thanks. I will check that. I do keep Norton Active. I run spybot. I run Microsoft antivirus, I run spy doctor. And, my Cable modem, I was told by Comacast, is supposed to catch all that nasty virus stuff.

 

[buckylarue]

Thanks. I will check that. I do keep Norton Active. I run spybot. I run Microsoft antivirus, I run spy doctor. And, my Cable modem, I was told by Comacast, is supposed to catch all that nasty virus stuff.

Yup, but they invent new ones every day! It's always a game of catch-up. Good luck!

 

[jfulcer]

Thanks. I will check that. I do keep Norton Active. I run spybot. I run Microsoft antivirus, I run spy doctor. And, my Cable modem, I was told by Comacast, is supposed to catch all that nasty virus stuff.

hahaha, and hey, I've got a bridge to sell you in California too!

Your modem most likely has a firewall built into it, which will stop 'hackers' from getting in, but once in, they can always get back out. Viruses are a totally different story.

 

[adamak]

Open the task manager and see what service is running with the highest memory. You can google the exe name and found out if it's a legitimate program. If it is, then you'll probably need more RAM, or see if you can stop the program from running (eg Antivirus scan can spike up CPU). Most likely it' s not. I suspect you have Adware or Spamware, which you should use Ad-aware to remove. Do a search here, there are plenty to threads on this.

 

[always quiet]

The only time mine runs like that is when there is a program that is not responding. If I open up the task manager, I can delete whatever is hanging things up. Can you tell how many processes you have running?? (it will tell you on the bottom of the box that pops up when you open task mgr....mine normally is about 32...from what a tech support person told me, if it's above 40...you have some serious spyware running! )