CPU Usage always at 100%

Question

This is a Dell Dimension 3000 with 2 GB RAM (newly installed) and Office 2007 newly installed.  Computer is sluggish.  Bit Defender 2009 is loaded on for antispyware and antivirus.  Their tech support and I have run tons of scans and can't find any infection.  I contacted Dell for a faulty audio problem (sound is distorted and dragging) and through Dell Connect they took a look at my system and said there is something wrong with my Operating System and that I just need to wipe it all out and reinstall.  I'm not wild to do that and just wondered if there is any other solution anyone could suggest.  Otherwise, I will backup thoroughly and work with Dell to reformat, etc.

mash123 · Answer

Hi Scaldes,   For audio problem you should install your audio driver that came with your motherboard like realtek.   I am not sure but give a try.   Good Luck

ty_ger · Answer

The audio problem is likely caused by latency issues introduced by your over-worked processor. Upgrading the audio drivers will likely have zero affect.

To reduce processor use, you will have to disable the excessive number of applications you have running. Close out all programs you don't need, disable their automatic startup by using their program options or msconfig, and uninstall unused programs. The easiest solution to rid hard drive clutter and processor overload is to back up all your files, format and reinstall your operating system, and start all over from square one.

scaldes · Answer

Okay, here is a newly discovered twist.  The computer is running great now (although still distorted audio) and the CPU usage is quite low.  Periodically(usually after an automatic update) the CPU Usage goes WAY up and stays at 100%,  but if I Repair the wireless connection, the problem goes away.  Any ideas?

ty_ger · Answer

You are using a wireless card or external USB wireless device?

I have a linksys external USB wireless-g device and I find that if I use the built in linksys wireless software that my cpu load is high all the time. But if I right click the linksys tray icon and select "use windows XP wireless configurator" that my CPU load drops to 0-1% idle as it should and XP wireless works just the same.

SlamX · Answer

The high CPU usage now could be do to bad driver or memory leak due to bad driver or program. remove wifi and sound drivers and reboot and update with the latest drivers for both.

Also try a different virus and spyware scanners. Yours may have missed something running in background.

Also try booting to safemode with network support. If it runs ok there then yes you got software problems.

FastBoot · Answer

http://www.technibble.com/how-to-fix-svchost-using-100-cpu-memory-leak/ <--- refer to this link. It helps.

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CPU Usage always at 100%

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