100% CPU usage at idle

Question

I have an Inspiron 3800 runing Windows ME. System Monitor indocates that the CPU is running at 100% constantly at idle.I've gone through the process of eliminating start up programs but nothing seems to change the 100% for the CPU. Anyone got any ideas as to what could be causing this?

ejn63 · Answer

Are you up to date on all patches, running current antivirus software, and have you scanned with AdAware?

willyaye_03bf4d · Answer

Yes. Windows ME has been updated. Adware has scanned. Registry Mechanic has scanned. Disk defraged with Disk Keep. BIOS updated. Virus Check with Trend Housecall and AVG.

Allowiches · Answer

I would do a full hardware diagnostic from the drivers cd.  If it passes then I would back up my data and do a clean install of Windows.

Verns600m · Answer

try to run wintop and see which program eats up your cpu.

upland2830 · Answer

Well:-)..I would start by getting rid of Windows ME.and go from there. Rod :-)

jberry004 · Answer

I have a Inspiron 4000 with Windows ME originally installed on it. I had the same problem you had. Then I went to update my Synaptics touchpad driver. The new driver stated that it would fix this problem. I updated and it didn't fix it, maybe it will for you. A month later I upgraded to Win XP pro and the problem went away. I know this doesn't help you much, but at least you now know this is a known problem in Windows ME and not your system. If there's anyway you can upgrade to Win xp or 2000 you'll be a lot happier.

willyaye_03bf4d · Answer

Thanks for the input. I went the route of a clean installation of ME and everything else but the problem remained. I ordered Windows XP yesterday.

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100% CPU usage at idle

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