My computer is running at 100% resources about 80% of the time, why?

Question

I found out that my computer model has a problem with a Window update, and they had a patch for it. But, when I try loading it, it says I don't have that file on my computer. Im about 97% positive that its not Spyware, Viruses, or anything along the lines. I had this problem for about 4 days, which I then redid windows. I loaded my programs in, everything worked normal. I downloaded all the updates, and now, when I load something, my computer runs at 100% and hangs. It came down to 0% for a second, which then everything that was loading or shutdown, did so, then I tried doing something on one of the programs, and it went to 100% again. So, I tried restarting, and it wouldn't do anything. So I shut it down. When it reloaded, it only loaded the background. I opened task manager and it said system Idle with about 10 things going. I shutdown all the ones I didn't need, nothing. So I restarted, it took about 30 minutes to Save Settings. Then it restarted, and had an error...

I sent it, then it sent me to the microsoft site where it had no explanation, no reason, no solution, it just said windows has to restart.

Then a couple times now, ill be doing something, and it just restarts instantly. No warning, nothing. Then when it restarts, all my settings are weird. LIke the taskbar isn't where I had it, the appearance goes back to Windows XP default, WMP11s settings go back to default and I have to redo it all.

So basically, how do I fix this?

I have 1.5 gig memory, and a 2.8 processor. I have 400gigs of hard drive...which is why Im confused. I have plenty of everything, but it runs like a pentium 2.

Its running in Ultra DMA mode 5. And the parts I can select are DMA if available, and PIO only. My second drive is running Ultra DMA mode 2.

You can also right click my computer, hit manage, then hit device manager there too. Its a little shorter.

Answer 1

i dont think this is a memory problem. though you are sure that its not a virus or a spyware issue but indeed it is. it is indeed a good sign of a spyware and if it keeps on shutting dow, might be a worm... go get an expert from a local tech. microsoft will not provide you solution by just sending the report to them. they also need money.... :) good luck

Answer 2

Try to reinstall Windows and don't update anything from microsoft site. See if you have the same problem. I think you have a driver conflict. Turn off Automatic Updates if you reinstall Windows.
Start - right click on My Computer - Properties - Automatic Updates - Turn Off Automatic Updates.
Also you may install one by one the most critical updates if you don't turn off ,Automatic Updates (be careful on driver updates)

If reinstall is not a option try to see if you have ULTRA -DMA selected
Start - right click on My Computer - Properties - Hardware - Device Manager - IDE ATA/ATAPI controles - Properties and select Ultra DMA than restart.

"Then a couple times now, ill be doing something, and it just restarts instantly. No warning, nothing. Then when it restarts, all my settings are weird" I also think you have a spyware.

Answer 3

Sounds to me like you might be short on memory. I had a half gig in my old computer and was having the same trouble. Added a gig of memory and havent had a problem since.