Unexplained CPU usage?

Question

Windows Task Manager shows CPU usage of 30-40 percent, my system heats up, but there isn't a single process, or all of them put together, that would account for it. "Show processes from all users" is checked. Security Task Manager doesn't see anything either. On top of that I have virus checked my system using Norton, I'm behind a firewall, so I have no clue what could be causing this. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Task Manager doesn't give you the whole story. For instance, none of Windows' services (such as the Print Spooler, the ridiculous Error Reporting Service, the File Indexing Service, Automatic Updates, and dozens of others) show up in the task manager. These can account for a large amount of unexplained processor load.

The task manager only shows running "processes," not "services."

Answer 2

A common problem is "indexing". This is something that has caused problems for years. Microsoft even encourages turning it off if it gives problems. On your C: drive, right-click, then select Properties. At the bottom of the panel, uncheck "Allow Indexing Service" (and ignore any warnings on any files). Reboot your pc when it's done, and see what your speed is now!

You can turn it back on if you want, so no harm done.

You didn't mention spyware. Install Microsoft Defender (free) for very good full-time protection. (Spyware can really slow a system down too).

Once you've tried a few things, let us know if it still is slow, and we'll be glad to help some more. FYI, my pc is fully loaded, and my cpu runs between 1% and 5% busy.

PS: Once you're done testing the Indexing Service, also run MSCONFIG and stop any programs there other than those you recognize (as a 2nd test), to see if that was the problem.

Answer 3

Could be a couple of things: Your system is using Norton...that's one problem. The best advice I can give you is to ditch Norton and use AVG, which does not clog down computers. I ditched Norton, and ever since, my computer doesn't overheat and whirrrr away. Best computer decision I ever made...plus AVG is free. Download at www.grisoft.com.

Also, look and see if you have the Automatic Updates box checked to look for updates for Windows. If so, that can drain your CPU resources. Get hotfix 927891, from Windows website, which is needed for those experiencing 100% CPU use during scanning for Microsoft updates.

Answer 4

Norton and Macfee these are just two of the ram monsters they love it. Dump them ,firewall the system down load Defender from the Microsoft page its free. Also type AVG free download

Another reason you could have two firewalls running click Internet connections control panel look at the icons click properties to activate of deactivate. Activate if you decided to dump Norton.

Answer 5

spyware, adware, viruses, network activity (someone copying your shared files thru LAN), backup utilities, virus scanner, background processes.

Believe it or not, Norton will take up your system resources. You can go to task manager, look up the processes tab, and click on CPU to sort by highest. It will show you what app is using all this CPU.

Answer 6

Hidden Malware?

Just because you are looking at task manager 'now', doesn't mean some process isn't sneaking CPU time when you aren't looking.

Update your Antivirus (daily if possible). Get an antivirus that handles some of the new Malware that is out.

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Answer 7

homestead windows structures are constantly bloated and you will finally end up having CPU and actual memory spikes. in case you have a team of random courses that got here pre-put in on your computing device once you obtain the computing device, those tend to easily upload CPU cycles and bloat your equipment. i'd advise reformatting yourcontinual and getting a clean initiate that way you could basically positioned on the bare minimum of what you pick, and you will no longer have a team of junk taking on area.

Answer 8

Is this a new thing that is happening or is it commonplace? If it's common (which I don't think it is) then perhaps your processor is simply getting old. If it's new, then I suggest clearing up space on your hard drive and using disk defragmentation. You computer may be suffering from too much fragmented files blocking processes and the like.

Answer 9

Check your cooling fan as well as your RAM; you may be low on memory!!!

Also, do the following maintenance procedures, step by step. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. and if the problem still persists, try to see when and at what program. There might be a problem with a particular software problem that you have installed.

Good luck

HOW TO DO A THOROUGH CLEAN UP:
Before doing any of the maintenance steps outlined below make sure that your system is free from viruses and/or of any other undesirable Internet bugs, by running a thorough security scan of your machine.
Now, do the following as needed:
“I” (FOR WINDOWS XP-IE6)
While you are connected to the Internet do the following:
1. Click on tools ... Internet options. There you will see three buttons next to each other... “Delete Cookies” ... “Delete Files” and “Settings.” Also, below the settings button you will see another one “Clear history.”
2. Click on “settings” - go to “Edit” - Click on “select all” - Go to files, click delete and wait till all Internet trash files are gone.
3. Go back and click on “delete cookies” and wait till all cookies are gone
4. Go back and click on “Delete files,” put a check mark on the little white square shown on the small window that will open, click OK and wait for a little.
5. Go back and click on “Clear history”, click “yes” and you are done. Go to item “III” now.
ADDITIONAL INFO.: Here is how to clean website addresses from you IE6 browser bar: While you are connected to Internet, go to “Tools” … “Internet Options,” “Content” tab … “Auto Complete button” … click on “clear forms” and you are finished.

“II” (FOR WINDOWS XP-IE7):
Go to Start … Control Panel … Internet Options. Under “Browsing history” click “Delete” and then click “Delete all,” put a check mark in the little white square and then click “Yes” and you are done. Go to Item “III” now.

“III” (FOR BOTH WIN-IE6 AND WIN-IE7)
1. Do a check disk and a defrag, then restart your computer and see if the problem is resolved. It is assumed that you know how to do a check disc and disc difragmentation.
2. If the above steps don’t do the job, here is a little program that keeps your machine in shape and free from Windows micro-problems that lead to slowness and crashes:
Get on the web and go to http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/site; download the free trial program, familiarize your self with it and use it to clean up your registry automatically along with a sort of other helpful and useful maintenance chores. It is an excellent little program and does wonders with PC maintenance tasks and I strongly recommend it! It works on the background on its own automatically.
3. After you are through with the above maintenance steps, go to Microsoft/Windows updates and download any and all available and/or applicable updates.
Hope this helps!
NDS

Answer 10

possibly that norton didn't catch something. i would make sure it's up todate definitions and firewalls don't catch everything. people make new things everyday that have to be caught before companys nkow how to defend against it. my suggestion is try to manually scan ur hard drive with norton.