Computer memory at 100%...yikes?

Question

I am trying to fix my friends comp. When I open the task manager it says that the comp is at 100% CPU Usage. It literally took 10 minutes just to empty 3 items out of the recycle bin (it's that slow)....where do I go first to free up some memory?
I tried deleting the temp internet folders but the comp is soooo slow that I just didn't have the patience to finish.
Help me please....

Answer 1

Check to see what is running at startup. Often times computer programs that run at startup cause the memory and CPU to be taxed.

Try clicking the CPU header on the Task Manager (on the processes tab) to see which of the programs is causing the CPU to be maxed out.

Then do a search of the program to see if is not spyware/malware/virus. Just enter the executable name in google or yahoo and see what it comes up with.

If push comes to shove you could always end the task to see if that helps the system. This could cause the system to become unstable so be careful.

A good program to discover what is running at startup can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx

Answer 2

Did you try upgrading the RAM on the pc?
Check and and see if to if the PC has spyware or viruses or any other programs that are threats.Run Internet Security software.
Try to upgrade the CPU.
Try increasing the Virtual Memory.
Try defragging the system.
Try modifying the startup programs with msconfig.

Answer 3

If you open Task Manager, click on the Processes tab, and click twice on the CPU column label, what processes are using all the CPU capacity? Run hijackthis from www.merijn.org and mail me the logfile, and I can let you know if any malware is running.