100% CPU Usage, and for no reason... I think.

[elcangry3512]

Yeah... I had started up Firefox, and that took a while to load. Once it did, I did the usual routine web surfing, but most pages aren't loading. I check on the Task Manager, and it says the CPU Usage was up to a 100%. I started closing down programs such as MSN Messenger, Firefox, LimeWire, Windows Defender and Stickies. Still, 100%. What would be the reason? Svchost.exe or something?

I had gotten one of those Download.com newsletters explaining how Process Explorer could help you find if there's some type or malware or whatever that hides in your computer as svchost. It also explained that "this just might be Windows being Windows". I had saved this e-mail just in case. So, I went in to download Process Explorer, but it seems a bit too advanced for me. I read it, and I have no clue oln how to use it, with fear that I might set something off and have no computer at all.

Could I get some help with this?

Lol, seems like all I do in this place is ask for tech advice/help. Can't help it, other places just have members giving out stupid recommendations. You guys rock, especially PK and Hunter in this type of situation. Well, enough of me heinie-kissing. I'd really appreacite the help here.

[PK]

When you look at your "Processes" tab, under Windows Task Manager, do any of them show a high CPU usage?  Keep in mind, System Idle Process should show 97-100% CPU usage. That's normal. But is there anything else using up a lot of CPU resources. Do you have Folding@home installed?

[elcangry3512]

That's odd. Now it's back to normal. But seriously, it was really slow earlier. Guess it just needed some time... A LOT. Now the overall CPU Usage is running from 5 to 40-some percent.

[PK]

Interesting. It's possible you have some malware on your computer. Do you have any spyware or anti-virus software you can check your system with? Or maybe you have some software that runs in the background. Do you have a lot of icons in your task bar (near the clock)?

[elcangry3512]

I have the following icons: Windows Defender, Stickies, Creative Sync Manager, the Local Area Connection icon, MSN Messenger icon, Volume Manager, Windows updates icon and the two Avast HOME Edition icons.

As for security, I use freeware such as Avast, Spybot, Windows Defender and SpywareBlaster.

[Nick Lane]

I am running at 2% right now. I use Webroot SpySweeper and Trend Micro Anti-Virus. I seem to feel happy with them.

[Mus.]

Mine's using around 5-20 percent right now but that's very unusual. Usually it's giving almost its all, aka 100 %. Well it's an old computer so what can you expect? Right now the little radar thingie that displays the CPU usage looks like a pulse. It's very cute, I might smile later. I guess old Bessie Lou (I know what you're thinking and no, Conan O'Brien ripped it from me ) is so old she's starting to turn biomechanical. I might draw a smiling face on the dislay at some point to take the experience even further. That will of course reduce the usability of the computer but real friends accept people with their flaws. I'm hugging Bessie Lou right now. I'm typing with my knee. And post.