Processor @ 100%

[sdtcmike]

I have a system that after boot the processor runs at 100%. The causes many programs to close prematuraly. Can't use Ctrl+Alt+Del to troubleshoot because the window closes itself within a few seconds. System was upgraded from 98 to XP in the past month and functions ok most of the time. However, I have never sceen a processor that runs and stays at 100% as soon as it is started up. The only issue I have is that this problem is causing individual windows to close on there own. For example: If I try to run Norton System Works the application loads but when you try to run Windoctor it starts to analize then all of a sudden it quits the program and shuts down the active window. Someone mentioned that it might be a virus causeing the problem. Could a virus be the cause? What about Selective startup vs. Normal startup? Thanks for the help, sdtcmike

[Jiggy]

hi sdtcmike, Welcome to Pc Guide.

to help us help you we need more info/spec on your puter, we need to know the inner workings, cpu, mobo and so on.
:D

[ranchdog]

Please boot into Safe Mode and see if you can
troubleshoot anything. F8 at startup should do it
unless you have a Compaq etc, then try F5.

Which software programs have been installed/
downloaded recently that could be causing this?


RD.

[mjc]

Was this a clean install of XP or overtop of 98?

And yes certain malware apps can cause this kind of behavior...

[sea69]

do a control, alt, delete and post what's running after you first boot- also, bootvis will analyize what is starting at boot.

sounds like it is some things running that shouldn't be - (understatement I'm sure)

;)

also, is this XP home or Pro?

how many processes are running too.

[sdtcmike]

To answer some of your questions...

XP over 98

no applications are listed on the application tab when pusing Ctrl+alt+delete. Never sceen that happen before. The process tab lists many but nothing unusal.

We all know something is using up the prosessor but is it a virus or something running in the background.

I don't believe it is an application because nothing is listed in the "running" application tab.

Does anyone know if a virus can cause your prosessor to run at 100%?

Thanks, sdtcmike

[sea69]

well, you need to TELL us what is running in the background.

Processes

{also be sure to have "list process from all users" checked}


I didn't ask if "many" were running I asked how many- if you could provide a screenshot that would be even better.

and yes a virus/trojan can make your pc run at 100%, that's why I wanted to know what processes are running.

perhaps an online virus scan- free from housecall.

edit: also run msconfig and tell us what's in your start-up list.

[mjc]

AV, Anti-Trojan list (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15179)

[randyrhoads1981]

You said that was a XP upgrade over 98..if you was using Norton Works 2001 its going to cause fits in XP..my suggestion would be to do a clean install(not a upgrade) of XP and then install your programs. Norton Works is a resource hog and you will have to pay for updates after a year..grab the free AVG antivirus..install all the latest hardrware drivers and you should be fine.

Also you never mentioned how much memory was in the machine..being it did have 98 before it may only have 64..need to buy at least 256 of ram. If ya lucky and have a 64 megs of PC 100 then just grab a 128 stick of Pc 100 and replace the 64 with that and add the 64 in the next memory slot.

[jabarnutcase]

I realize the last post on this was yesterday, and maybe sdtcmike left town. (Or he's reformatting) :eek:
But, in reading this thread through, I couldn't help but notice that it hasn't been mentioned what kind of processor he's running! (Did I miss something?)
All good points here. Among them:
Being XP, I'll bet there's a bunch of stuff running!
A good antivirus/anti-trojan check sure wouldn't hurt.
...XP over 98 :( ...not the best scenario.
The Ram thing: M$ recommends at least 128 for XP, so right off the bat, that means 256mb(512 or more if you ask me) :)
And Norton System works alone can cause your processor to work OT. (Especially if, as Randy mentioned, it's anything but SW2002 "designed for XP")
Just some thoughts...:rolleyes: :)

[geek]

I'd have to agree with randyrhoads. Wipe the drive and perform a clean install of XP. You've got way too many underlying ghosts. And like the others said, in order to dig into this deeper, we would need some specs.