Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: supraruss on October 12, 2007, 11:15:10 AM

Title: XP Pro problem - High CPU usage intermitent on new install???
Post by: supraruss on October 12, 2007, 11:15:10 AM

Hi,

I've just fixed up an old computer (spec isn't too bad) and I have just installed xp pro with service pack 2.  I keep having the same problem where the CPU usage shoots up to nearly 100% and around 75% for a matter of a second at a time then goes back to about 5% or between 2% - 7% when no programs are open. 

This is a new install and no anti virus etc are even installed yet, it was doing this from the very first time it started up in XP so it isn't to do with any downloaded updates.  I have read on the microsoft website that some people had similar probs and there was a hotfix to download to apparently sort this out.  The hotfix didnt work.

Is there anything I can try to see if i can find out where the problem comes from?  Its very annoying because you will be typing and you have a delay then the words pop up etc but its intermitent.  Sometimes its fine for a min or two then it will do this 10 times a minute. 

Can anyone help?

Thanks very much

Russ

Title: Re: XP Pro problem - High CPU usage intermitent on new install???
Post by: patio on October 12, 2007, 12:18:12 PM

You could DLoad and install Process Explorer to see where the spikes are coming from...

Title: Re: XP Pro problem - High CPU usage intermitent on new install???
Post by: supraruss on October 12, 2007, 12:24:57 PM

It seems to be DPCs - someone has just shown me a thread saying that this is quite possibly a RAM Issue maybe dirty contacts so I will clean them and try again.

Thanks for the advice

Title: Re: XP Pro problem - High CPU usage intermitent on new install???
Post by: 2k_dummy on October 12, 2007, 12:31:54 PM

Try disabling the Indexing service.

Title: Re: XP Pro problem - High CPU usage intermitent on new install???
Post by: supraruss on October 12, 2007, 01:27:25 PM

how do i disable indexing?

I have tried taking out the memory, cleaning it and using every port for the memory and it still gives me the same problems.  I have tried taking out the graphics card cleaning it completely and cleaning all the contacts on memory and graphics card and still the same!

Does anyone think it could be hard disk or graphic card problems?  Every time it pauses I notice a slighly different sound coming from the fan of the graphics card??  Could this be the problem?

Title: Re: XP Pro problem - High CPU usage intermitent on new install???
Post by: Deerpark on October 13, 2007, 02:18:48 PM

Follow patio's advice before troubleshooting your hardware.

Quote from: patio on October 12, 2007, 12:18:12 PM

You could DLoad and install Process Explorer to see where the spikes are coming from...

Post the name of the troublesome process here.