Why is my CPU running at 100 percent?

My P4 1.8ghz CPU consistently runs at 100% even with no programs running. I have a 20gb HD, and have 768 mb of RAM, I am using XP Pro and have 5 users. When I look at the task manager there are about 33 processes running, most of which are system processes, should i eliminate some of these, which ones are ok to eliminate, and if i just choose end task wont they just start again when i restart my computer the next time? thanks

This question was answered on December 7, 2002. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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I would do something quickly Running all that power can fry your processor, and that is not a cheap CPU.

Yeah, I would begin shutting down processes It's almost impossible to tell which ones will not lock-up your computer Still, shutting them down one by one shouldn't hurt anything Just don't have any data files open when you do so.

Something seems terribly wrong Then I'd do a virus scan, and reinstall everything in the PC if I had to in order to put a stop to whatever is causing all that activity I don't know who has those other accounts on your PC, but it's possible that inadvertently or on purpose, they've installed something horrible.

Possibly, you may be misinterpreting the task manager Are you looking at the CPU usage history? It's the third tab over.

Yes, the processes will restart when you reboot, but that doesn't mean you can't eliminate them.

I have a similar class PC, and right now, with an internet connection, four browser windows, Word pad, and MP3's running in the background, I am peaking out at about 5%

Chances are, only one or possibly two of those processes are using up all those CPU cycles, but you'd better track it down ASAP Don't delay.

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Posted by Robert of Mesa Community College on December 7, 2002

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