CPU Usage at 100%

had you run disk cleanup and disk defragmanter
also try SpyBot
www.safer-networking.org/
go to start->run>msconfig
thengo to the startup tab anduncheck all programs except the antivirus  , restart the computer and try

What is the version of IE that you are using, also the service pack for your xp?

Did you already try to run your computer in Safe Mode to check if it uses 100% cpu. And can post a screenshot from your Task Manager maybe i can see what is causing that.

Here are some thoughts. First question: have you installed anything new for the past days?
Next question: If so, any new hardware? You may actually have a driver-problem, maybe a printer causing your high cpu usage. Also, if you have a hp-printer, try to uninstall it completly and reinstall it.
Third question, are you using Windows XP service-pack 3? And finally, maybe the problem is with a badly installed Microsoft Update. click on Windows update, if you notice that you get redirected to Microsoft Update, check in the settings of microsoft update, and temporarly switch it off to use normal Windows update. If that works, you can try to install Microsoft update again and see if the problem is gone.

Thanks for the quick response:
1. Installed no hardware recently but whenever I restart my computer it looks for a printer that is no longer there. There is NO printer attached to this computer. I just close the message. That's been going on for about 6 months. I can't uninstall the drivers. Also, it's looking for mass storage controller. "Wizard will help you install software for Adaptec Serial ATA 1205SA Host Controller." For 2 months, I've just been closing these messages.
2. XP SP 2. Last update: Security Update KB959426 4/17/2009. Also the following were installed on the same day: KB963027, KB956572, KB961373, KB960803, KB952004, KB959426. I uninstalled all of them. No improvement.
3. IE Version: 6.0.2900.2180..
4. Generally, whatever is running, works, it just takes a very long time.
5. It restarts at 100% cpu usage. When I start IE, IE takes up a lot of memory. I took a screen shot of processes. (attached).
6. I restarted in safe mode. CPU usage is normal.
Please let me know if there is anything else you need to help me. Thanks!
Dennis
processes.pdf

I would hate to see the rest of your Process's running.
You stated that you do not know what is taking up your CPU, try everything.
Totalled everything that was in the screenshot and this is the Total of CPU Usuge [ 86% ]
That is just what I can see.

There is something messing you up badly.
I would download HiJackThis and run it and post the report here: Post LOG
Download the program from here [Hijackthis]
When you run the program, choose to save Log when finished.
And hopefully with out help, we can find out what is going on.

WARNING
(You are @ 100% CPU 100% of the time, that will burn up your Processor)
This needs to be fixed and if it cannot be fixed then you will need to backup your data
And deploy a Reinstall of the system. This is dangerous

Carrzkiss

opps... >>>>. And hopefully with out help
And hopefully with our help   (Sorry for the goof on spelling)

carrzkiss:
Thanks for getting back to me and with the warning.
Attached is the hijackthis log and analysis.
Only popupstopper and mcafee are listed as possibly nasty.

Please advise and help. I'm missing a lot of work due to this.
hijackthis.log
HiJack-Analysis.pdf

I am not seeing nothing in your Log, except this
What is this?
C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\POPUPS~1.EXE

----------
Can you send me over a screenshot off all the items in Processes running?
Take your cursor and stretch the Task Manager window up and down.
You should be able to get a full screenshot of all, if not, take 2 screenshots.
----

I suggest using Process Explorer, which gives you more detailed process info than Windows Task Manager:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

Try downloading and running ComboFix:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

"ComboFix is a program, created by sUBs, that scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these infections automatically. In addition to being able to remove a large amount of the most common and current malware, ComboFix also displays a report that can be used by trained helpers to remove malware that is not automatically removed by the program."

Mentioned in my previous post.

Screen shots are hard to do because the computer works so slowly.
I installed Process Explorer, ran it, and attached the output file for your review.

Continued Thanks!
Procexp.txt

If you are not using this any more, then you can disable it or Uninstall TurboTax
>>IntuitUpdateService.exe

I am not really seeing anything that is causing the issues.
I do see something though.
wowexec.exe
remind.exe

End process on both of them, and see what happens?
The   wowexec.exe is for 16bit programs.
But for right now, we just want to narrow things down a little more.
So, end process on both of them, and then report back your findings?

Carrzkiss

Killed wowexec.exe and remind.exe. No effect.

Spybot just finished running.
Alexa toolbar, doubleclick, grokloader, targetsaver, win32.agent.awz were found. These were removed/destroyed. NO effect.

Need continued help.

go to   Start | RUN
Type in:  msconfig
General Tab.
Choose:  Diagnostic Startup.
Click [Apply] then [OK]

Once you boot up, give us a reboot.

Carrzkiss

go to   Start | RUN
Type in:  msconfig
General Tab.
Choose:  Diagnostic Startup.
Click [Apply] then [OK]

-CPU usage near 0%-

Once you boot up, give us a reboot.
Reboot complete:
-CPU usage near 0%-

Need continued help. Thanks.

Glad that I could help.
Sorry I did not get back with you before now though, as I was eating supper.

Yep, that is the best way to determin what program is causing you an issue.
Good Luck

Carrzkiss

Author Comment:
Great job! I deleted the programs one at a time and found out that there was some problem with my PestPatrol program. Now it's running at 5%. Thanks carrzkiss!