My PC has high CPU loads a few times every couple minutes

[Marnomancer]

sounds like malware and/or a bunch of unwanted goodies were installed. You will save yourself a lot of headache if you do a fresh install of windows. Make a backup of your drivers if you don't have the Driver CD that came with your computer. You can also go to the manufacturers website of your motherboard and download all the newest drivers before you start the reinstall. You will notice a vast improvement after you do a fresh OS install.

Guys, I don't think a fresh install is a good alternative. Not only is this long and scary work for someone not so experienced with it, but can also have undesired consequences (DRM issues to be more specific).
On a different note, that's where Linux pretty much beats the crap out of other OSes. Almost no maintenance needed.
So, it can actually be more of a cause of headache than save it. Not to mention a fresh install is not the solution to everything.

maybe your pc is infected by malware, it's a good idea you post this thread in section of malware and virus removal forum.. my friend's laptop have similar symptoms with your problem (90% cpu, high temp, slow performance, no response, hang), then it happen to be infected by malware..

Yes, it's getting very common and most of the threads down at Tech Support are along the same lines.

The System Idle process normally goes to 90% without affecting the system performance. Let the OS manage the page file, don't disable it, if you don't want to use a fixed size.
To use a malware scanner start in Safe Mode and do a full system scan also you should disable the System Restore because any malicious software is backed-up as well.

The System Idle Process is, if you read the label, a process of keeping the system idle. It's 100 - (minus) CPU Load. It is not meant to affect system performance if too high (quite the opposite). It's when it's low that you are supposed to start worrying. Low System Idle Process means the CPU is under load.
The pagefile being disabled won't reduce system performance (quite the opposite). It does reduce stability however, when the system memory (RAM) isn't enough, because the kernel now has nowhere to roll out the extra pages. However, that is hardly the issue at hand.
Yes, doing a System Restore can possibly restore the malware if any. So when you run a malware scan, I strongly recommend you perform a "Complete System Scan", including everywhere that requires administrator-level authority. Practically every byte of information on the hard-disk(s).

Hope you understand what I'm trying to say. If you do not, please ask before taking any steps.

Regards,
Marnomancer

 

[jo233]

Google chrome has allowed many tabs to be opened (without freezing) unlike the previous browser (IE8) . Internet is much better with Chrome and the CPU is much consistently lower (e.g fluctuating between 0-8)
There is the occasional fan buzzing. Also when I put the pc on sleep mode, 2 or 1mins in it will then start up without any interference; this could be because of anti-virus software though.
Not sure if a system restore/fresh install of windows xp is the best option. (e.g may not copy all the stuff I need plus not sure how to do it)
Will probably try in this order:
1.Avira/Microsoft Security Essentials
2.Auslogics Disk Defrag
3.CCleaner

may download HWmonitor/Speedfan.

 

[hood6558]

I've seen this problem before, usually caused by a running process, possibly malware. In task Manager look at the CPU usage on all the processes (for all users) as they're running. Kill any high-CPU-use processes one at a time and see what happens. When you isolate the process causing the problem, Google it and see what the deal is. Sometimes it's malware, other times it's an unnecessary service running in the background. Sometimes Windows problems can cause this, and also buggy hardware drivers. I've also seen Java cause this by trying to update itself.

 

[PinothyJ]

Also, after a big update or reinstall of .Net your system will rebuild your system's .Net assemblies which will take up quite a lot of CPU and make your machine sluggish. But once it finishes it should be back to normal for your operating system.


That is at least one contributor to high CPU usage…

 

[jo233]

Also, after a big update or reinstall of .Net your system will rebuild your system's .Net assemblies which will take up quite a lot of CPU and make your machine sluggish. But once it finishes it should be back to normal for your operating system.


That is at least one contributor to high CPU usage…

what do you mean by '.Net assemblies'?

also which Auslogics defrag do I download..the free or pro one? http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/