First of all, to get effective assistance, you should enter your system parameters in your CP as per board instructions. To find the info, you can use Everest
Code:
http://majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
Now, as regards programs you installed before the problem appeared, as a diagnostic step do a System Restore, if you still can, to a time before such installation and see what effect it has. If problem persists, you can easily undo the System Restore to return to the present state.
Some variation of CPU usage is normal, but if it’s excessive, you may have a more serious problem than the SS.
Before, I didn’t think that the disabling of your SS was the result of malware, because such “recreational” use of viruses is declining as opposed to using them for profit. However, it’s highly advisable and the proper start to any diagnosis to go thru the TS
https://www.techspot.com/community/...lware-removal-preliminary-instructions.58138/
Autoruns should also run on Vista. It’s portable, no installation required. It shows you all the programs that start simultaneously with the OS. Many non-Windows apps start unnecessarily and take up valuable system resources, slow down the system and may even represent a security risk. The system will benefit substantially if they are stopped from starting on their own. Of course, you can always start them manually later when you need them.
Start Autoruns.exe. Wait for it to stop scanning till it says “Ready” at bottom left.
Go to Options and click “Hide Microsoft and Windows Entries” so that you will not disable anything required by the system.
Of course, Autoruns will not tell you which programs are safe to disable from autostarting, you have to go thru the list carefully yourself. When you recognize something that need not start automatically with the system, you can disable such starting by removing the tick in its box on the left. If you change your mind, you can restore the tick. As examples, I mention Adobe Reader, Quick Time and Real Player.
Be careful not to disable anything required by your Antivirus or Firewall.
Though there is little else essential, if you don’t know something it’s wise to leave it and Google to find out what it is. You may even find malware entries that start with the system.