CPU Usage @ 100%

I have a strange problem in that my CPU usage is at a constant 100%, slowing the machine considerably.

I have run virus scans (Avast and Malwarebytes) and came up clean.

When I Ctrl+Alt+Del into task manager, CPU utilization goes down to normal. There are no processes utilizing CPU.

However, when I exit task manager, CPU usage goes back up to 100%. I am using a gadget called System Information to check.

I just spent the last few days doing a clean install of Windows and essential programs. It seemed to work for a day then suddenly the same problem occurred.

I have not made any changes to hardware and software except updates to programs. The system had been working fine for the last 2 years.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

windows task manager is ok but try the sysinternals Process Explorer v15.23 available here ProcessExplorer

Introduction

Ever wondered which program has a particular file or directory open? Now you can find out. Process Explorer shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded.

The Process Explorer display consists of two sub-windows. The top window always shows a list of the currently active processes, including the names of their owning accounts, whereas the information displayed in the bottom window depends on the mode that Process Explorer is in: if it is in handle mode you'll see the handles that the process selected in the top window has opened; if Process Explorer is in DLL mode you'll see the DLLs and memory-mapped files that the process has loaded. Process Explorer also has a powerful search capability that will quickly show you which processes have particular handles opened or DLLs loaded.

The unique capabilities of Process Explorer make it useful for tracking down DLL-version problems or handle leaks, and provide insight into the way Windows and applications work.

Thanks for fast reply.

I just ran process explorer. There are no services that are utilizing CPU.

ALL processes are showing <0.xx %.

However, when I exit the program (as well as Task Manager), CPU usage shoots back up to 100%.

I thought this might be an incorrect reading, but HW Monitor shows CPU temps @ 50C idle (when I exit Process Explorer or Task Manager) and 30C idle (when I enable Process Explorer or Task Manager).

a common error when reading process explorer is to relize system idle process is not using any recorces just the reverse. is this maybe your case?

how are you seeing the 100% when you close the monitoring program/s down?

No. LOL.



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I have made a couple of screenshots to demonstrate. Sorry if images are too small or too big.

The first one shows CPU usage when Task Manager or Process Explore is running.

The second one shows CPU usage as soon as I exit either program.

It's just after 2am here. Will post in the morning.

Thanks for your efforts Brian.

PS. Isn't Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes? If you see Webber, tell him to pull the lead out for 2013.

hunuok said:

It's just after 2am here. Will post in the morning.

Thanks for your efforts Brian.

PS. Isn't Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes? If you see Webber, tell him to pull the lead out for 2013.

yes they are up the road from me red bull racing. ok i will get back to you and im sure there will be some other users help.

Try using Resource Monitor that is built into Windows 7 to compare readings.



Some anti virus programs will cause this problem. Which one do you use?

Try using Resource Monitor that is built into Windows 7 to compare readings.

- I tried this with the same results. Near 0% CPU usage but as soon as I exit the program, CPU usage jumps to 100% and temps go to 50+C.

Some anti virus programs will cause this problem. Which one do you use?

- I use Avast and Malwarebytes. I tried turning off Avast. No change.