HP ENVY 17 Laptop Windows7 - CPU Usage goes 99-100% Randomly 1-2 mins

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 13
    64b w7
       #1

    HP ENVY 17 Laptop Windows7 - CPU Usage goes 99-100% Randomly 1-2 mins


    Hello everyone, I am using HP ENVY 3010-eg and the following issue has started last week, on Tuesday.
    (Laptop Specifications: http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId... -- with the only exception being my 1TB SSD being the primary hard drive having the Operating System and the secondary HDD is a 750GB 7200rpm.)

    My laptop, say while browsing (firefox) or watching videos (or doing anything else), goes from normal 1-10% CPU use to 99-100% CPU for let's about 1-2 minutes, then goes back to normal (back to 1-10%).

    I cannot detect what process is using that high amount of CPU:
    >Windows Task Manager won't show what's happenening while 100% cpu is being used. No process is shown that uses this much CPU.
    >Norton 360 is not even issuing any high CPU warns, as it would usually do with other applications. (e.g saying high CPU use by X)
    >I have tried looking at the 'Process Explorer' tool to find out what is using the high CPU but even there it is not shown.
    >Multiple virus scans by different software (Norton, Eset, Mcafee etc.) have shown, there is no malware/virus on my computer.

    I have recovered my operating system using a 4 year old clone hard drive (yes this laptop is 4 years old) and this is still going on.

    So it's not a software issue since I used an old backup hard drive and this still happens.

    I have tried testing the RAM's 2×4GB using Memtest86 for at least 6-7 hours (a few passes), hard drives, even took out each 4GB RAM to see if any of them are faulty but CPU still goes 100% some time later for 1-2mins, removed battery and so on..
    I also made some burnin tests using "Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool 64bit" for about 2 hours and shorter tests, which ended with a "PASS".

    I need ideas/suggestions/solutions about what to do and how to detect the source of this problem?

    Three screenshots:





      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,656
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #2

    Try loading defaults in BIOS.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13
    64b w7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    GokAy said:
    Try loading defaults in BIOS.
    I have tried lots of things including that. (Onuda denemiştim olmadı ).
    I am planning to roll back the bios version from F.09 (current version) to F.06 (previous version).
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,656
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #4

    Selam :)

    windows - Log %CPU by Process over time - Super User

    Use Process Monitor to log the CPU data as described in the article, and lets see if we can find the culprit.

    Did it start after BIOS upgrade?
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    I've rarely seen a thread here mention Norton where Norton wasn't the problem. Try uninstalling it using the special tool for bloatware AV's and replace for awhile with MSE. Uninstallers (removal tools) for common antivirus software - ESET Knowledgebase

    You can go over your install most thoroughly using the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7.
    I'd start with a Clean Boot, Process Explorer, infection scans, SFC and culling repeat errors from logs.

    Otherwise compare the install you did with the perfect install compiled in Clean Reinstall Windows 7.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 13
    64b w7
    Thread Starter
       #6

    GokAy said:
    Selam :)
    windows - Log %CPU by Process over time - Super User
    Use Process Monitor to log the CPU data as described in the article, and lets see if we can find the culprit.

    Did it start after BIOS upgrade?
    The BIOS upgrade was made 1-2 years ago -- It's completely unrelated and just me desperately trying to figure out what the problem is -- In fact I have rolled back a few hours ago to previous BIOS version F.06 and high CPU problem still happens.

    Norton did issue a warn for MPC-HC (Media Player Classic) indicating it's using high CPU, which cannot be true because I was just playing a normal HD video as usual (and this never happens normally like for 4 years).

    I have observed the following in the past days (after re-installing Norton 360);
    No matter what I am doing like: using Firefox, IE, MPC-HC or whatever application and this high CPU problem starts for 1-2minutes (or less), Norton 360 blames the current active program that I am using and shows a high CPU usage warn, so it's not really detected an Norton blames any currently active program/process.

    [I managed to collect data with Process Explorer but failed to save it, as it crashed.. but again it did not show anything strange apart from the MPC-HC using the CPU for a moment within the past 2.5 hours it was running -- But again, it could be anything like Firefox or MPC-HC, anything that was running.]



    gregrocker said:
    I've rarely seen a thread here mention Norton where Norton wasn't the problem. Try uninstalling it using the special tool for bloatware AV's and replace for awhile with MSE. Uninstallers (removal tools) for common antivirus software - ESET Knowledgebase

    You can go over your install most thoroughly using the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7.
    I'd start with a Clean Boot, Process Explorer, infection scans, SFC and culling repeat errors from logs.

    Otherwise compare the install you did with the perfect install compiled in Clean Reinstall Windows 7.
    I've been using Norton Internet Security and/or Norton 360 since 2011 without any issues.
    This high CPU problem suddenly started last week.
    I have now cloned the old back up hard drive to my SSD and CPU still goes 100% for a few seconds up to 2minutes randomly like every 1-2 hours or something like that.

    I am preparing for a(nother) full HP factory reset (transferring files to externals etc), which will give me a clean Windows 7.

    As I wrote above, I have made countless virus/malware scan with more than the AV's I've mentioned above and other malware/spyware software -- The laptop is clean (I mean the cloned drive was clean in the first place a well) so it's definitely not a virus/malware/badware issue.


    One thing that happened is that the laptop froze in BIOS once a few days ago.
    That surely is not a good sign but I do not know what this means.
    This was before the BIOS rollback, when I still had the upgraded version F.09



    What I am suspecting:
    1) Something wrong with a Hardware -- Possibly SSD?
    But this contradicts the SSD health checks using simple tools, where these show that the Samsung SSD 840 EVO 1TB is in a good condition and that it's estimated life will end in something like year 2023.
    Is there a way to test this in a very detailed way?

    2) Something wrong with the OS? -- Less likely, as this NEVER EVER happened with the backup drive and that system is now cloned to the SSD.

    So the tests I am going to carry out:
    1) I am going to fully Factory Reset my SSD and see if it occurs.
    2) Then Run my backup (clone) HDD of this current System and see if it occurs

    These will hopefully tell me whether the SSD is at fault or something else. I mean, if it still happens with the original 7200RPM backup drive, which was never used for a year since I cloned it to the SSD (and there were NO issues at that time with that drive and system), this probably means something else is not okay.

    Hope this all makes sense.
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    I notice there is no interaction with the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 which is not a good sign as it usually means one is not willing to do the work. Those steps should uncover most problems.

    Did you say HP factory recovery will give you a clean reinstall? Are you kidding? The HP factory install is the worst install of Windows 7 one can have, larded with more bloatware then any other PC maker including horrible duplicate factory utilities that interfere with better versions built into Windows 7.

    We specialize in clean reinstall's here and have helped directly with tens of thousands of them. Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 has been used by 1.5 million consumers without a single complaint. Not one of them has come back with browser freezes or any other issue. They have the best install of Windows 7 in the world. At best you have the worst install of Windows 7. Add Norton and it's even worse.

    If you're lucky and have Minimal Recovery choice on the HP System Recovery menu then you can go ahead and do factory recovery. Otherwise I would refer to the Clean Reinstall tutorial, ask back any questions then stick closely with the steps to assure you achieve and keep a perfect install
    Last edited by gregrocker; 17 Jun 2015 at 09:46.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5,656
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #8

    I guess temps are in check, and I wonder if they would cause this behavior.

    Try uninstall Norton and install MSE instead.
    And keep trying to save the Process Monitor log.
    Also try, remove battery when laptop is shutdown and then run with only AC adapter plugged in.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 13
    64b w7
    Thread Starter
       #9

    gregrocker said:
    I notice there is no interaction with the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 which is not a good sign as it usually means one is not willing to do the work. Those steps should uncover most problems.

    Did you say HP factory recovery will give you a clean reinstall? Are you kidding? The HP factory install is the worst install of Windows 7 one can have, larded with more bloatware then any other PC maker including horrible duplicate factory utilities that interfere with better versions built into Windows 7.

    We specialize in clean reinstall's here and have helped directly with tens of thousands of them. Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 has been used by 1.5 million consumers without a single complaint. Not one of them has come back with browser freezes or any other issue. They have the best install of Windows 7 in the world. At best you have the worst install of Windows 7. Add Norton and it's even worse.

    If you're lucky and have Minimal Recovery choice on the HP System Recovery menu then you can go ahead and do factory recovery. Otherwise I would refer to the Clean Reinstall tutorial, ask back any questions then stick closely with the steps to assure you achieve and keep a perfect install
    The fact that I am asking about this here means, I have done a lot of work and self tests and you've not read what I've written so far properly. I appreciate the help and am grateful and, I can't blame you for not reading things properly, as it's scattered all around and I am not writing everything that I consider is tiny, but no need to act like this, no offense.

    I believe to have a great deal of knowledge in this area and am pissed off at myself for not being able to detect this myself. This is why I am asking this here, in order to get more opinions and ideas with the hope of finding the source of this problem.

    About your "Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7".
    There are 20 steps listed there, I will go through each one by one, please read them.

    1) It's not the hard drive.
    My 1st drive --> Samsung MZ-7TE250BW Serie 840 EVO 1TB (Amazon.com: Samsung 840 EVO 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-7TE1T0BW): Computers & Accessories)
    My 2nd drive --> Hitachi (Hitachi GST Travelstar 7K750 HTS727575A9E364 (0J12283) 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 2.5" Internal Notebook Hard Drive Bare Drive - Newegg.com)

    The 2nd drive was cloned to the 1st drive last year, (around June 2014) both were CLEAN and in a PERFECTLY WORKING CONDITION. (Hope this is clear to everyone who reads this).
    Since last year 18th June 2014 (yes it's been a year since I bought the SSD), I am using the 1st drive and this problem started last Monday/Tuesday with the 1st drive.

    What did I do?
    I removed the 1st (SSD) drive completely and swapped back to the 2nd drive from last year -- which was NOT touched after the cloning process last year, and the high CPU problem still occurs with that good old drive.
    Is this not a good enough evidence? Of course I tested more!

    Firstly, I made a HP Factory reset to the 1st (SSD) drive and high CPU problem still happened.
    Then I installed a fresh Windows 7 copy and it still happened from an original Win7 disk.
    I think this is good enough evidence to show that nothing is wrong with both drives OR the operating systems OR Norton...


    2) I have already tested my RAMs with MemTest86 for several hours a few passes (not sure how many passes), will do again anyways. -- No problems reported by the way.
    Also tested with the Windows 7 memory test with "Windows Memory Diagnostic" -- MdSched.exe which reported NO problems after test followed by a laptop restart.

    Also tested with the HP tools tests like Run-in (and other) tests etc..
    In other words, NO issues reported with anything so far.

    I have also installed Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool (64-bit) tool and made burn-in tests, which the processor PASSED each time.

    3) I have removed the Bluray Drive, Battery, RAMs, Second HDD, one by one and also all together. (Almost every possible removable component by me)
    Even tested the EACH RAM slot (I have two RAM slots) with each of two RAMS,
    this means:

    -->Ram1 in R1 Slot
    -->Ram1 in R2 Slot
    -->Ram2 in R1 Slot
    -->Ram2 in R2 Slot
    -->Ram1 in R1 slot and Ram2 in R2 Slot
    -->Ram1 in R2 slot and Ram1 in R1 Slot.

    THE HIGH CPU PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS.

    4) I have several tools including Core Temp and Speed Fan, checking the CPU/core temperatures.
    They are NOT Overheating.
    Even the Intel's own diagnostic tool reported no overheating during the 2 hour burn-in tests.
    The machine never THERMAL SHUTDOWNS and I vacuum clean the fans/air holes, so they are NOT blocked by anything at all times.

    5)
    I have scanned the computer with many/several anti spyware and anti virus softwares.
    As I said above, the drives are CLEAN.

    6)
    I have ALSO UNINSTALLED ALL all Antivirus/firewall/spyware softwares (Norton etc), the problem still REMAINS.

    7) A newly installed Windows 7 has no programs/tools bloatware whatsoever, so this is irrelevant but I still did it with the previous and newly factory resetted windows setups, problem still REMAINS.

    8)


    9) System restore is pointless after what I have done.

    10) Drivers and BIOS are up to date.
    11) I rolled back the BIOS from version F.09 to F.06, problem REMAINS. So I again upgraded to F.09.
    12) This is ONGOING.
    13) No issues.
    14) No issues (read everyting above).

    15) and 16) Will DO -- ONGOING, but nothing is detected.

    17) No issues.
    18) Not helping.
    19) Tried re-install, factory reset, not helping.
    20) Done already, not helping.

    And no need to overreact when I use the word 'clean', I obviously don't use the word 'clean' it that manner and know that HP Win7 contains lots of bloatware. I just used 'clean' to indicate that my system was in the same state as the day I purchased the Laptop, and not with lots of applications installed by me.

    GokAy said:
    I guess temps are in check, and I wonder if they would cause this behavior.

    Try uninstall Norton and install MSE instead.
    And keep trying to save the Process Monitor log.
    Also try, remove battery when laptop is shutdown and then run with only AC adapter plugged in.
    I do not think the anti virus/spyware is the issue (if you read above)
    Will continue logging with Process Monitor.
    I have removed the battery etc. (Read number 3 above).


    Current Conclusion:
    I believe it's not the Hard drives but something else. Will continue testing the RAM's and any other suggestions about testing the HARDWARE ARE WELCOME.
    I NOW STRONGLY BELIEVE IT IS A HARDWARE ISSUE.
    The question is: What is causing this?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 5,656
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #10

    Did you try running from battery alone?
    Also go in BIOS and disable (if possible) IEST/turbo/c1e - usb/and any device you can
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 18:28.
Find Us