Overheating and unusually high CPU usage

[onex]

I've been noticing for the past few months (or more, this has gone on for so long) that my PC has been consuming an unusually high amount of power despite the fact my usage hasn't changed much since buying this computer (web browsing, creating documents, absolutely nothing remotely intensive). Initially it would take up about 5-10% max of CPU now lately I'm seeing that this is the new norm:



And the computer is always hot with the fans running loudly which didn't use to be the case. I make sure that the vents are never obstructed, I've run multiple virus and malware scans, nothing turns up. As I've had this laptop for two years now, I'd like to keep using it for at least another two years and I want to know if there are any underlying issues that I need to take immediate action for.

EDIT: Also forgot to mention that performance has slowed down significantly on my PC. I've no idea why either.

 

[Tookeri]

Hi onex and welcome to SevenForums!

Great with a screenshot but we need one from the processes tab, sorted on the CPU column in descending order. Mask any private data from the screenshot if you want that.

 

[onex]

Hopefully this is informative enough (let me know if I also have to screenshot the processes that didn't show).

 

[oscer1]

hi, whens the last time you cleaned out the laptop? might want to get some compressed air and clean out the vents and fan area.

 

[Tookeri]

That's better but you should probably watch that screen for a while to see if any other process comes up that takes much CPU. I mean the info from this screenshot could have changed the very next second already. Regarding the max one in this screenshot there's a thread here that maybe can help:
KHALMNPR.EXE is using 98% of CPU - Logitech Forums

 

[onex]

hi, whens the last time you cleaned out the laptop? might want to get some compressed air and clean out the vents and fan area.

I'm rather lazy about that sort of thing, you're right. I'll clean out the fans and hope it helps.

That's better but you should probably watch that screen for a while to see if any other process comes up that takes much CPU. I mean the info from this screenshot could have changed the very next second already. Regarding the max one in this screenshot there's a thread here that maybe can help:
KHALMNPR.EXE is using 98% of CPU - Logitech Forums

I'm checking that out too, but the problem began long before I installed my Logitech mouse.

Oh and it's still at the top of the CPU usage. Hasn't faltered from the top spot at all.

 

[Tookeri]

Here's an additional advice: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...r-virustotal-check-all-processes-50-av-s.html

In Process Explorer you should also enable "Verify Image Signatures" from the Option menu. Processes without a valid signature are more likely to be malware. And those without a description or Company name. Or strange ones.

 

[onex]

Thanks, I've installed and so far I see nothing that indicates I currently have malware. Although the only ones I see without signatures are preinstalled programs from Microsoft. And a couple from third party programs that state the signature has been revoked.

I have had malware in the past, but I caught them quickly and removed them. Is is possible that my system is still infected and I just can't see it?

Edit: I just enabled Virus Total, and it did find malware.

Trojan.Win32.Krap.1!O
Trojan/Win32.SGeneric
PE:Malware.XPACK-HIE/Heur!1.9C48

I have a hard time tracking down exactly which programs are hosting these viruses, but it appears to be attached to Bluetooth enabling programs... no idea how to take care of this (well I do, but removing viruses manually is a PITA for me).

 

[Tookeri]

As I mentioned in the Tutorial, you should also look at how many anti-virus products detected anything. If it's only 1 or 2 there's a big chance that they are false positives (wrongly detected). If you ignore these and you still have detections left then I suggest you create a new thread in System Security to get help with malware cleaning. Include which products you have scanned with so far. There are lots of great tools to try and by posting in that forum other members can give you detailed instructions on how to use them and also how to interpret the scanning logs for every program they recommend.

Regarding Process Explorer I haven't noticed any unsigned Microsoft programs myself so I'm not sure if that's normal or not. If I discovered any revoked signatures I would investigate why they've been revoked. One reason could be that these companies once produced good programs but not anymore so they've lost their digital certificates.

 

[Layback Bear]

Just a note:

Post #3 shows 198 processes running.
Normally that is 50 to 70 processes running.

 

[Tookeri]

Just a note:

Post #3 shows 198 processes running.
Normally that is 50 to 70 processes running.

Observant, thanks! I hadn't noticed. Yes, only that fact would probably cause problems on many systems. I have 80 processes running ATM.

 

[Layback Bear]

msconfic/Startup and Non Microsoft Services should be interesting.

 

[onex]

As I mentioned in the Tutorial, you should also look at how many anti-virus products detected anything. If it's only 1 or 2 there's a big chance that they are false positives (wrongly detected). If you ignore these and you still have detections left then I suggest you create a new thread in System Security to get help with malware cleaning. Include which products you have scanned with so far. There are lots of great tools to try and by posting in that forum other members can give you detailed instructions on how to use them and also how to interpret the scanning logs for every program they recommend.

Regarding Process Explorer I haven't noticed any unsigned Microsoft programs myself so I'm not sure if that's normal or not. If I discovered any revoked signatures I would investigate why they've been revoked. One reason could be that these companies once produced good programs but not anymore so they've lost their digital certificates.

I scanned for viruses with Malwarebytes and Microsoft Safety Scanner, they turned up nothing. Haven't scanned with Avast in a while, but nothing has alerted me of any threats. I haven't scanned in Safe Mode, though.

Just a note:

Post #3 shows 198 processes running.
Normally that is 50 to 70 processes running.

Probably because I had two user accounts logged on simultaneously. Today I had 270 processes running because of a third account being open.

 

[Shimshom]

You should also consider using a different antivirus then Avast

 

[onex]

You should also consider using a different antivirus then Avast

Any particular reason why? And what would you recommend in lieu of it?

 

[Shimshom]

Avast seems to have bloated itself beyond reason and MSE or Panda Cloud with the Windows Firewall or Comodo free Security Suite seem to be better propositions

 

[Layback Bear]

Is you system still overheating?
If it is have you done anything to solve that problem?

 

[onex]

The issue has not yet been resolved, and I'm at a loss as to what to do. None of my virus scans so far indicate any malware.

 

[Layback Bear]

There have been some suggestions from our members that you have either sloughed off or didn't mention the results when you tried.
So I will bring them up again.

1. Have you physically cleaned the inside of the the laptop?

2. You are running to many processes. Any laptop running that many processes at one time is going to get hot. Laptop have very poor cooling. You give excuses as more users. How many users can use one laptop at one time.

3. You may or may not be infected. You should consider using our Security section on this form to let them guide you through the proper testing. They will then when you follow instruction be able to analyze the logs from the security scans.

4. Please remember you are a new member and we know very little about your expertise so at times some of the questions and instructions might be a little noobe. We can only help those that help us help them.

5. I would like you to post pictures of msconfig/Startup and NON Microsoft Services. That could give us some needed information.

Examples: