Page File (PF) usage

[danz8]

I use windows XP and off late i have noticed that the page file usage (PF usage) which can be found by opening the windows task manager (alt+ctrl+delete) is always high regardless of any programs functioning. I guessed a virus or spyware but after scanning the system completely i have found none.

Also, the longer my PC stays on the PF usage keeps increasing. This slows the system down considerably and takes minutes to open a simple program like word.

Any help, suggesstions please.

 

[KoolDrew]

The PF usage graph in task manager is not PF usage, oddly enough.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
The PF usage graph in task manager is not PF usage, oddly enough.

Yea, but if it's taking him minutes to open an app, we are probably dealing with a good old fashioned leak (while they graph shows reservations, the pattern of ever increasing is an issue).

Turn on the virtual memory columns in task manager's process view. Which process keeps going up?

 

[danz8]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
The PF usage graph in task manager is not PF usage, oddly enough.

Turn on the virtual memory columns in task manager's process view. Which process keeps going up?

There is a process called "System Idel Pocess" whicle uses 99% of the CPU usage. It is the last process in the list. The user name is 'system'.

Any help please

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: danz8

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
The PF usage graph in task manager is not PF usage, oddly enough.

Turn on the virtual memory columns in task manager's process view. Which process keeps going up?

There is a process called "System Idel Pocess" whicle uses 99% of the CPU usage. It is the last process in the list. The user name is 'system'.

Any help please

That is normal. He was asking for virtual memory usage, not CPU. In Task Manager, go to View -> Select Columns, and select Virtual Memory Size.