random processor usage by unknown app

[BORG3577]

Hello, i am running a processor usage monitor (Active CPU). Some times, or rather often the processor usage climbs up to around 75% or more and stays there while i have nothing special running then all of a sudden it drops down to resonable levels of about 5 - 10 %. When it climbs to 75% and stays there it would stay even if i close all apps and let the computer idle.... any ideas, i am just curious about this.... I have a Duron 800 or a A7V-E.

 

[bozo1]

What OS? With NT4/W2K/XP you can just look at the task manager to see what process is grabbing the cycles.

 

[BORG3577]

ah i forgot to say i have win98SE but when i check the running programs (Ctrl-Alt-Delete) and close all i still see the processor usage stay high, no matter what. That is what puzzles me

 

[bjc112]

hm.. do u have a virus scanner...?

what about a broadband connection, if so do you have a firewall?

 

[BORG3577]

no virus scanner
no firewall

 

[FrustratedUser]

<< no virus scanner
no firewall >>



=virus

 

[ChemMan]

Download Process Explorer here: download.
It will show you all processes running on your computer, as well as all threads of those processes and all DLL's that are open. It should help you determine what app is taking up all your CPU time.
Make sure to get yourself a virus scanner and if you have broadband, a firewall too. If it turns out you do have a virus or trojan of some sort, you'll have to do a format and reinstall to be completely safe.:disgust:

 

[BORG3577]

OUCH i hope its not a virus

nice utility, thanks a lot! i will test which process is responsible.