Quote:
Originally Posted by RussellJesson
I have a Vista Basic system that now runs at 100% CPU usage but looking at the Task Manager there is no process using anything close. Most of the CPU seems to be used in kernel mode.
The problem does not exist in Safe Mode and a SpyBot S&D and AVG scans show no problems. However boot back into normal mode and very slow running again.
It does not happen as soon as the system starts up but after it's been running a minute or so. Also it seems worse if the machine is not connected to the internet.
Question is there anything I can run to identify what is using all the CPU?
Thanks
Russell
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The main cause I have found is actually a problem with the way explorer handles avi files!
If you have an incomplete avi file, or a damaged avi file, explorer will read it frame by frame to determine it's properties (such as video size, length etc..)
You can confirm this by starting the task manager next time it happens, I know it will takes ages to open but be patient! if you see that explorer.exe is the process using all your CPU do the following:
1. Open up regedit
2. Goto HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.avi\shellex\PropertyHandler
3. Delete the "Default" value which should be "{87D62D94-71B3-4b9a-9489-5FE6850DC73E}"
After restarting the problem should be solved. **note** You won't have any video properties any more if you right-click and avi file, but I'm sure you never use it!
If the process is not explorer.exe then there are a few other problems that could cause the same symptoms. Some people suggest that the print spooler of all things was the cause!
You could also have a keyboard issue, some logitech keyboards have some driver issues which can cause the 100% cpu usage. Also physical damage could case the problem (which could mean continuous interrupt requests and hence 100% CPU utilisation)
This webpage may also be useful for you:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000616.htm
Let me know how you go. Good luck!