CPU Usage 100% on startup. Can't do anything.

2996 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by davcheong, Sep 18, 2005

ksupmac

Discussion Starter · Sep 17, 2005

I have a Dell Dimesnion 4300 desktop, P4, 256mb ram, running Win XP Home. I am having a CPU usage = 100% problem.

Whether I choose to log into my account or as an administrator (in regular mode), I get to a blank desktop wth no icons or start menu. The only thing I am able to do is bring up the Task Manager (ctrl+alt+del). If I attempt to run a new task here, I an type the new task in (like 'msconfig'), but when I click OK, the window only partially disappears and I can't do anything else. I have to force the computer to power off.

If I login to either account in safe mode I can actually see the icons and start button, but I am only able to do the same stuff I can do in regular mode (basically, just task manager).

In both cases, the CPU usage begins at 100% and remains there. The applications tab lists no applications running. There are 14 processes running... the two hogs are svchost.exe and explorer.exe. It switches between the 2, but svchost seems to be the bigger hog.

Any ideas? I'd love to be able to run something (like HiJack This, any AV program, Ad-Aware... anything). But I can't. Nothing will run. It seems like my only option is to stop things from running, and I can't do that from msconfig (since I can't run it), and I wasn't allowed to end svchost through Task Manager.

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Scooped

· #2 · Sep 17, 2005 (Edited)

Reboot into safe mode by pressing F8 at boot, and selecting Safe Mode at OS selection.

Then, scan for malware.

If for some reason you can't get into safe mode (This has actualy happened to me before), you can always download a live cd such as knoppix, which is a good thing to have around, anyways. I believe knoppix comes with a windows virus scanner.

It may also be a possibility that you have too many startup services. In this case, you can edit which startup servicesby running msconfig and clicking on the startup tab. And of course remove any entrys in your startup folder.

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ksupmac

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 17, 2005

Thanks. I tried booting in safe mode, but I still wasn't able to do anything. I couldn't run and type of scan and I couldn't even run msconfig. The only thing I can do in any mode (including safe mode) is to run the task manager and see things. I can't even run a new task out of the task manager (I can type in 'msconfig' but it won't run).

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Scooped

· #4 · Sep 17, 2005

ksupmac said:
Thanks. I tried booting in safe mode, but I still wasn't able to do anything. I couldn't run and type of scan and I couldn't even run msconfig. The only thing I can do in any mode (including safe mode) is to run the task manager and see things. I can't even run a new task out of the task manager (I can type in 'msconfig' but it won't run).

Well in that case, look into getting a bootable malware scanner, or something of that sort (Like a live cd) if you must save the system.

Otherwise, I would just reformat. If you have valueable or important files, then again use a livecd and backup your files to a flash drive or something.

Good luck!

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petercj

· #5 · Sep 17, 2005

Try running a 'repair' install of XP* - which should allow you to retain your data. You will need to check-out your drivers and re-install windows updates. You will also need to run all the virus/malware checks again as the data may be infected. The other option is to re-format - but you will lose all your data.

*http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/en-us

Peter

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ksupmac

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 17, 2005

My computer only came with the setup disk, not the original Windows XP Home disk. I do have another Windows XP Home disk, but it wasnt the one that was used to install it on my computer. Can I try the repair from that disk anyway? Or will there be some sort of conflict with the existing XP (some problem with serial numbers or product keys not matching)?

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davcheong

· #7 · Sep 18, 2005

ksupmac said:
My computer only came with the setup disk, not the original Windows XP Home disk. I do have another Windows XP Home disk, but it wasnt the one that was used to install it on my computer. Can I try the repair from that disk anyway? Or will there be some sort of conflict with the existing XP (some problem with serial numbers or product keys not matching)?

1st thing .. When you are in safe mode.. one thing you can do, go to Msconfig, try untick those unnessary startup file.
2nd thing .. Or if can, do me a favor, print screen of the msconfig startup, and post it here, we'll try see what is loading up when u 1st boot up.

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