Busy CPU usage

[tibboh]

My daughter's Toshiba P4 2.8GHz laptop (A60, I think) seems to be performing ok, but I noticed that if it has a number of programmes running it boots up to 100% CPU usage, then even after shutting down all progs it still runs at max usage (until reboot).

Is there anyway to rectify this settings wise?

Thanks

 

[FishBoy]

should be spyware or you have an unwanted service running, try adaware scans

 

[tom9042]

I assume you're not including the System Idle Process in your computer usage total. If so, see Perris' explanation under

http://forum.osnn.net/showthread.php?t=783.

I use Adaware SE Personal and Spybot for my adaware scans.

 

[Hipster Doofus]

Get a hold of enditll & use that to kill all processes. While doing so have the task manager open & locked by enditall to see if you get the desired result. If so reboot, open enditall & kill the processes one at a time till you find the trouble maker.

eidt/ Direct Download

 

[Weasel]

Run Adaware and Spybot, then go through Run on the start menu, thrash anything you don't need. Fire up Regedit and go to the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and nuke some stuff that you clearly don't need. Should help with the initial windows load somewhat.

 

[LeeJend]

Also make sure she didn't install something like "Folding at Home" or "SETI". They will use 100% when the machine is idle but when you run something they go to sleep.