CPU jumps up to 100% used

When I click on 'Ctrl Alt Delete' my computer goes to CPU 100% used.

All I get is a blank frame. No programs, etc.

I am running Windows XP. When I log off my desktop and log on to the other desktop I do not have this problem.

How do I fix this problem?

I end up having to reboot my PC.

 

Hello swinsonic,

How long does this spike last?

Its normal for the cpu usage to spike like that when TM comes up and is caused by the TaskManager.

Regards - Charles

 

I let it sit there for about 5 minutes and cpu usage went down to 1% but there were still no programs, etc. showing up in Task Manager frame.

 

The Performance tab works, how about the rest of the tabs, Applications - networking - users?

Can you pinpoint when this started? After MS updates or program installs/uninstalls, etc?

Are you experiencing any other symptoms?

XP Pro or Home?

Regards - Charles

 

I didn't notice it till about 2 weeks ago. When MS has critical updates available, I install them. I haven't installed any other software.

I am running XP Home.

No tabs are showing up. The only things showing up are Task, Status, End Task, Switch To, and New Task. Other than those, the entire frame is blank.

Cynthia

 

Hi Cynthia,

Try bringing up TM in the following way:

Hit Ctl - shift - esc in that order, not simultaneously. That bypasses the log on security box - meaning no check on who's logging on.

Regards - Charles

 

I hit Ctl Shift Esc in that order, not simultaneously but nothing happened.

Cynthia

 

I hit Ctl Shift Esc in that order, not simultaneously but nothing happened

Just to make sure and sorry for not being clear, you have to keep your fingers on the keys as you hit the three keys in order.

Regards - Charles

 

To get the tabs back, double click anywhere on the colored border of the Task Manager window.

 

That did work except there is no 'X' in the top right corner. To get out of it, I still have to reboot my PC.

Cynthia

 

Hi Cynthia,

That did work except there is no 'X' in the top right corner. To get out of it, I still have to reboot my PC.
Right click the tray icon of TM, should have a "close" option.

Did you get the tabs back per Miz's suggestion?

Do you have all original symptoms?

Regards - Charles

 

I tried what Miz suggested but the tabs still did not show up. I did right-click the tray icon of TM and was able to close it.

Cynthia

 

I did it the correct way this time and what Miz suggested did work.

Thanks to both of you for your help
Cynthia