100% CPU usage at all times

Hello and thanks for looking!

So, as noahdfear may remember, my laptop was infected and making loud noises about a month ago. We believed we got rid of the infection, but the noise/vibration persisted (which we attributed to possible dust build-up in the fan). Randomly and out of nowhere, a few days ago, it stopped. However, since around that time, my computer was been constantly running at 100% CPU usage, regardless of which or how many programs I have running at the time. For instance, I could be running ITunes at 70% CPU usage and Firefox at 30% CPU usage at one moment. Then, after closing ITunes, Firefox would jump to 70% CPU usage and some other random program (taskmanager for instance) would comprise the other 30% of CPU usage. Additional notes: my desktop icons flash (refresh) very often. I am in the Netherlands and thus connecting my computer through a converter to whatever voltage they use here.

As you know, my issues are slowing my system down tremendously and as a college student I'm in trouble!! I ran a sophos scan (negative) and a kaspersky scan (negative). Then, I tried downloading ProcessExplorer, but it won't work. It says "Usage: Process Explorer" and then lists a bunch of commands that are impossible (i think) to execute. I defragged and changed my startups to no avail. Finally, I did a system restore back to about a week ago, which I believe is before the problem started, but CPU usage remains at 100%. Do you think it is possible that this is happening because of a fan issue? I don't know... I'm lost!

Thank you in advance for your help! In case you would like to view my situation from a month ago, here is the link: http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?p=379692#post379692

Best regards,
Ted

 

Hi Ted,

Did you ever open that case and check/clean the fan? Is the fan still working? If not getting good airflow, it may be heat causing the rise in cpu usage.

You should also open the task manager to the processes tab and right click any entry with hight usage, then point to Set Priority and see what is selected (don't change anything). In general, most processes should be at 'Normal' priority.

 

Hi, once again thanks for your help!

No, I did not open my case last time. It's a little scary, but I will if you deem it recommended. I'm actually not positive if the fan is working. I do not hear it like I used to (assuming it was the fan that used to make the tremendous noise that was bothersome earlier). I know there are some power issues with my laptop, however. For instance, my battery does not charge past 67%, even if I leave it connected. Then, when I unplug it, it only holds this charge for about 20 minutes. So basically, even if it could hold a 100% charge, it would only last for 30 minutes. Of course, when I bought this laptop, it lasted for a couple hours. I guess it isn't really a laptop anymore.
Could this be the cause of the CPU usage issue? Is this indicative of fan issues, or is it merely a battery issue? Should I open up the computer or order a new battery?

The really ridiculous thing though which makes me think this is not such a hardware issue, is the following: a couple days ago, I installed the beta version of Windows SP3 to see if it would help. After it finished installing, it restarted itself. When it came back on, the machine was running better than it had in over a year. The CPU usage hung around 2%, and everything was running lightning fast. Relatively, it felt as if the laptop knew what I wanted to do before I did....Theeeeennn...I rebooted again a little later. When the computer came on, the problems resumed. 100% CPU usage, unbearably slow, etc..etc...

I'm completely lost. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
-Ted

 

Ted, first thing you should do is verify if the fan is working. There is an exhaust port somewhere, usually on back, bottom towards the rear, or side towards the rear, where you should feel air flow coming out, or at least be able to see the air affect a flame or smoke held nearby.


Second thing to do, take the battery out and run on AC power. If things seem normal, or at least considerably better, you have a new paperweight in the form of a battery. Regardless, you should seriously consider a new battery. A failing battery can wreak all sorts of havoc.

 

Hi, thanks again for your help.
I took out the battery but the problems remained on AC power. I don't believe the fan is working, as a flame will not flicker near the vents. Additionally, the performance of the system declines the longer it remains on, which makes me think it is because it gets too hot. Gaining access to the fan seems to require taking apart the whole laptop case of my Dell Latitude, which is a little scary. In the Netherlands for a few months, I doubt I can get this fixed without significant cost. I think it may be time for a new machine for me. Any other ideas? Thanks as always!

Ted

 

It definitely needs the cpu cooling fan working, and it might be working but clogged with dust. It can be quite a task getting inside a laptop too. You might find some tutorials on the Dell site that would make the job less daunting however. If you're not up to doing it, or have someone or someplace to take it to be done, then yes, you'd better start shopping for a replacement. It can't take the overheating for long without some sort of serious failure and/or operating system corruption resulting from use.