Vista - Cpu

Hi, most of the time the CPU-meter tells me that it works around 50-55%, even when the no programs are running except the explorer. I don't think that this is normal, nor healthy for the computer. Once in a while, when I start the computer, I'm surprised to see that the computer works with the CPU being around 5-10%. But this happens rarely, and as said most of the time the computer is around 50%, and as soon as I open one program, it goes up into the 90s and often even blocks at 100%.
What can be the cause for this, and is there a remedy?

Thanks!

Hi Feindflug..... welcome to the forum


open ''task manager'' (ctrl-alt-delete), & look for the process using the most processing power, then take a screen shot & post it back for us.

i had this same problem on a build once, it had me running in circles..... but it turned out to be a PCI card that the motherboard didn't like



SK

I don't know how to take a screen shot, but the task manager tells that explorer is the culprit. When the CPU is at 50-55%, explorer takes around 45-47% of that.

hello:

---it may also be 'malware, spyware' since these programs will be active in the background while you are browsing---(clearing these out usually fixes the prob)---
---maybe try Ccleaner--->CCleaner - Home---
---or try malware remove--->Downloads | Remove-Malware.com---

---please post your results---thank you---

peace

An over-active explorer.exe usually can point to malware etc. To add to kikidee's post, you could try an AV like Avast:
Free antivirus software download

hello:

---yes---I also use the free-online anti-virus 'Avast'---
---some people also recommend another free-online a/v - Avira - which has better ratings---

---please post your results---thank you---

peace

Hi, thnx for the advice. I reformatted/recovered the computer just last week, and have Norton active. Is it possible that malware/spyware could have gotten on the computer in such a short time? Also, since I've Norton, could I still install one of your recomended programs?

hello:

---what I did with my pc---download the 'anti-virus' (of your choice) first, but do not open yet--->uninstall the Norton (allow restart)--->now find the antivirus-program and open/install---done---
---also---when you download any 'defender/firewall' program also - do as above - (uncheck the options under Windows-programs to OFF)---

---please post your results---thank you---

peace

Are the antivirus programs you recommend comparable to Norton or McAfee? I thought they were superior to free anti-virus programs. Also, must the problem be malware/spyware, or can it be caused by the graphic card too? For example, if I use wikipedia or gmail, the computer becomes unusable. If use facebook or yahoo mail no problems occur.

They A/V's are very comparable. Paid does not always mean better

malware/virus can be one of many potential issues, but it's always a good place to begin.

Video driver problems seem highly unlikely considering the symptoms.