CPU running 100% usage
 

I have a sony vaio pcg-k35 and all of a sudden the cpu usage has ran to 100%, I am running symantec AV and xp pro currently, and I can't seem to figure out why the usage keeps shooting up so high. Sometimes it will be running lower but its over all a pain taking a while for new browser windows to open up and programs to load. I am considering reformatting but as many know sony vaio's dont come with restore disks with the windows os to reformat with. Can anyone please give some suggestions of what to check or do.

Re: CPU running 100% usage
 

Hit alt-ctl-del. When the windows task manager opens click on the "processes" tab then click the cpu column twice to see which process is using all the resources.

Re: CPU running 100% usage
 

I will echo the advice to check processes in the task manager.

I would also add that this is very likely some kind of adware/spyware that you have picked up. Running a scan with adaware, spybot, or Windows Defender would be a good place to start.

Re: CPU running 100% usage
 

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Running a scan with adaware, spybot, and Windows Defender would be a good place to start.

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None of these scans are perfect. Run a few different apps.

Re: CPU running 100% usage
 

This happens to me every time I restart my computer... for me it's caused by windows update, but I didn't disable it... I start Process Explorer (Alt+Crtl+Del on steroids), right click on it, properties and kill the single thread that is eating the cpu... regular Alt+Crtl+Del doesn't work for me b/c it just restarts when I kill of the entire process... link to PE: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys...sExplorer.mspx