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Running Windows XP Pro, Security is Kaspersky Suite 6.0.2.621
My CPU usage is running high, even when I don't have any active programs - from 50% to 90%. I ran my machine in safe mode, ran Spybot and Ad aware with nothing coming up. I also ran a full Kaspersky scan without any virus results. Not sure what else to do.
Does anyone have any idea what is going on here? What can I do?
What process is showing up as using the 50% - 90% usage? If you open Task Manager it should tell you which process is eating your CPU cycles.
Have you recently installed a program like Seti@home or Folding@home? Those programs will eat your CPU like there's no tomorrow to crunch those data packets
In Task Manager, select the "Processes" tab. Look at the bottom for true CPU usage. Ignore "System Idle Process"........... it isn't doing anything.
As suggested, look to see what is using the CPU resource.
One thing to look at, is if you have set Kaspersky to do "background scanning". What this does ( and with any other scanning software) is progressively scan your system using idle resources. As mentioned, SETI does something similar to this, as does Folding @ Home"
So long as you are not noticing any performance issues I don't think that you need worry. After all you pay for a processor to run at 100%.
Just check what is using it ;)
Taskmanager would be the first one I check too..
Process Explorer is even better ;)
Also, have a look at your memory usage. Running low on physical memory means the OS needs to swap memory to it's pagefile. This is very CPU intensive.
Under processes, it is the system idle process that's using the resources. This is okay then? I have noticed a slow down, and firefox kept crashing and freezing, so I removed it with the intent to reinstall.
Also, while XP is loading, I notice that the icons next to my clock may be coming up in a different order. Is this something that matters? I get an icon for an internet connection first (with a red X over it when I don't have the modem on - without it when I do - even when I haven't connected to Verizon), then an icon for my sound settings, and then Kaspersky. Is this something related/that I should worry about?
Thanks for helping the still-newbie-girl! :)
Yes, system idle uses CPU when nothing else is requiring it. If you're having slowdowns, might be time to run clean disk.
I've already run a disk cleanup before I posted.
Noticed a strange occurrence while running internet explorer - upon load it kept reloading my start page (yahoo.com) I ran my virus scan again and its coming up with nothing.
Any suggestions as to what I can do besides disk cleanup/running spybit & adaware and running a full scan of Kaspersky? I'm so frustrated!
Thanks so much!
Hmmmm,
1. Run disk check
2. Defragment the disk
3. Update your scanners and run them in safe mode (F8 on startup)Go into system manager and processes. How much memory usage is showing at the bottom of the box?
Run this online scanner:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
:)
After trying this procedure, when I am online my computer is receiving data constantly even when I don't have a browser open. When I check Kaspersky's Network monitor, tons of IP addresses are showing up - when I try to select them all and copy them here it will only let me select one at a time.
Here's a sampling - data is still being received, and it is freaking me out. Please help!
dynamic-acs-24-239-103-217.zoominternet.net 24.239.103.217 62 bytes 0 bytes
ool-4574e534.dyn.optonline.net 69.116.229.52 111 bytes 0 bytes
ip68-100-188-136.dc.dc.cox.net 68.100.188.136 62 bytes 0 bytes
pool-72-94-203-132.phlapa.east.verizon.net 72.94.203.132 62 bytes 0 bytes
wx-in-f109.google.com 66.249.83.109 2.2 KB 1.3 KB
Trust johnno's comments.. Nihil is on the ball .. I will add these comments
Being concerned about the connections.. A tool I use is TCPVIEW
find the info here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys...s/tcpview.mspx
This will help you associate those links with a process in your computer.
Dont be a bit suprised to find that you have a legit prog in your startup that is associated with these links..
This brings up another matter.. What programs are loaded at startup.. HJT is a handy tool to give a run here.. Do a scan - in safe mode - and post the log here..
ALSO.. How much free HDD space do you have remaining? if your free space is less than 25% have a clean up.. get the free space above 30%..
If needed try CCLeaner..
Trust it helps..
Glenn
Hmmm,
That is what you should expect. You make a connection to your Internet Service Provider. Your PC and their server remain in constant communication to check that the link is still working and for the server to follow your instructions.Quote:
when I am online my computer is receiving data constantly even when I don't have a browser open.
If something goes wrong, and the connection is lost, your PC will pop up a message about it.
What is happening in the example you have given, is that your system is trying to contact Google. That may be your service provider's default?
I don't know what your startup settings are, but try putting your homepage into bookmarks/favourites and setting your homepage to blank.
See what happens then, particularly, does anything try to reset your start page in your browser.
Hi Glenn, how are ya mate!:D
I checked that route:
Armstrong cable services -> Optimum Online (Cablevision Services) -> Cox Communications -> Verizon -> Google
That might be the cable company's default connection? Obviously you might have a different one in one or more browsers.............. I mostly use FF and go to Google.............. I think that IE takes me to MSN? :)
My ISP is very basic, it doesn't try to take me anywhere but others Like Tiscali and AOL would take you to their "community page"? Perhaps that cable provider does something similar. I recognise Cox and Verizon but not the two (US) cable co.s
OK Nihil, You are right... sometimes my system too sends and receives some data. Usually,. either the system itself (svchost.exe) is doing something or FF contacts Google (for Phishing info). But TONS of IP addresses? Doesn't it sound weired?
I think something has infected the PC. I do not believe this but yes, it is true. I had to face a virus which I dunno how it got in the system... despite of huge amount of CPU resource allocated to few of my security software. What it did was to infect Winlogon.exe which in turn would start iexplore.exe in background (actually it started with SYSTEM account and so had to be hidden) and eachtime after the start would infect the process! NOw the cleverness is: Winlogon can't be caught! and even if it is caught, nothing can be done! Reinstall is the only way to go! And IE is sending some data regularly.
I would say... if possible, look for coode injection scenarios while runtime, specially the startup!
ghostowl said:
That is the internet today. A quick look at my firewall shows that it has blocked 745,161 access attempts and 80,561 intrusions.Quote:
when I am online my computer is receiving data constantly even when I don't have a browser open.
:)