CPU usage 99%

[tonycard]

I have a laptop I am trying to fix running windows xp. It keeps suddenly shutting down, when using any program. I installed a cpu temp program and its not running hot. I did a alt-ctr-del, and saw that the program running was drawing 99% of cpu and then it would shut down. If I didnt run any programs the laptop would stay on. I tried 2 programs (mavis typing tutor and micro money) and they both drew the 99% and then shut down unit. Any ideas??

 

[noellees1]

Have you tried an online antivirus
Spybot and adaware
Just check through and see your pcs health, i see you have tested your processor but it sounds like an issue in that
What size ram do you have this can effect it
Post you pc's spec

http://www.spano.co.uk

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[tonycard]

forgive me for not posting specs and what I have tried to fix this problem. 2.2 GHz P-4 512MB RAM. I have disabled all start ups using msconfig, ran spybot and did find a few and did fix them. Running virus scan now. It seems that typing tutor program is really the one making it draw a lot of cpu usage. The program will be running and then all of sudden it shuts down. Money did that once too.

 

[noellees1]

Have you tried updating the program to the newest version if it exists, running it in an older compatibility mode???
Cant think why it would take 99% up

http://www.spano.co.uk

The way web design should be

 

[tonycard]

Did a virus scan and nothing found. Running Prime95 right now and that test is using up 99% too, but it hasnt shut down. Temp at this time is at 87F.

 

[NJcow]

This may sound strange, but are there any DOS apps running?

 

[tonycard]

Not that I can see NJcow. I did check on the task manager where I noticed the 99% and all the tasks running were not dos program. And that is not strange I can see how maybe that would cause this sudden shutdown.

 

[Bobg1]

What program or service in task manager is showing the high cpu usage?

 

[tonycard]

The first time it was mavis typing, and then the other time around it was MS money. Havent tried any other programs.

 

[micker377]

System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced. Check and play with "Processor Scheduling" and "Memory Usage". Also check your Paging File size, if too small the hard drive may be accessing too much - causing all that CPU usage.

 

[tonycard]

I will look into that. Thank you all so much for your quick responses