Menues cause CPU spikes. 1

[KMartin2004]

I am running Windows XP
512 MB, AMD 2400+, 80GB HD.. My computer spikes whenever i use any menues in Windows. Mainly the "all programs" Menue. When i move my coursor across the menue, it freezes for about 2 seconds, then when i leave the menue it takes about 5 seconds for the menue to close down.

I updated spybot and ran it. I updated adaware 6 and ran it too. What else can i do to fix this. I also changed the value from 400 to 100 in the reg but it doesnt help. I also googled for help with this and cant find anything. My computer loads and runs everything fast and well. This is the only problem i am having. Please help anybody if you can.

Thanks,

KMartin.

 

[linney]

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

Any video driver's available for updating?

 

[KMartin2004]

linney, so far i have only had time to look for Vid drivers availible, there are none at this time. I Did run Win XP Pro in "SAFE MODE" and it worked perfectly, fast, like new. I did not have time to run SYS FILE CHECKER. What does this tell you so far. What should i do next please?

When i get home from work today i can try to remedy this problem.

Thanks,

KMartin.

 

[bcastner]

Are you using GoBack?
This would be "normal" behavior.

 

[linney]

Bearing in mind the comments of "Bcastner", these type of problems come down to a process of elimination to detect the faulty driver or program which is causing the problem.

SFC will checkout you System files.

Software can be handled by -

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Drivers can be investigated via -

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

The first part of the elimination process was showing the problem is not present while in Safe Mode.

 

[bcastner]

While on its face the thread linked below may not appear to be related to your issue, I believe strongly that some of the diagnostic steps suggested could help you: thread779-764870

 

[KMartin2004]

OK people, I fixed the problem but im not sure if it was the root of the problem. I thought maybe i would go and check out the Performance Options. I had it set to "Best looking" or something like that. So what i did was set it to "Best Performance" that fixed the problem. Next, i went back and checked all the box's except for the box's that effected "Menus". Since i like the sharp look of XP i wanted to keep what i could. Being three or four Menu options. I narrowed it down to "Show Shadows Under Menus". This option was causing my cpu to spike and bogging down my Menus. I unchecked this one options and checked everything else. Problem Fixed!

I personally think that something else is the root of this problem because my computer is pretty fast and and all updates are current. I also have plenty of Vid/Audio and memory availible....

What do you all think.

Thanks for the help everyone. If you think i should look deeper into the problem i will. If i should just let it ride i would be ok with that too.

KMartin.

 

[bcastner]

I think you should read:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;819101

As I mentioned earlier above, the performance of Start items and Context menu items seems to me very much related.