CPU Usage meter going nuts!

AndyJ52

Over the last couple of days I've noticed that my CPU Usage meter has been running at 95 to 100% - constantly.:eek:
I'm not even remotely technically able when it comes to computers so have absolutely no idea what's going on. I understand that there must a programme or something running, deep in the bowels of the machine.... but have no idea about how to establish what or where it may be.

I recently installed - about 4/5 days ago - IE9. It came as an 'important update' so I, being the good and obedient, non-technical client that I am (for which read daft & easily lead ) I duly clicked as requested. I have no idea whether IE9 is at the root of the problem, or whether this high running CPU is the result of an infection picked up elsewhere.... but I'd like to solve the matter - pronto!
Might it have something to do with 'Add-on's' - whatever thay are?
I did see, during the first day or so of having IE9, an oblong box at the bottom of the screen asking something about them but as I...
a) didn't know or understand what they were, and
b) had no interest in them, whatever they may be
I simply clicked on the little 'x' in the top tight hand corner of the oblong box to get rid of it without 'engaging' with it at all.

I'm using Vista. My security is Trend Micro Internet Security.
I'm super cautious about clicking on things I've never seen before, either on screen or in emails and never open mails from unrecognised sources.

I'm probably over-reacting, but this situation is worrying me so would appreciate it if some of you tech savvy types out there were willing to offer some advice or, better yet, solutions to this problem.

If you should recognise this probelm and have a solution to offer, please, assume NO knowledge on my part and describe what steps may need to be taken in real detail, missing out no steps of the recommeded process(es).

Many thanks in advance for any and all suggestions/guidance that you may be able to offer - much appreciated.

asbokid

The CPU column in the process table of the Task Manager should show you exactly which process is hogging the CPU cycles.

I have disabled the Adobe Flash plugin for that reason - it was massively hogging the CPU.

As a temporary fix, I only activate the plug-in when absolutely necessary.

The Flash plug-in is probably at risk from an unpatched exploit.

Oh, the wonders of closed-source software!

closed

post a hijackthis log, full scan with malwarebytes, fix anything found before closing, check task manager to see which process it is. consider disabling defender, and replacing trend with avast 6 free

AndyJ52

closed wrote: »

post a hijackthis log, full scan with malwarebytes, fix anything found before closing, check task manager to see which process it is. consider disabling defender, and replacing trend with avast 6 free

Thanks for this info closed. Unfortunately, though this is probably computing 101 to those 'in the know', I didn't understand a word of it! _pale_

My knowledge and understanding of the innermost technical workings of computers is minimal at best so I think I'll just have to get someone who is an expert in the field to come over and take a look at this problem 'close-up' and reach a resolve that way.

Thank you for taking the time to offer your help though. I really do appreciate the gesture, but even if I could begin to understand the advice I'm not confident that I'd be willing to undertake the deed without someone who is computer savvy looking over my shoulder,:o so probably best cut to the chase and call in the cavalry before my lack of expertise causes yet more damage! :doh:

Best wishes and again, many thanks!

santer_2

This is for malwarebytes

http://filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

Download and install it, click to run it, along the top, click update, click to update it, click scan, put the dot in perform full scan, click scan.

This will take a while, click to fix any errors found, post back with the number of errors if there are any, and then closed will let you know about posting the log

WLM21

If you are going online, try a low memory browser, such as :-

http://kmeleon.sourceforge.net/

closed

If you look around the site, there are 1000's of threads where novices have been led through doing hijackthis logs and malwarebytes scan's, it's straightforward, and free.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2436849

AndyJ52

Once again chaps a huge thank-you for all of your offers of help... I really have appreciated your input.
The good news is I've solved the problem by doing some pretty in depth (for me, when it comes to techie matters) research!

I'm a VM customer and, after the aforementioned research I've discovered that this 'problem' is very much known about by VM.
Apparently there is a 'conflict' between IE9 & the VM HUB which causes the CPU meter to go into hyper-drive and a dreadful, constant clicking sound to come from the speakers, as well as slowing the computer down. It seems that Virgin have been aware of the issue since at least mid 2010 and are 'working on resolving the problem'. The currently advised easy fix is to uninstall IE9 and revert to using IE8. Voila! Problem gone!
They're getting some severe stick from the more computer aware among their customer base about this subject.... I'm just relieved to know that my computer hasn't aquired some dreadful bug or virus from somewhere or other.

Thanks again to everyone who offered their assistance - I'm very grateful.

asbokid

Glad you got it sorted, Abdul.

If you are looking for a new browser, then Firefox is better by far than Internet Exploder.

[Deleted User]

Virgin Media have issued a fix for this here, although you would be far better off not using any software provided by Virgin Media (or any ISP for that matter) as they cause more problems than they intend to resolve.