CPU usage

[fourteen85]

My computer is running at a snails pace, if i look on the task manager the line at the bottom says the CPU is running at 100% but the cpu column says nothing is being used ( I have looked at this with no applictions running) is it time to throw the computer away or has anyone any ideas what my problems could be? I have run scans with both AVG and spybot but nothing sems to be amiss there. I am using XP home edition

Any help gratefully received

[ChuckFickens]

have another look at the task manager and make sure "show processes from all users" is ticked

[barry1010]

Start it in safe mode and see what happens.

[fourteen85]

The show users box is ticked, But am unsure about 'safe mode' could you please explain this

[ChuckFickens]

restart the computer and keep hitting f8 as soon as it restarts (before you see the windows logo) and select safe mode from the menu thatt comes up.

[fourteen85]

Sorry chuck but I do not get that option I get an option to boot from floppy (which I haven't got) of from the drives for the dvd player/re writer but no safe mode

[ChuckFickens]

keep trying it, it sounds like you may be hitting it a little too early and (stupidly!) your computer has its boot options menu also set to use f8.

you need to hit it just before the windows logo comes up but not quite as soon as you are.

[fourteen85]

Still no joy i am afraid. I have tried googling Packard bell safe mode and it was suggested that I hit the left shift key just before windows logo appears but that hasn't worked either. Thats all for tonight I shall try again tomorrow

Thanks for all your suggestions

[fourteen85]

Last ditch attempt tonight, I have just run C cleaner and that has made a big difference, I seem to be back to normal

[Mobius1]

CCleaner isn't a program that I would expect to get rid of a problem that would cause your PC to do that, good that it seems better for you though.

I used to have a Packard Bell - they're pretty awful - nothing seems to be standard on them. If I recall, to boot into safe mode you had to hold the Shift key while it booted. So you might want to try that next time, or perhaps try the other F keys during boot up (I'd start with F5). Knowing that for future reference will help you in case you run into trouble again.

Also, consider downloading a program called Malwarebytes: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Spybot S&D has its uses bless it, but it's definitely not the best free antimalware product available.