XP CPU usage fluctuation to 100%

[poetrywaif]

I know there are similar threads to this, but since they were clogged and there were complaints, I decided to do the right thing and start a new thread.

I have XP, McAfee Security Suite, I have a scanned for virus' and it finds nothing nor can anything find spyware, adaware, malware. However, I do have Microsoft Defender Beta 2. I notice that when there is "user interaction" with this program, and that happens, well then the usage goes up to 100%. However, it also goes to 100% when I run a virus scan, a spyware scan, defrag, & when I print with my lovely HP, etc. I used to have Zone Alarm, it did it with that too.

It is driving me mad and I need help. I did turn my update speed to low on Task Manager, this has helped some. I found that out on another forum. However, I was wondering if anyone has found a real solution to this problem. From the last site I was at, there were so many solutions, I was afraid to try them because they seemed like they might remove some nec. drivers.

THE MAIN THING that has occured at the same time as this wonderful little problem is XP Service Pack 2. I would say that is when the problem started.

I have 40-44 processes running.
The Physical memory still has plenty left, the PF usuage is miniscule compared to what is available, the commit charge is miniscule to what is available. Right now I have IE running as I am in this window and it is running at a lovely 0-3%.

I know McAfee takes up a huge chunk, if there are any suggestions, any at all, I would be greatly appreciative. I think anyone reading this post can tell I am at my wits end.

Thank you kindly,

Erin

[Jay Long_1]

I haven't monitored the other threads regarding this so may be repeating whats already been said.

On the Processes tab of Task Manager you should be able to see which process(es) are using what CPU time. From the name of the process you should be able to link this to a particular piece of software which may help you pinpoint this issue.

Possibly having Defender installed with McAfee will slow the machine down. Also some of the lower end LaserJet printers use host based drivers which means the PC does the processing of the print job instead of being done by the printer itself. Thats why the printers are cheap.

[poetrywaif]

Jay,

Thanks for answering,

I uninstalled Defender since then, and it hasn't happened "AS MUCH", it looks like a new printer, even though this one wasn't cheap, it eats up all the CPU usage along with McAfee.

MpfTray.exe is eating it up
explorer.exe
mcsheild.exe
svchost.exe....but it shows that running three times. Twice as a network service and one time as a system
iexplore.exe
Those are the things eating up my cpu usage.

Sincerely,

Erin

[Phil.Howell]

are you using HP "share-to-web" software?
Phil

[poetrywaif]

No, well not that I know of...I know that sounds dumb, but I am not sure what software I am using with my printer. Is there a way I can find out?

However, at Microsoft they actually have a hotfix for the problem. The problem is, the only way you can get it is to pay for it. I have written their support before and never had a problem, now you must pay for everything.

Obviously this is a common problem with XP SP2. Along with the svchost.exe running multiple times. There is a hotfix for that, but as before I can't get it without paying for it.

I am willing to pay one time, but if I have to pay $70 dollars because there are two things wrong with the darn SP2, who's fault is that?

When I originally got my computer it was before SP1, then I downloaded that from MS, then SP2...but even though the problem is with their product and their SPs, I have to pay.

Sorry, getting frusterated.

Thank you,
Erin

[Phil.Howell]

The share-to-web software is usually in
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-packard\Hp share-to-web\Hpgs2wnd.exe
There were potential security problems with this software, and it also conflicted with a microsoft patch (or vice-versa)
If it is there, uninstall it.

I don't understand about being charged for hotfixes and service packs, if you use Windows Update it just downloads them.

I my experience, if you are up to date with patches, have the xp firewall configured, Windows Defender installed, and email filtering at your isp, then you don't need any other anti-virus solution.

Also, defragging NTFS is a waste of cpu

Phil