Loss of CPU performance. Please help.

[iluzion]

My computer has started to run really bad latly. Whenever I open my web browser (firefox or IE, both do it) the music playing in iTunes will skip as my CPU lags. Scrolling on those web pages, in iTunes, or in any window cause it to lag my computer horribly. Anytime I do any of those actions my CPU usage jumps to 100%. I'm on Windows XP with an Athlon 2600+. I've defraged and ran ad-aware and had no luck.

[Rudegar]

what process is eating the cpu % ?

[iluzion]

Whatever program it is that causes it.. can be iTunes, Firefox, IE, explorer. Anything.

[khilladi]

have you checked taskmanager to see which programs are hogging up all resources? if you notice unfamiliar programs in taskmanager eating up resources type it down in google and search for what it may be or run a virus scan... if nothing helps resort to a fresh install of xp if that would be convenient for you

[iluzion]

It's the process for the program that causes it. If I scroll on Firefox, firefox.exe takes up 100% usage for example.

[ADRAMELK]

I had a similar problem with Winamp once. I reinstalled it at everything worked fine. Try reinstalling Itunes.

[iluzion]

No, it's not just iTunes.. It's almost everything as I said. Firefox, IE, explorer, anything.

[in54n3]

maybe try one of those fake reformat's through windows? if that doesnt work try a full format

[iluzion]

fake reformat? how do i do that?

[khilladi]

i think he is talking about a repair install of windows?

[iluzion]

Oh, well I lost my XP cd.. ************************..

[Ginsu543]

Just to be safe, you might want to download and install Spybot Search & Destroy. Along with Ad-aware, it is considered one of the best adware/spyware programs. You also should (if you haven't done so already) run a virus scan (second khilladi). Also, how much ram do you have installed?

[iluzion]

1 gig

[iluzion]

ran a virus scan for the first time in ages.. zero. it's slowly getting worse too, it's just like im on some pos slow machine, everything takes too long to open, everything acts like my computer is struggling to do it, but it really shouldnt be.. and its driving me insane. someone, anyone?

[khilladi]

im guessing since you lost your xp cd the easiest way back to normal is gone? oooooooooh how about a system restore?? have you tried it as of yet?

[iluzion]

tried it jsut now, didn't help

[iluzion]

is it possible my CPU is just dieing on me? i've had it for close to two years.