The CPU usages on my laptop is almost constantly at 100%... Can anyone suggest anything I can do?

Question

Hi there,

I have a HP 2133 mininote, running on Windows Vista 32 bit. It has 1GB ram, and a VIA C7-M 1200 MHz, 1.20GHz processor.

I recently wiped the hard drive, and I run AVG anti-virus. There's nothing virus-wise to be found...

It can be fine for a while, then suddenly freezes up. If I Ctrl+Alt+Del, it says the CPU usage is 100%, and that it's firefox or AVG using it, even when there are no scans running. I type, and about 10 seconds later it appears on my screen!

I'm planning on upgrading the RAM to 2GB, but as it's a fairly new laptop, it shouldn't be behaving like this- is there anything I can do? I keep the fan free from obstruction, but it gets extremmely hot, though from reading reviews, this is apparently typical of the 2133.

I'd really appreciate any advice!

Thanks very much,

Katie x

Answer 1

Technically Vista is supposed to run on a system like yours, but it doesn't really.

But there are a few things you can do:

1. Firefox is a very good browser, but it's also a memory hog. If you're not using it, close it. It could free up as much as 150MB or RAM, as well as lots of CPU time.

2. AVG is the best free antivirus there is, but it has it's drawbacks. It too is memory intensive. Open the settings and set the virus scan to run when you are not using the computer, and to do a slower, but less memory-intensive scan.

3. VIsta. It's a problem, no doubt. One thing you can do is to turn off the Aero effects. I don't remember exactly where it is, but a quick and easy way to find it is to open the help and search for Aero. There is an article there about it not working, simply do the opposite to turn it off.

4. The Windows side bar is cute and a little useful, but hogs a lot of CPU and memory. Kill it. Set it not to run on startup.

5. Reboot at least once a day. Windows suffers from memory leaks. That means that when a process is ended, it doesn't necessarily relinquish the memory it was using. Rebooting helps.

6. Don't leave the computer running if you're not using it. VIsta boots up (relatively) fast, and in the long run it will pay off. Having the computer running when you're not using it (wastes electricity and) raises the amount and probability of memory leaks.

7. I had exactly the same problem that you do, which is how I came up with all this stuff. Eventually I got fed up and went to Linux. It's a stable operating system (I rebooted once in the past 3 months, and that was to update the kernel) and doesn't suffer from memory leaks nor (as many) freezes as Windows.

This one is called Mandriva, and the KDE desktop looks even better than the VIsta with Aero running, and uses a third of the computer's resources.

http://www.mandriva.com/en/download

Answer 2

ok, this is just my opinion, some people might disagree and let me tell those who do, i don't care. To me, it looks like the computer isn't strong enough, especially since its running vista (some people say that vista hog up more CPU than XP). im guessing you need more than 1.20GHz, or more RAM. I think it is a good idea to buy 2 gigs of ram, just keep in mind that some computers were only made to run 2 564mb sticks of RAM, so the 2 gig stick might not even work.

Answer 3

try to optimize your computer



1. delete all the junk file like temp , %temp% , prefetch.

Start > run > type Temp > ok . delete all the files ( same as %temp% , Prefetch )

2. Run disk clean up.

Start > program > Accessories > system tools > Disk clean up.

3. Increase virtual memory.

Go to my computer properties > Advance > Under Performance, click on the Settings button > Under Virtual Memory, click on the Change button > Here is where you decide the amount of Virtual Memory that you need to increase. Try playing around with a few hundred megabytes above the assigned amount.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2282429_increase-virtual-memory-windows-xp.html

4. Disable all the startup itemps from msconfig.

Start > run > type msconfig > ( Startup Tab ) System Configuration Utility.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4831800_disable-startup-items-using-msconfig.html

5. run Disk defrag.

6. Scan your computer Weekly bases with using any good antivirus and Spyware removal software.

Answer 4

Your problem:



You are trying to run Vista with a machine that has terrible hardware. Your processor speed is SAD. I suggest downgrading to XP if your rig cant handle the heat.



This is why people complain about Vista, they don't have the power to run it, and that's why it sucks for them.



Hope this helps, and yes optimizing your computer can help too!

To do that more easily go download "Ccleaner" its a free program that cleans up all the clutter you can accumulate over time.

Answer 5

you have to bring it back to where you buy it and restore the manufacture settings.