XP using 100% cpu

Hi all.
My Dell Latitude laptop can suddenly start using 100% cpu several times a day, and I've discovered the following programmes causing it: Firefox, Utorrent, Windows Defender and Vlc player. They just suddenly start to use a lot of cpu at the same time; I've used other anti virus, and they do the same.
What is causing these 4 programmes to start acting up all at the same time?
Thanks in advance.

 

firefox on my pc uses high cpu until my home page has loaded and then it drops down.

since you use a torrent program you are apt to be susceptible to virus', you should uninstall the programs and then reinstall to see if they are corrupted, windows defender is probably updating its database and you might be able to lower the priority so it does not use high cpu.

not sure about vlc as I do not have that installed.

have your run Malwarebytes free??

and what is your antivirus?? (windows defender is anti spyware)

 

Morning, jrwb.

Just a thought, but.....it's not this old problem rearing it's ugly head again by any chance, is it?

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...e/0ee66a78-0862-4ca6-bffc-3a7880cc115c?auth=1

It's a possibility; but I rather think one of the later XP updates cured this one. I can't remember now whether it did or not... I wouldn't like to say if any of the other links in the article are still active, but it's entirely possible that BITS is causing the problem.

I agree with Liz, though; ya gotta be careful with torrent sites. Never know quite what it is you're downloading from them..!


Mike.

 

Thanks for the advice....will let you know how I get on.

 

re install windows might be a last resort what processor have you got

 

Previously I had named what I thought were the offending programmes, now I realize whatever programme is open starts using high cpu, and if more than one, they ALL are doing it...

 

you would do well to reinstall your operating system, you can run scans but with how deeply you seem to be infected, you might not get all the infection out.

you can install malwarebytes free and run in safe mode after updating.

what is your current antivirus??

 

I'm using paid AVG

 

then you need to discuss your problem with avg as you are paying for their support, and they should work with you to clean your pc from infection

 

Thanks for advice....wil contact AVG.

 

okay let us know how it goes.