winamp 5.35 now often takes up to 100%, while an older version never had this problem This version also linked all video extensions to itself, it may be related since problem seem to start after viewing video via winamp

When you installed Winamp you had options on what type of files would be linked. If you don't want those files linked then uninstall winamp and when reinsatlling watch the install screens. You need to untick many of the file types. If you don't want video capability with Winamp you can go back to an older version that didn't offer that option. Don't use the 5xx series at all, in that case. The 5 or 6 versions just prior to the one you have had bugs in them. That said, if you have Intgrated graphics you are going to use alot of CPU cycles when viewing video no matter what program is used. We can't be of more help because YOU didn't supply the request info about your system.

That is bulls---

What is bulls---?

Boy they are coming out of the woodwork today. :-)

This is bulls--t: "CPU/Ram: r Manufacturer/Model: r" And the Winamp 'bugs' that OtheHill mentioned could allow infections into your PC, so be careful which version you choose. What happens when you try the same files with WMP?

Because this is NOT a performance issue, as most of you thought the moment they read "CPU 100%" -> no thinking -> you must be running a slow CPU ! Don't worry, I probably don't know what my CPU is capable of and could be mistaken that Winamp rightfully takes 100% CPU What are you guys thinking I have, a 386 DX-2 at 66 MegaHerz ? I'll tell you what happens : to avoid locked files, I kill WinAmp processes from time to time, and apparentlty, since whatever version 5 or so, WinAmp starts more processes (WinAmpA.exe), which caused some weird behaviour. I notice the issue particularly when WinAmp bothers with my movie-type of files I'll have a check on the version though, I like WinAmp but this one links all my movies types to it (which is not too bad) and it does not allow to unlink it (for which I will delete this version I guess, looks like Microsoft software) Nothing happens with the files I want to play, all works, except WinAmp process taking 100% CPU (as I probably would have stated in my opening post : "ow yeah, the player cannot play files", that may have been a bigger problem, no ?)