My system has taken to running very slowly.Did all the normal checks (for my standard of expertise) and discovered the reason was my CPU usage was very high.Tried everything to discover the programme causing the problem.Killed all running programmes (except Systray/Explorer) still found CPU usage close to 100%.Tried Virus check that was negative.Tried Scandisk no problems found. My question ? Anyone in the group any experience of this kind of problem.What programme that I cannot see could be accessing my CPU ? One final point after a reboot the CPU usage is not high something occurs when I begin to work with my system.Any ideas gratefully received. Keith

Keith, Explain how you did this, please. If done by Ctrl+Alt+Del, end task. That doesn't list all things, ok. So please explain how you "Killed" them, thanks. "Killed all running programmes (except Systray/Explorer)" Start, Run, Type; msconfig Press Enter Click the Startup (Tab) That's the things, that are loaded when windows starts. In case you didn't know. Also, if you start programs, and then end them. Sometimes parts still remain running...ect.ect. Have you used anything like Ad-Aware, or Spybot Search and Destroy? Just curious. Good Luck, CrazyOne

Hello CrazyOne and Greetings from England. Thanks for bothering to respond I killed off my running programmes by the good old three fingered salute. I always use that method and realise now (thanks to you) it would be better to have a look via msconfig.Yes I did use both Ad-Ware and Spybot.Both came up negative.It is a vexing problem.Would you look for anything specific ? Keith

Keith, The subject of your question, is "Low System Resources". Any error messages to that effect? Or are you checking, and the system resources are low? Would I look for anything specific? You've check for malware, virus, ect., correct. Nothing found. Now, without knowing all the programs, utilities, and such. That you have and use. It would be hard to give a specific thing. But, start by reducing the things that load with windows. That should help with the resources. Well, unless it's an error message. Then all bets are off ;-) You could use this page to help narrow things down. That's just one of many, to help with that. When you restart the computer, you will get a message. Just check to not show again and click ok. Have a question about your spybot s&d. Is the TeaTimer resident? {running in the background} Have to ask, sorry. Is the ad-aware and spybot s&d updated? Also, which versions are they, thanks. CrazyOne

Thanks Crazyone (particularly for the link) The answers 1) No error messages just slow running and screen 'freezes' 2) Adware SE Build 1.06r1/Spybot Version 1.4 3) Both regularly updated Teatimer ? I thought that programme might be the culprit.Yes I do have it and it runs in the background.When I downloaded Ad-Ware I was asked if I wanted it and greedily I said 'yes' Trouble is I cannot see it or uninstall it.Once again would much appreciate your thoughts and advice. Keith

Spybot's TeaTimer sometimes hogs the CPU(I had to reinstall it once), but, to find out, you need a Taskmanager like in XP. I found one yesterday. It looks and works just like in XP but with multi-panels instead of tabs, including a Process Viewer/Killer/threads/cpu/ram/resources etc everything. Its a free download at - http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html

Thanks to the help and advice so freely given by CrazyOne and Izinxo my problem is solved :-)).Following their recommendation I have identified the 'problem' program. It is Teatimer (really system settings protection) that comes bundled with the otherwise superb program Spybot.The problem ? Teatimer is resource hunry (as I know to my cost) and as it runs in the background is invisible.I got rid of it (by simply uninstalling Spybot then re-installing without Teatimer) now my CPU is not overloaded and my system returned to running properly.I have learned from both CrazyOne and Izinxo and offer my thanks to both of them. Over and Out from one grateful Brit Keith