I'm running winnt server 4.0 sp6 and until today the computer was running fine. I tried to upgrade the ram (none of which worked) and in the process the nic went bad. I replaced it and it worked but sometime during numerous reboots my cpu usage time hovers at 85-100%. No one process is causing it. It actually says the system idle process is the highest but still shows high usage. I think the motherboard is flakey...could this cause it? I have stopped all processes (using kill) and all services and it didn't help at all. Any suggestions? One other very odd thing about this scenario...when I run inoculateit local scanner the usage actually goes down! Just idle it runs usually 91-100% when virus scan was running it went down to 75-85%.

Try to re-install your service pack. It also can be a mobo prob.

Are you using RAID? If so, if you lock up youll have corrupted files, when you reboot the system will use the IDLE process to inizialize and restore the mirror. It can take some time and will take ALL idle process time HOWEVER if you use programs it will take time back from the idle process (slowing or suspending the mirror update) while you are using it. NT uses IDLE for many BACKGROUND processes to complete. Does your drive light show constant activity while your 100%? If so its just mirroring and quite normal!

Hi.... I got the same problem Im running winxp pro right now and I keep on getting a high cpu usage with no programs running near the clock on the taskbar. Every so often I have to reboot my computer just to get it down and it locks my computer up. Is there any way to fix it or know whats wrong? Thanks....Glenn

Hmmm....same prob here. I'm running w2kpro. But...the only time I have the problem is when I run Forte Agent 1.9/32.560. With Agent running, it's cpu time bounces between 02 and 15 %, and the System Idle Process stays at 85 to 98 %. When Agent isn't running the System Idle Process hovers right arount 15% cpu time. Any ideas/suggestions would be great. TIA CR