Hi,

I am running a Compaq Proliant ML330 with 256 MB RAM and two drives in a mirrored array. This is set up as a member server, and is not running any domain authentication, WINS, DNS, DHCP, etc. TCP/IP protocol, static IP from 10.0.0.x pool. Only service this computer runs is a shared folder the accounting dept access for their MAS90.
For some reason about an hour and 1/2 ago, the processor started pegging out. Task manager shows the norla processes, with System Idle taking up the slack time. However, it seems that it is actually *taking* the time, as the processor actually shows the use it is reporting. Strangely enough, when you run a program, it surrenders CPU time until the program is finished; then it runs right back up to 100% - it could be showing 60% while the comp is busy and 100% when it's "idle".
I've searched everywhere on the web and called my friends.

Anyone have any ideas?

Oh, I have run all the updates (security, SP6a, IE 5.5 SP2) to no avail. Plenty of disk space available.

It is normal for your CPU to show 90-100% in Task manger when it is idle.. that number only drops down when there is an application that is using CPU. Like if you run drweb scan, then drweb would use 70% of Cpu so the Cpu would go down to 30%... but is your computer working slow?

The processor ocupancy when system idel process is running should be High! check to see other programs with a CPU usage reading. I would definantly check you'r virus scanner. This and also check that all services are still running on the server. Sometimes the services hang and cause it e.g. RPC service. give a re-boot a try aswell.

try going to the web and getting the program cpuidle I run into that problem a few years ago and this fixed it right up...it tricks the ide process into thinking it is runing but it is not...and it will allow you to run any program you want to..