This problem has just started recently, while the system is idling or even when its not, the cpu usage in the task manager jumps around 100% 55% 80% etc. I can definately feel the consequences of this even on the desktop while everything has been closed out. I have tried the following things: Virus Scan, Adware/Spyware scan, drive error check, defragmenation, disk cleanup, removal and reinsertion of the RAM (which somehow helps, until the next restart, or couple of restarts). One time after the spyware scans, the problem seemed to be fixed, on the next restart however, the problem was back. I would appreciate any help as this is very annoying, it prohibits me from playing games absent of major lag, and even now typing is delayed and choppy now and then. Thank You for your help.

How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP May be helpful to know which process is doing this. To find out what each Startup(or Process) item does or means, and any recommendation as to if you should close the process: Task List Programs Also look here if you want: The Process Library Not all found at each place. Each advertises their software product.

first find out which program is doing using the cpu usage in task manager. if it is the spoolsv.exe i gave the answer on this page --->> http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/wwwboard/forum/131323.html