cpu usage is 100 percent

Check desk space, RAM and also clean the dust from the machine. Make sure the running processes is/are what suppose to run in the background by running a virus/malware through check with an up2date security software.

Sometimes you need to replace the thermal compound to a new one on the CPU but this can be a daunting process for unsavey person. Stick to basic and to what you know if it seems difficult take it to your local repair shop for them to look after it.

Cpu usage is running at 100 percent and my computer runs very slow

What is the process and path generating the high CPU usage. The PID number is not helpful.

Download Process Explorer.

For further information about Process Explorer see here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/SystemInformation/ProcessExplorer.mspx

What are the latest virus/malware softwares you have run?

What registry programs have you run?

Did you see high CPU usage using something like Task Manager or so you just think your system is running slow?

Can you recall any updates or changes you made recently to the system since it ran properly?

I would recommend you stop trying things until we know what is going on and then you can start fixing things instead.

First we need more information, then you need to try to eliminate obvious malicious software, then you can fix it:

Maybe someday the XP forums "Ask a question" dialog will ask these questions automatically when a new thread is started so I do not have to ask them every single time.  It might even be possible to resolve an issue in a single reply when enough information is provided.

Please provide additional information about your system:

What is your system make and model?

What is your XP Version and Service Pack?

Describe your current antivirus and anti malware situation:  McAfee, Symantec, Norton, Spybot, AVG, Avira!, MSE, Panda, Trend Micro, CA, Defender, ZoneAlarm, PC Tools, Comodo, etc.

Does the afflicted system have a working CD/DVD drive?

Do you have a genuine bootable XP installation CD (this is not the same as any Recovery CDs that came with your system)?

Fill in the blank:  My system was working fine until: ____________________________________________.

Please provide additional information about your system:

Click Start, Run and in the box enter:

msinfo32

Click OK, and when the System Summary info appears, click Edit, Select All, Copy and then paste the information back here.

No matter what else you are using for protection from malcious software, do this:

Do, or do not. There is no try.

I decided to save up points for a new puppy instead of a pony!

I have the same problem, tracked it to windows update, svhost using 100% of cpu when updating, running xp sp3, was fine till dec 2013, turned on updates as had been offline for a long time and wanted to update pc again. Tried solutions from update fixit but no luck, also loaded updates for ie8 as suggested in other threads but again, not sorted, please help.

On Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:50:25 +0000, EagleMcbegal wrote:

Cpu usage is running at 100 percent and my computer runs very slow

Are you sure it's at 100%? It's not 100% only if System Idle Process
is added in?

If it were 100%, it would be worse than very slow. Almost nothing
would ever happen.

On Sun, 16 Feb 2014 15:43:49 +0000, Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP [MVP]
<*** Email address is removed for privacy ***> wrote:

On Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:50:25 +0000, EagleMcbegal wrote:

Cpu usage is running at 100 percent and my computer runs very slow

Are you sure it's at 100%? It's not 100% only if System Idle Process
is added in?

If it were 100%, it would be worse than very slow. Almost nothing
would ever happen.

My apologies. I accidentally replied to a 3.5 year old message.