Webuser Forums: CPU use at 100% and computer slow down

Hi

I have a Compaq Presario laptop, running with 1G RAM, 1.6Hz processor. The computer has slowed down to a halt and often the CPU is 100% in use even when no programs or 1 program is running. Everything takes ages to do, right clicking just to change desktop properties takes a good five minutes, just logging in from an off state takes about 20 minutes.

This is the second time this has happened, first time problem cured with a system recovery, ran ok for about 4 weeks then same thing again. No software added, nothing to cause a slowdown. System Restore will not restore to any previous restore point.

Also every time computer is reset my desktop is changed to a blue screen (no matter what I have on there) saying it is a modified theme (which I haven't touched) so have to reset (even if I refresh icons it does the same thing).

Thought virus or malaware, but full virus check (norton) finds nothing, adaware found a few tracking cookies, spybot found nothing, turning automatic updates off changed nothing.

I had a message saying "IP address conflict with another system on the network" yesterday (although I am not sharing computer on any network), but that hasn't come back.

Best guess is a process that hasn't closed and computer is in a loop, internet seems to be working okay at reasonable speed.

Saul