Looking at the task manager, my cpu usage is 99-100% for the "system" task (not system idle).  I have already checked all the processes showing & they are all legit.  I booted in Safe mode & the cpu was correct with must being used by system idle, but WHENEVER I reboot normally it returns to 99-100% cpu usage on "system".

This is slowing everything waaay down.  Is there a way to see what of "system" is doing this?  So that I may remove it -- thanks

RoderickIt could be a program that is set to run on startup. Did you install anything on your computer recenly? and how long have you had this problem?Need...more...info...gasp 

Operating system / antivirus & antispyware protection / service packs installed / when did it start happening / did it ever work right / installed any new software / run msconfig yet?

Alan <><  ok is your computer malware free?? if not that could be the problem. what protects do you have on your machine? what are the specs of the machine OS etc. when did you notice this prblem

have you tried editing your start up to remove prcesses you dont need? i think you need the system idle on..

start run in the run bar put msconfig press ok click the start up tab and remove any startup program that you dont need like QUICK time itunes msn messenger etc

unlovedwarriorThanks all -- sorry I posted that late last night & am at work today -- I have been running AVG anti-virus, AVG spyblock, Spybot, & Zonealarm as my firewall.

I have not downloaded anything new that I am aware of & the scans have not shown any malware.  Nothing odd in the start up, only AVG & Zonealarm are set to start on startup.  I tried DISABLING both those programs just to see if it could be either of them, but it is still 99-100% usage for system.

Yes, it used to work correctly but unfortunately I don't have a prior restore point.  I am running now in safe mode (with zonealarm on /avg doesn't work in safemode) & most idle system.

Isn't there a way to run a mode where it shows EVERY program that wants to load at startup?  Thanks again
Roderickmsconfig and selective mode try thatYou should find out which process is using the memory.
Go to your task manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del) and hit the processes tab. This lists all the processes and their usage in relation to the CPU. find the ones that are using the most.
When idling the usage will be listed under "System Idle Process". This should be the only process listed with a value when the system is idling.

Encountered this problem once with WGATray.exe error caused from windows updates. Quote from: unlovedwarrior on April 20, 2007, 01:37:58 PM

msconfig and selective mode try that