I just installed a 1Gb RAM upgrade to my Dell Inspiron 9100 on Christmas day. Before then, my CPU usage had started being sluggish a BIT, but only topping out at about 60% or so. But with the RAM upgrade, my total RAM size is 1.25Gb. However, now my CPU usage is constantly topping out at 100%, most often when very few programs are open. I called Dell, but they told me that if I'd followed the instructions given, everything should/would be fine. And they left it at that... bastards.

For example, when I only had iTunes RUNNING earlier, the CPU usage was up to 50% (44% in the example below), but would sporadically spike to 100% for no reason. This is particularly hellacious if I want to, SAY, have Photoshop open while running the RAM-devouring Firefox. It could be said that I don't have enough RAM, but, as I said, that's more than taken care of.


So now you all get to help me. What can I do to fix the problem? ...or, better yet, what is the problem? Thanks a lot.

EDIT: As for my other specifications, I'll list them below...

Windows XP Home - SP2
Pentium 4 CPU 3.00GHz
2.299GHz, 1.25 GB of RAM
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
Sony CDRW/DVD CRX830E
SigmaTel C-Major AudioEUBlink..........
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I called Dell, but they told me that if I'd followed the instructions given, everything should/would be fine.