Computer Freezing Up

[shashou]

This is my problem. I am running Windows XP SP2, and when I leave the computer unattended I usually return to find the device manager showing 100% CPU usage. This requires a reboot to remedy. The process that is eating up the CPU varies, but is usually related to my Norton Antivirus. Rebooting takes a while, as several process have to be manually killed to shut down the machine. However, this problem never occurs when I am actively using the computer.

I have not tried reinstalling Norton yet, not ready for that headache.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My system specs should be listed below.

 

[Harvey]

Check the settings in Norton. While helping a friend, I once found that it had somehow set the scheduler to check one of its parameters every five minutes, which was utterly useless, but it kept the machine pretty busy.

Good luck.

 

[imported_Stew]

Uninstall Norton.

 

[shashou]

Went through all my Norton settings, everything seems normal. I am not even sure Norton is the culprit.

I have every intention of uninstalling Norton when my subscription expires.

 

[Harvey]

It could also be spyware. If you haven't already done so, download and run the free versions of Ad-Aware and (NOT or) Spybot.

Have you checked your Task Manager (CTL + Alt + Del) to see what's running, especially in the background?

If you already have them, you should know that some spyware and viruses disable AV and spy removal software. You may have to uninstall all of them and re-install them, just to make them work. One clue this has happened is, if you have updated them, and any of them reports they have completed the update, but the program shows a date earlier than the date for the latest profile.

When I suspect problems, I also install and run another free AV prog from Avast. It occasionally finds things Norton misses. By default, it will turn off parts of Norton to avoid conflicts, so I install it, update it and run it in Safe Mode. Then, I uninstall it and resume my normal settings.

 

[shashou]

Thanks Harvey, I run Ad-aware and Spybot at least once a week. I Googled most of the currently running processes, and could find no indication that any are malicious. I also tried Kaspersky's free on-line scan, it also came up negative. I will try the Avast one next.

I do find it odd that this occurs ONLY when I leave my computer unattended for about an hour or more. When I'm actively using it (games, browsing, etc,) it runs smootly, no strange CPU or HDD activity. All drivers are current, I use only Firefox, and common sense when browsing.

 

[Harvey]

Check your power settings. Right click on your desktop (as in checking our display settings). Click the Screen Saver tab, then click the Power button, and set all options for "Never."

I don't know if this is your problem, but I've seen it screw up some systems.

 

[sniperruff]

check your norton settings. maybe you set it to auto scan when computer is idle. a screensaver can't really ruin an A64...

 

[furballi]

Still using Piggy Norton? Remove and recheck for problem.