System process is Win2k runs at 100% CPU time

[Garipie]

I have found that the system process runs at 100% CPU time, causing great slowdown on my PC. Any ideas what could be causing this, Norton Antivirus with latest defifnitions finds nothing, and a full format-reinstall fixed the problem but it then cropped up 24 hours later. Any ideas? PC is Pentium 4 1.6, 256mb ram, Gigabyte G8IRXP, Maxtor 30gig IDE drive.. Cheers - Gary

 

[alaskabear]

Overheating would be my fist guess. If you clean istalled the OS> then you know it's not software related what make and model is the cpu and motherboard ? and have you cleaned the heat sink lately?

 

[gargouille]

Are you sure about this?
System process or system idle?
The system idle reading is high 'cause it shows unutilized CPU.
There are instances, (with 3rd party proggies), of a program reserving or using memory and then not releasing it.
There are utilities that'll test for this...memory leak apps.
Looked in event viewer for clues? (long shot)

 

[alaskabear]

I tend to think memory leak wouldn't happen so fast from the time of new installation of the OS. unless you have installled a software program that is bad. Whoops I sould have read futher down on the original posting he stated he has a Pentium 4 most likey a new computer. so over heating may not be the problem. unless it is a defective fan, heat-sink or motherboard. He may want to check his clock-speed. Also the manufacter website for commom motherboad isues with the model.

 

[BKtechie]

which process is eating up memory? You can find this by pressing [ctrl]+[alt]+[del] and selecting processes. Also check out the Win2K forum and see if your problem has appeared before.
BKtechie

 

[alaskabear]

I have done a little research and Found there is a non-problem with windows 2000 Pro with the mdm.exe using up a lot of VM check your running processes and see if this process is running if it is you can disable it in control panel, administrative tools, component services. the Mdm.exe is Machine debug Manager.

 

[Garipie]

After a night turned off, a fresh reboot causes the problem instantly, so I'm thinking it cant be heat. Also checked for the MDM.exe and there is no sign of it in Componant Services or in the processes in Task Man. Services that

 

[Pyramus]

Can you be clearer with your problem. For one, you can't have "100% cpu time". cpu time is time not %. Do you mean 100% usage. And please post which process is taking up 100%, i.e. the name of it in task manager.

Gargouille is right. Are you sure it's not the system idle process?

 

[alaskabear]

I can tell you I have this problem with XP all the time, and all it normally requires is a reboot I agree with Gargouille you may want to pay close attention to Task Manager and see what process is taking alot of Memory. And I'm sure your talking about 100% usage of CPU listed at the bottom of Task Manager correct? Also how many processes are listed as running? how many are System and how many are applications. do you see any big chunks or memory taken? You can try to end processes on applications and then try to reboot. Have you installed any new hardware? Is you computer new or rebuild? what model of computer is it.

 

[Garipie]

Hey guys. Thanks for the responses so far. with no programs open, and all processes closed that can be (i.e only ones which cannot be stopped from task manager running) it totals 13. It is the SYSTEM process, not the SIP. I'm in my 4th year of a computing degree so have tried all the usual suspects but am still having no luck. Exact specs of system are as follows.

Homebuild PC, upgraded over time.
P41.6 Northwood, gigabyte GA-8IRXP (most recent addition), Creative GeForce 3 ti200, 256mb pc2100 RAM, 30 gig Maxtor HD (UDMA133+7200rpm), Backup disk - 8gig Seagate drive, Pioneer DVD, Sony CDRW. Running fully licenced copy of win2k proffessional with all updates on Windowsupdate currently installed. Bios has been upgraded, as have Gfx drivers.

Hope that helps!

 

[gargouille]

Download memtest and test your ram...perhaps 2 sticks so you can check each individually?
Other things that come to mind are memory leak or an errant driver...(not much help, huh?)
Another thing (IF you haven't: sounds like you've been thorough) How to Break Down the System Process (Q295714)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q295/7/14.ASP

There are utilities for checking memory leaks...use any questionable 3rd party apps? What AV?
Tried looking in PC Health?
Looking at groups.google...lots of ppl having this problem with NT, 2K and XP. (no consolation, I know)

1 person said this fixed his system of the problem (tho I'm not seeing how!)

http://grc.com/UnPnP/UnPnP.htm

Love the smell of a challenge in the morning!

 

[alaskabear]

O.K. you said you upgraded the CPU yourself did you emcounter any problems durring installation? I tend to think you have a MB problem. Overheating Ect. P4's run very-hot What type of MotherBoard do you have? Did you go with the recomended heat-sink for the CPU? try reseating the chip. I'm sure you have tried all of this already, but it never hurts to be reminded I always forget the obvious. doe's the Motherboard have a big enough external data bus for the processor? so on and so fouth.