Help - Old computer - 100% CPU Usage, Processes don't show it

[MegaScientifical]

My family has been using the old computer since I got this new one, and of course since my Dad is one of the users, it broke. They hounded me to help them fix it, always oblivious to the fact I tell them: I don't know anything. They fixed a bunch of it, but they've threatened to take over my computer if they can't get theirs fully working soon.

When started up normally, it freezes at the wallpaper. I was able to get Task Manager open, and it says 100% CPU usage. When I checked processes, nothing was using nearly that much. In fact, System was indicating free CPU space. But the CPU is definitely being used, since everything is freezing up from inability to process. I can't figure out what it is, but it doesn't happen in Safe Mode. I've tried getting msconfig open... it's taking forever, so is there any solutions anyone can think of? It's probably some virus.

[Ad Bot]

[Anti-Block]

You could get a professional.

[MegaScientifical]

You could get a professional.

We can't afford one. Besides that, msconfig never fully opened, so I'm having my Mom boot it in safe mode. (Don't feel like waiting over there...)

[Anti-Block]

We can't afford one. Besides that, msconfig never fully opened, so I'm having my Mom boot it in safe mode. (Don't feel like waiting over there...)

i'm not that computer-smart, but is there a way to just "wipe" a computer?
restore it to factory settings?
take out the hard drive?

[Sheath]

I'd suggest getting any files off it and doing a fresh install. If its an old computer, it could probably do with it anyway.

[Nickelob Ultra]

Start it up in Safe Mode.  It's incredibly difficult for programs to manage to slip into Windows' core files, which are heavily protected, and start up on safe mode w/ networking (in order to access the internet).

Then use msconfig, and while you're at it, get a virus scanner and removal tool like MalwareBytes.

[Frontrox]

My computer seems to get slower over time. What i do is save anything i want (pictures, saves, etc etc) to a portable Hard dive. Then i just nuke the entire computer Os ,and all. After that i just re install windows, and add all my saved files.

You could try Ccleaner if you don't want to do that.

[MegaScientifical]

Start it up in Safe Mode.  It's incredibly difficult for programs to manage to slip into Windows' core files, which are heavily protected, and start up on safe mode w/ networking (in order to access the internet).

Then use msconfig, and while you're at it, get a virus scanner and removal tool like MalwareBytes.

That's the first thing they did. I just cleaned out a bunch of stuff using safe mode, going to see if it stops whatever the hell is casing it.

My computer seems to get slower over time. What i do is save anything i want (pictures, saves, etc etc) to a portable Hard dive. Then i just nuke the entire computer Os ,and all. After that i just re install windows, and add all my saved files.

You could try Ccleaner if you don't want to do that.

I just used that in the hopes that, again, it'd stop whatever the hell was causing this.

[Frontrox]

I just used that in the hopes that, again, it'd stop whatever the hell was causing this.

I suggest nuking the whole computer. It's 100% easier, and whatever is loving with your computer will be gone.

[Cybertails1998]

inb4itdidnotwork

[MegaScientifical]

inb4itdidnotwork

You jinxing bastard.

Still 100% CPU when loading a user. I might do a System Restore, but I'd rather know what's happening just in case. Not even sure it'd work.

[Frontrox]

save anything important.

[Cybertails1998]

You jinxing bastard. i just KNEW it wouldn't work

Still 100% CPU when loading a user. I might do a System Restore, but I'd rather know what's happening just in case. Not even sure it'd work. just wipe the hard drive whole and reinstall windows.

[Nickelob Ultra]

I suggest nuking the whole computer. It's 100% easier, and whatever is loving with your computer will be gone.

Not everyone can afford it.

[Frontrox]

Not everyone can afford it.

What do you mean?