Very odd problem: WinXP Dell slows to a crawl after 3 hours, even with all apps/processes closed. Free glee, if solved. :::
Mike Shiva
but this one has me stumped. Solution wanted, Dead or Alive. Egads,
Gadzooks, this problem doesn't make sense. Any suggestions would be most
appreciated.
First off, here's my config:
-Dell Dimension 8200 PIII 1.7 GHz, 128mb RAM -WindowsXP Professional
The problem is that, after a few hours of "idle" time, the computer
suddenly slows to a crawl. It slows down to the extent that it takes 2
entire minutes for the mouse to move 1 pixel, or for a keypress to
register. (always accompanied by a pc-speaker "beep".) It's important to
note that it is NOT FROZEN, it is simply very, very slow.
The computer didn't have this problem until I replaced the chassis/CPU
fan,
but there is evidence that the CPU is NOT overheating. (The timing of
this *might* just be coincidental.):
...I am aware that a P3 CPU shuts itself off if overheated, but I assume
this isn't happening, because there is still SOME activity.
...I replaced the old fan with a new one from Dell, because the old one
was too loud. (a common problem with the 8200's)
...the new fan is working fine - it turns, it is facing the correct way,
etc.
...I touched the CPU heatsink immediately after turning the computer off
(from a normal, working state), and the heatsink was not hot, it was just
warm.
-It happens all the time when the PC has been idle for a few hours, and
it happened only once while I was actually using it. That particular
time, it would work fine for 20 seconds, pause for 20 seconds (with
System Process at 99%), work, pause, etc. I logged out and logged in, it
didn't help. I rebooted, and then it worked.
-I was able to run a process monitor, and it shows that, during this
state, the process "System" is taking up 99.9% of the CPU cycles. Since
this is an OS process, I can't terminate it, nor can I tell why it's
malfunctioning.
-I terminated all apps and processes (except system processes), and the
same thing happened.
-Ran full virus scan, no virus found.
-Nothing has been changed or installed on the PC, except Comcast
High-Speed Internet, and the new chassis/CPU fan. I don't think
the problem lies with the Comcast software, because it happens even when
I terminate those processes (and all others). I also started to use the
pre-installed internal modem around this time, but "Device Manager" shows
no resource conflicts, and the modem is working fine.
-I need to leave my PC on all the time (for remote-access network
reasons)
-I disabled all of the APM, in BIOS and Control Panel.
-Cable modem "Connected to Active USB Port" light remains on, during
slowed-to-a-crawl state.
What could be causing this? I am completely and totally befuddled,
frustrated, irate, irritable, and any of you who provide me with good
advice or suggestions will be the proud recipient of 9 cases of pure
glee, sent Fedex.
Thanks in advance for input.
-Mike
--
*Remove "Spam Be Gone" from my email address, if you want to email me
directly. Thanks.
Harry Potter
> The problem is that, after a few hours of "idle" time, the computer
> suddenly slows to a crawl.
First off, I'm not familiar with XP.
But for my W2K, I usually turn off the Power Management and
disable Hibernation.
It may be off topic to you; but you could give it a try.