Windows Task Manager.
windows_task_manage
If you are having continuous problems with XP, screen freeze ups or your CPU (central processor) is jammed on 100%, reboot your machine, HOLDING control + alt together and pressing the delete button will open the Windows Task Manager. Click on the Performance Tab to see the graph of your processor activity bouncing around. Click on the View button at the top and check/select (graph) speed normal or high so that you can access the changes more easily. Back to the performance tab, if the graph is high and yet you are not actually running any programs wait for a few minutes and it should drop to a lower and stable rate.
Once all of your “Start up” processes are open and running in the background – minimize the window to the bottom bar and then keep an eye on the small screen that shows your processor activity. As you begin working, check that the activity doesn’t get too high. If the activity is high, try not to open fresh applications without closing the old ones and waiting for the screen to stabilize to a low level.
Generally, if you are having continual problems that your CPU cannot handle your workload it could be a sign that you could use need more processor ability and RAM which is the computer memory that handles current tasks in hand (not the storage memory – like 60 GB hard drive) more likely to be 250MB RAM, 512MB, 1GB of RAM etc. It is often the case that machines that are just a few years old could easily not have truly sufficient RAM (random access memory) to run today’s processor and RAM heavy applications which could be remedied if you want to try the “adding RAM” options. Otherwise careful processor use, like I have tried to describe to you above may help you to carry on with your current setup until he time is right for you to upgrade to a bigger machine (bigger meaning more capability) or by adding more processor power or RAM to your current machine.
theinfochief.com/190/how-do-i-install-more-ram
theinfochief.com/509/how-do-i-increase-virtual-memory
If you are finding that your CPU speed is 100% no matter what you do, then it is possible that your machine has a virus infection that you must get rid of before you can operate normally. There are many virus and malware programmes out there but I have used a free version cleaner at http://housecall.trendmicro.com, to remedy a nasty continuous 100% CPU processor bug. Why these morons want to spread these viruses around just beats me! I’m also pretty sure that some of the software peddlers will give you an infection just so that they can sell you the means to be rid of it again so be careful. Call me cynical!
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