Every 60 seconds my laptop CPU useage spikes from 5% to 100%+ and everything blinks out for a second. Ethernet usage spikes at the same time. I installed Webroot to try to find the malware culprit. Obviously it hasn't found it. I also installed Windows 10 to try to fix it. Nuthin.
I think I have a virus or malware that is sending a very large notification file somewhere. My daughter may have downloaded it from a game or website.
But I thought Webroot would fix it....
I'm running an old Dell Inspiron N5040 with a Core I3 processor; 4GB RAM; 64-bit OS.
Any Ideas what's wrong?
Every 60 seconds, my laptop CPU usage spikes from 5% to 100%+. Why?
Hello ?
Welcome to the Webroot Community.
I wonder if it would be possible for you to please open the Windows Task Manager (ctrl-alt-del) and when your computer spikes, look to see what process is using so much of your CPU?
The problem may also be caused by PUA's (Potentially Unwanted Application).
These are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behavior that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools.. but they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behavior that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
The best thing to do is to submit a Trouble Ticket and ask Webroot Support to take a look and remove these for you. There is NO CHARGE for this for valid WSA license holder.
I hope this info helps, please let us know what is consuming so much CPU.
Thanks,
BD
Welcome to the Webroot Community.
I wonder if it would be possible for you to please open the Windows Task Manager (ctrl-alt-del) and when your computer spikes, look to see what process is using so much of your CPU?
The problem may also be caused by PUA's (Potentially Unwanted Application).
These are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behavior that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools.. but they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behavior that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
The best thing to do is to submit a Trouble Ticket and ask Webroot Support to take a look and remove these for you. There is NO CHARGE for this for valid WSA license holder.
I hope this info helps, please let us know what is consuming so much CPU.
Thanks,
BD
Hi havnaer
Welcome to the Community Forums.
If I may take a different tack to that of BD, from what you are saying, especially the "...also installed Windows 10 to try to fix it" would suggest to me that this is not software or malware related but rather that the source is hardware-based And having said that it could be related to something as simple as an overheating component, a failing wireless card, etc.
My suggestions to you would be to get it looked at by a reputable repairer/technician.
Regards, Baldrick
Welcome to the Community Forums.
If I may take a different tack to that of BD, from what you are saying, especially the "...also installed Windows 10 to try to fix it" would suggest to me that this is not software or malware related but rather that the source is hardware-based And having said that it could be related to something as simple as an overheating component, a failing wireless card, etc.
My suggestions to you would be to get it looked at by a reputable repairer/technician.
Regards, Baldrick
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