IE/Firefox & 100% cpu usage slowdown when downloading, streaming, etc.

[Phalanx114]

Hey all -

A problem that I have been having for quite some time now is that whenever I download something, or stream video, or open any website, my computer lags like crazy until the action is completed/buffered/downloaded.

My cpu jumps to 100%, and every single program I use lags or freezes up - For example, if I try to listen to music while surfing the 'net, Windows Media Player will stutter horribly (from the 100% cpu being used by IE no doubt.)

Why does changing websites or downloading something take up 100% of my cpu?

I have tried running several anti-spyware programs, and trying another browser (Firefox) but the horrible lagging still occurs.

How is it that a dual-core machine lags when surfing the internet of all things?

Any help would be most appreciated.

-Phalanx114

[lbmest]

First thing I would do is run through the following procedures -

Basic computer maintenance everyone should do (http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106650)
You don't say what OS you are using so use the appropriate link -
Windows XP x86 (32-bit) Service Pack 3 Service Configurations (http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm)
Windows Vista Super Tweaks (http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/supertweaks.htm)

If you are still having problems, try booting into Safe Mode with Networking and see if the problem remains.
If it does, you might have a software conflict, software updater or malware.
You can also try downloading Process Explorer (http://www.majorgeeks.com/Process_Explorer_d4566.html) to see what specific item is using the CPU resources.

If you still have a problem, post back with specific comp, OS and network connection information and someone can take a look from there.
Hope this helps.