In XP Task Manager, does anyone recognize pctsSvc.exe as corrupt?

pctssvc.exe is a process from PC Tools, are you by any chance running spyware doctor?

 

Ask yourself whether your PC has been behaving in a normal manner aside from the CPU issue....if you suspect that malware could be present in your machine then I suggest you do the below


Please follow the instructions in the below link and attach the requested logs when you finish these instructions.

• If something does not run, write down the info to explain to us later but keep on going.
• Do not assume that because one step does not work that they all will not.

READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide


Notes:

1. If you run into problems trying to run the READ & RUN ME or any of the scans in normal boot mode. You can running steps in safe boot mode but make sure you tell us what you did later when you post logs. See the below if you do not know how to boot in safe mode:
   • Starting your computer in Safe mode
2. If you have problems downloading on the problem PC, download the tools on another PC and burn to a CD. Then copy them to the problem PC. You will have to skip getting updates if (and only if) your internet connection does not work. Yes you could use a flash drive too but flash drives are writeable and infections can spread to them.