Processing problems.

Alright... I don't know if this is the right area to post this question, but it doesnt really fit in anywhere else.

My computer, until about 2 days ago, was running at around 2%-10% CPU usage when I looked in the Task Manager... and that was while I was running Guild Wars AND Diablo 2, which are 2 big programs. Now, just running without anything open but the task manager I am running at 100% CPU usage and 39 processes in total. I ran full system scans with Microsoft Anti-Spyware/NOD32/Norton's 2003/Avast! and Ad-Aware... no viruses/spyware/adware on my computer. Currently their are only 2 processes that are taking any CPU usage... those would be svchost under the system username and system... once again under the system username. They alternate CPU usage, but it always adds to 100% (48/52, 39/61, etc.) I am wondering what is going on? The only thing I have downloaded in over a couple of months was the Microsoft Updates and the only thing I removed was my processor to test it in my mom's computer to see if it was for sure her processor died (which it did) and I placed it back in. I checked the processor and there is no bent pins, no out of place heat marks... nothing... and I am boggled as to what this may be... any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

any help would be greatly appreciated guys... bah... my head hurts from this mess lol

 

Well since you didn't mention it, did you put a new layer of
thermal paste on the cpu before you put it back on?
Or did you just count on the old layer to still work?
An overheating cpu might behave like what you're describing.

 

No I did not place a new thermal layer on my processor... did not think of that... could I just leave it off a couple of days and let it cool down? Probably hasn't been off in like 1 month straight except to remove the processor and throw it back in. Could I just leave it off a couple of days and let it cool down and then try it then? My mom just bought a new AMD Athlon XP 3000+ processor, which is what I am running on... so I may just use hers and see if it fixes my problem...

Also, a new problem has arised. I can't connect to MSN Messenger or Hotmail.com (passport.net) it says my stuff is refused... and I can't register a new acct because that is also refused. I know that's off subject, but I would like to be able to check my e-mail since I get 20-30 in a given day.

 

cpu usage at 100 percent sounds like a virus to me
are all definitions up to date on antivirus programs? You may have gotten something they haven't put an update out for yet.

 

Every time a CPU is Installed or Removed & Reinstalled, You must either replace the Thermal pad (with new one) or use Thermal paste before installing. (you should also clean the CPU & heatsink before the new thermal pad or paste)
If you do not you can & will over heat and can kill your CPU, if it dont kill your CPU it can shorten it's life or reduce peformance.
I wouldnt use this PC until the cpu is installed properly.

Good Luck to ya!