IE taking 60% CPU load

[tgxiii]

I have an Abit IS7 mobo, 2.4C P4, 512 MB RAM, GeForce FX 5600.

For some unknown reason, Internet Explorer is taking up 60% or more of my CPU load. My whole computer locks up whenever I have more than one window open of IE.

I did not install any new programs or any new hardware. The only thing I did was clean up the wiring inside my computer to allow better airflow. I doubt I could have done anything to affect JUST Internet Explorer. Any ideas as to what's causing this?

[vass0922]

Have you tried AdAware to make sure its not spyware messing it up?

IE is horrendous for spyware and security problems, I'd suggest using an alternative browser like Opera or Mozilla

[tgxiii]

I ran AdAware with the latest update. I am still having the same problem.

[StealthyV]

Spybot Search and Destroy is another essential program.
check the settings in your firewall, or consider a free firewall such as "Kerio Personal Firewall (free for life)" or ZoneAlarm. you may be providing free bandwidth to malicious programs without knowing it.
if you're intent upon using IE, update it to the latest release, and install all "critical" updates on the m$ website.
also check that the "system resources are maximized for programs running" not the "background programs" in the control panel. this will speed up your main programs.
if it were me, I'd uninstall IE (first download Mozilla or my fav Opera) and reinstall a different browser. if same problem persists, it may be your isp's area of expertise....they might know better what the problem is.
hope this helped.

~Branson

[paul9]

you can't really uninstall ie and even if you could, m$ still make you use it for windows updates. mozilla is good, but doesn't always work on some types of web content which is designed specifically for m$ and ie.

[tgxiii]

Originally posted by StealthyV

also check that the "system resources are maximized for programs running" not the "background programs" in the control panel. this will speed up your main programs.

Where in the Control Panel can I do this?

Okay, update: I installed Mozilla, though I'm still getting the same problem. At first load of Mozilla, my CPU goes to 100% until the Mozilla browser opens. After it's opened and the system tray icon sits there, my CPU idles at 55%.

I know it's not my connection. My ping is really low (around 5 ms, at most 30). Right now, I'm suspecting that it isn't just my internet browser but other programs, too. When I open Outlook Express, it takes longer to load than usual. I am trying other programs to see if there are significant slowdowns, but the ones that are obvious are my browsers.

[tgxiii]

More updates: I installed Sygate Personal Firewall. When it's running, my CPU is at 55%.

Outlook Express does not load completely anymore. It just freezes up and then shuts down.

Just recently my computer shut down on its own. I tried turning it back on twice, and both times it did not even load Windows. I would get on the log-on screen, I'd type in my password, and then my system would restart. Does anyone have any ideas what could have happened?

[tgxiii]

I reset the CMOS, which got my computer to actually load Windows. I am on the computer with the problem right now. Every program I run uses up around 50% to 70% of my CPU, and running two programs puts it all the way to 100%.

Could this be a hardware problem (RAM, CPU, mobo)? Or do you think if I re-installed Windows that this problem would be fixed?

[tgxiii]

I just remembered. I replaced the IDE cable for my hard drive. Could a bad cable be the cause of my slowdown?

[TOAD6147]

Perhaps RAM or power supply?