win xp explorer problems

[Zidane]

i've been having problems with win xp for maybe the last 2 weeks.. explorer has been using 100% of my cpu ,i had to actually 'end process - explorer' just to get here. so now im staring at a blank desktop.. why is my pc doing this ,its from a company called explorer micro (sadly went out of business a while ago).. specs are - pro1300+ amd cpu (mobo unknown to me) 60gb hard drive - western digital. 512mb ddr ram ,onboard graphics ,cd-rw/dvd-rw combo drive ,dvd drive. 400wpsu, just defraged and cleaned the hard drive yesterday. case is always clean no dust anywhere ,all cooling fans work good ,never been overclocked.
edit - PS windows xp home edition (think version is something like 3380 ,ill reboot and get back to you on that one) never installed any service packs either.

[cowboybooter]

I didn't see mention of any Anti Virus software there, also if you do not have the SP / Updates, you have holes! Have you checked for spyware etc ?



CBB

[Zidane]

i have some for version of norton .. 2003 pro if i can remember correctly and i always update it so to keep the virus protection complete. did have mcafee a while ago but i disabled it cause i heard norton was better. the service packs always take way to long to download since im on 56k... and my internet service provider has virus checkers that delete all infected email before it reaches my pc. do you think i should switch back to mcafee and download some service packs?

[sweeper2]

i answered another question about explorer...what are you guys talking about?....the folder windows explorer?...I don't seem to have any problems with "explorer" using anything??? I wish I could help, but would like to know more about this problem also...?

also with 56k...the service pack will take a loooooong time..but i do recommend going to windows update and downloading the service pack one if needed...let windows update scan the system and it will put up all the files it reccommends + some others you can decide on if you need them. Maybe do a download before you go to bed or somthing, that's what i use to do before i got cable. would check on it occasionally throughout the night.

[Zidane]

no explorer as in the base of windows.. if you shut it down your start menu disappears,your desktop icons ,the only way to use stuff is to run Ctrl Del Alt. and then select new task and the program you wish to run.. kinda reminds me of win 3.1. which i did have to shut down explorer so i could actually post something. explorer uses 100% of the cpu all the time no matter what ,even when nothing is running... it's never done this before.. i can list the programs i've been using in the past 3 months
Windows Media Player,Paint,Notepad,Word pad,internet explorer
outlook express,need for speed4 -high stakes,nero,win rar,Windows Messenger,Dvd-Magic player. the same programs i use in my laptop and i have no problems with it.