100% CPU spike with Windows Update.

[The Ponzzz]

Ok, as I work on fixing the laptop that CompUSA could not fix, I'm slowly getting it working. I have noticed my laptop spike at 100% evvry now and then. So I grabbed a program called... Process Explorer to show me exactly what is running for what percentage. Before the program, I knew it was a SVCHost.exe

So I notice a sub program running under the SVChost.exe is a winupdate. Now I turned it off to automatic update. Apparently some MS update forced this as a critical update some time ago. So it's no surprise when I got it back fully upgraded via the site it had it.

So with it off, it still happens. Anyway to fix it really? It only sticks around for a minute or two, but everything at that point is kinda locked up. StormFront bogs, IE and firefox freeze, AIM crashes, etc.

Also on two unreleated issues. My laptop's screen flickers. It's ONLY noticable on white backgrounds. But it can go nuts for awhile. Nothing with the screen settings were changed nor can they be changed(refresh rates, res, etc). I assume it's bad wiring.

The other issue is actually purchasing a new laptop.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8216478&st=HP+notebook&type=product&id=1166236072160

How does that one look?

[Rysk]

Hey Mario, I don't have time to look at the problems with your other laptop at the moment, but check out this link. Saves you a good chunk of cash (about 400 bones) and you'll get a more reliable version of the same laptop. I'm not a big HP fan, but love Toshiba laptops.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8219983&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050031&id=1166236337555

[Celephais]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494

That's what you're experiencing, here is the hotfix:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891/

Direct link to the download for your update to fix your problem:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=7A81B0CD-A0B9-497E-8A89-404327772E5A

[Rysk]

Who the hell needs geeksquad... you have a free geeksquad right here <.< .... and we won't install cameras in your house.... well... some of us won't.

[The Ponzzz]

Awesome, DLed, gonna restart and check it out.

[Gan]

The PC is a great place to ask questions such as this. ;)

[The Ponzzz]

Ok, that did not work. Still spiking... It happens when IE is open the most. Or firefox(just tested it).

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/8011/cpu100mm6.jpg

[The Ponzzz]

And that toshiba is pretty sweet!

I've heard abd things about power supplies with them though?

How true is that?

[Celephais]

Ok, that did not work. Still spiking... It happens when IE is open the most. Or firefox(just tested it).

That hotfix should address your problem, but this issue has been pretty ongoing for some time, and they already released one hotfix that didn't exactly fix it all the way. You can turn off automatic updates, that did it for me, and is a rather simple, but crude, bandaid. You'll just have to remember to do manual updates every now and then.

You might want to give it some time though, it could be legitimately spiking right now, and after it does it's round of updates it could calm down.

[Rysk]

Don't see any mention of power supply issues. Only problems I see are: 1) Heat, which is going to be present in any gaming laptop. 2) Cramped keyboard, which I can see being a problem if you use this primarily on your lap. I for one used a keyboard with my gateway..... thats totally dead now.. damn thing.

[Sean]

I loved my Toshiba and the warranty support was great when i used it a few years ago. I dropped my laptop and fucked up the screen on it. Toshiba had a prepaid box at my door the next day after i called and 3 days later i had my laptop back with a new screen.

[The Ponzzz]

Yea, I set my laptop up at the desk still. So I don't have those lap issues that everyone says.

But, I'll let this do it's run and see how it works!

Thanks guys.

[fallenSaint]

As far as new laptops go, keep an eye on Techbargains.com and Woot.com as randomly a great deal pops up if your not in a big hurry.

[The Ponzzz]

Whoa, ok, the win update thing hasn't come back! So looks like after a restart it does a quick round and stfus.

Wonderful!

As for getting a good deal, that's not really the issue. I have a slight credit at BestBuy and a pretty big gift card($500) and a reward zone thing for 15% off a new PC or laptop. So I have the percentage off until June 1st. And if I don't pick up anything, I can always go buy some games and DvDs.

My company was giving us bonuses on gift cards for coming in the top 3 for sales. I came in second for it and grabbed a $500 gift card. The guy who came in top sales got 1k and free dinner for two at some upscale place in Rochester.

[Celephais]

As far as new laptops go, keep an eye on Techbargains.com and Woot.com as randomly a great deal pops up if your not in a big hurry.

+ www.slickdeals.net (http://www.slickdeals.net)

[The Ponzzz]

I notice Ibuypower.com isn't as cheap as it was in 2002. Heh!

[Rysk]

+ dealdetectives.com (alot like slick deals but maybe not as good *peruses slickdeals.net)

[Kembal]

Hmm. This looks like a problem I have on occasion...never thought it could be a windows update thing. I'll be downloading the hotfix tonight.