Question : Intermittent 100% CPU performance problem - probably Skype related

For the last month I have been struggling with an intermittent performance problem.

When the problem arises, the CPU is 100% occupied and the system gradually dies.   Rebooting usually fixes but after reboot it takes some time to settle down.  However if the system can't be closed cleanly - which often happens - then even a reboot does not solve the problem.

The problem first arose about 24 hours after I had upgraded from IE7 to IE8 and was triggered by launching IE (although IE had been used without problems during the 24 hours previous).  I subsequently downgraded to IE7 using the procedure on the Microsoft web site.

Since then the problem has recurred about 2-3 times a week and 90% of the time the trigger is Skype (which I previously had in my startup file, but not longer).   I use Skype about once or twice a week normally without problems but have one colleague who uses Skype on a Mac and I cannot have a succesful call with him since the problem arose.   However he also has a PC and we found the same problems when he called me over Skype from his PC.

The problem also occurs when I am not actively running Skype, but I have no evidence of it arising when Skype is not loaded on my PC.

I have browsed Experts Exchange and other sources for clues to the problem which is seriously inconveniencing me, without success.

I am therefore looking for a real expert willing to pick up the challenge of a tough problem!

Answer : Intermittent 100% CPU performance problem - probably Skype related

Hi David you have Symantic installed, which version please.
There is often reports and questions regarding 100% CPU usage and has been pinned down to Norton.
How big is your hard drive and how much space has been allocated for system restore? for Temp IE folders > internet cache
norton temp folders if it has one.
One of the main issues is with Office Excel has stopped working, if it has broken links  
You can use your Office cd to run Diagnostics?
and clear temp files and reboot

How long since you ran a defragged on this hdd?
here's how to
http://www.kongtechnology.com/2008/04/26/how-to-defrag-windows-vista/

here's quite an extensive list of help regarding Office excel
http://office.microsoft.com/en-au/excel/results.aspx?qu=office+excel+stopped+working&QueryID=ru8GYIbRj&av=ZXL110&sc=9&trc=100&stt=26