Compaq Laptop Problem

[LandShark]

I'm having a couple of problems with a Compaq laptop Presario 2199US with a Athalon-M chip, running XP Pro.



1) Fan runs at high speed all the time (with no user programs running). It's pumping out a lot of heat. A look at the Windows Task Manager (ctrl-alt-delete) shows that the 'system idle process' is running at 0% and system is running at 90% (CPU). On a similar laptop (with no problems) the stats are switched.



2)After windows shuts down the fan continues to run. The computer won't totally off unless I hold the power button for about 6 seconds.



I have run latest versions of AdAware, SpyBot, and MS AntiSpyware. Also have up to date anti virus.



It seems clear that the cpu is working hard and no disk I/O is happening. Any ideas what else I can check?

 

[Byershome]

This could also be a Bios setting if you have been into it lately. Perhaps a recent flash. The fan running afterwards could be part of a cooling cycle but it sounds like it is going on to long. Windows could be hanging just prior to complete shut down. Figuring out why if it is Windows could be aggravating to say the least. Think back to anything you have done recently that might have changed something, software installed, added hardware, Windows update, BIOS flash. You might also try checking to see if something evil is loading at start-up, some of this spyware stuff can be impossible to get rid of. Good luck.

 

[tpuig]

I'm far from an expert, but recently had the same problem with my Sony Vaio laptop. Running very hot and lots of cpu activity with no applications running. Puzzling. To keep the laptop cooler, I got one of those hokey pads with fans that runs off a USB port. Really makes a difference for only $15-20. This isn't the one I bought, but similar.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=303620&pfp=BROWSE



Other than that, most of the cpu hoggish activity I've seen has been attributed to MS Explorer... Hope this helps.

TP