Problem with Computer Performance

[rai01]

I came across a laptop that seems to have no problems with hardware and viruses. All scans at test came out fine. There was only one problem.. some normal apps would take long to load and would just slow down the laptop. I also noticed that the performance would go from 4% to 100% and drop down again..then shoot up again and the hard drive sometimes just keeps on running. I'm thinking it would be a failing hard drive. I'm also considering that it might be a failing memory? Have you guys encountered this problem before? What did you guys do?

[gunslinger]

Is it running XP or Vista? What are the system specs?

[robert152]

Try Process Explorer..I would post the link but I haven't made 15 posts. Just Google it, it is from Microsoft.

Look for any programs that may be causing the spike. I know CA Anti-virus caused that error on a customer's computer. Hopefully that helps.

[rai01]

that's one thing i forgot to look at the specs, but yeah it is running on XP. I did also notice that on the task manager.. it showed like a bunch of svchost.exe running. anyways sorry for the lack of info.