CPU usage: 100%

TOAD6147 · February 21st, 2002, 12:49 AM

This is one of those threads that you're not quite sure which forum to put it in so I'll take the chance here.
I installed RamBoost(?) on the recommendation of one of the 'older' esteemed members and it has been helpful.......almost too so. I've noticed that it is indicating that my P2/233( I know, pitifull but it's only my business hub.) at full bore and running 100%. So I wip out the trusty Wintop and run it and the culprit is my fax/TAD program which is Bitware. I've been using that program for years and always liked it immensly but this can't be! Why is it using so much CPU? The modem that the program uses is a Rockwell 33.6 ISA hardware modem so it surely CAN'T be the modem, right? Any ideas?

BFlurie · February 21st, 2002, 09:58 AM

If you stop the Fax program, the CPU usage returns to normal? What if you stop the Ramboost program?

TOAD6147 · February 21st, 2002, 02:52 PM

If I close the fax program, CPU usage drops like a rock to 0% and then floats back up and fluctuates at around 4-22%, according to RamBoost. And an interesting thing: When I right-click on the Bitware icon in the taskbar, it's as though the program goes into idle cause I watched RamBoost show the CPU usage start to fall until it reached about the 15% mark. Is this normal behavior for Windows? Also, when I re-started Bitware, I watched RamBoost hold at about 85% while the modem was being initialized and then up to 100% when the initialization had been done.

BFlurie · February 21st, 2002, 04:14 PM

What about this: Set up Sysmon or Taskmanager (NT) to monitor CPU usage (using CPUIdle, Rain, etc w/Sysmon will screw that up, tho). Disable RamBoost from running. Now, does the Fax program cause the same things?

TOAD6147 · February 21st, 2002, 04:57 PM

I'm running Win98 Fe but I can't implement Sysmon without installing the Resource Kit and having all the appropriate permissions, etc. (major pain!)so I ran Wintop again and closed down RamBoost but the CPU usage for Bitware reamined high at 75%-85%. By the way, BFlurie, thanks for the help.

BFlurie · February 21st, 2002, 06:04 PM

You should be able to install Sysmon from CP/ Add-remove programs/ Windoz setup/ Accessories/ System monitor

If your Fax software is 16-bit, it may be commandeering all the CPU. Usually 16-bit software maximized has slightly funny-looking text, or Wintop might show it.

TOAD6147 · February 21st, 2002, 06:44 PM

CP? Sysmon IS installed but it won't run without the resource kit installed, according to the error message I'm getting. And it appears there are 3 or 4 16-bit processes running on my machine and Bitware IS one of them. Is THAT the problem? If so, can you recommend a good 32-bit fax program?

TOAD6147 · February 21st, 2002, 07:08 PM

I stand corrected. I didn't read the help file so I didn't know what I was doing.

What I was talking about before is for remote monitoring of another computer. Anyway, I got it going and without RamBoost, it was showing 100% CPU usage as well.

BFlurie · February 21st, 2002, 11:14 PM

Sounds like the 16-bitter is the culprit. I only have a simple Fax program, Mighty Fax. It's easy to use, but has bad shortcomings if you need to edit received Faxs & resend them.

TOAD6147 · February 21st, 2002, 11:23 PM

Quote:

if you need to edit received Faxs & resend them.

Yes, this is a must. Thanks anyway for your help. At least now I know what and why.