100% CPU usage constantly, comp case change related?

[kanjigirl]

Last night I moved my old Dell 2400's innards into a new larger case. The computer booted immediately (XP SP2) and ran fine, no problems at all, for several hours.

This morning when I started it up, I noticed it was running slow. I checked the Task Manager and I was at 100% CPU usage, with most of it going to the System process (not System Idle).

I tried shutting down a few other larger programs with no change. I rebooted, and found that I was at 100% CPU even before the usual startup items opened. It stays at 100% constantly and is slowing everything down.

I ran Spysweeper last night, I know the virus/spyware situation is fine on this machine. Can someone tell me how to start fixing this problem? Could I have damaged something moving it from the old case - but it was fine last night...

Debbie

[Serunson]

Well changing a case would not affect the workings of a CPU. Have you dislodged any cables, or put them back inthe wrong place?
Check that all of the power/data cables are the correct way round and in the right ports.

[DellOutreach]

This is John from Dell headquarters.

Many problems like this are caused by an incompatible or corrupted program. In order to figure it out, I recommend following the steps in the following Microsoft KB article:

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP

As Serunson said, changing the case wouldn't normally cause the problem you're seeing. Perhaps a corrupted update?

Anyways, give that a shot, and let us know if it does the trick!

John
Dell Customer Advocate