Originally Posted by BoltedDown

To start, here are my PC's relevant specs:

Intel P4 2.8 HT enabled
Gigabyte motherboard
1Gig RAM (4x256)

Problem:

No matter which application is running it will take up almost exactly 50% of the processor usage. Startup apps are included. Only one app will do this at a time. If I close that app, another one that was already running will show 50% processor usage. If I start a new app, it will take the 50% usage.

The app that is showing the 50% usage will usually show signs of crashing (eg. frozen or otherwise non-responsive).

I don't understand it, and it is really making it hard to be productive.

I'll be happy to answer any other questions that may lead to a solution.