Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

The short version:
My Dell Dimension 8250 with an “as shipped� configuration has a Hardware
Interrupt issue which constantly keeps the CPU 70% utilized (as measured by
Windows Task Manager) even with no applications/processes actively utilizing
the CPU (also as measured by Windows Task Manager). Device Manager shows no
apparent hardware conflicts, but a process management tool (Process Manager
by Sysinternals) shows that the 70% background CPU utilization is caused by
Hardware Interrupts. The details on my devices and associated IRQs are
listed further down in this post. Can anyone advise as to how to resolve the
interrupt issue and free up the CPU?

The Long Version:
For several weeks, I've been trying to debug an issue with very slow system
performance and constant high CPU usage. I have tried everything from
multiple anti-virus tools, multiple anti-adware tools, system restore, using
alternate hardware profiles to temporarily disable potentially conflicting
devices, MSconfig to temporarily turn off non-essential services and
applications, XP recovery console, the MS User Profile Hive clean-up tool,
Dell Diagnostics, clearing NVRAM, XP repair install, and eventually a full XP
re-install. Nothing has corrected the problem. Prior to the re-install, I
was on Service Pack 2 and was fully up to date with any XP updates.

With this problem, Windows Task Manager shows conflicting results. The
overall CPU usage is always over 70% (as reflected in the lower status bar,
in the "Performance" tab, and in the system tray icon of Task Manager),
however the at the same time Task Manager "Processes" tab shows that the
system is 99% idle (System Idle Process for the CPU is 99%, with no other
processes showing any CPU usage over 1%).

In addition to the CPU utilization issue, before the XP reinstall, I also
had a “blue screen� Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error.

I recently found a tool (Process Manager by Sysinternals) which is similar
to Windows Task Manager, which identifies the hidden CPU usage. It
identifies that the 70% CPU usage is being consumed by Hardware Interrupts.

To simplify the debugging, for the XP re-install, I disconnected any
peripherals (e.g. printer, DSL Modem, wireless router) that did not come with
the original configuration. I also disconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, but
left the associated card in the slot. These were part of a standard Dell
“Movie Studio Premium� package.

After the re-install, although several devices share the same IRQs, Device
Manager shows no apparent hardware conflicts (other than a missing driver for
the Multimedia controller resulting from having the Dazzle Mojave device
unplugged).

I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with the following PCI devices which could be
causing the Hardware Interrupt conflict:

IRQ 10:
- Multimedia Controller (supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with
the Dell “Movie Studio Premium� package)

IRQ 11:
- Intel 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller 2443

IRQ 16:
- 64MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 MX 420 w/ TV Out (Dell)
- VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller

IRQ 17:
- Conexant HSF v.92 56 RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem
- VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller

IRQ 18:
- Intel Pro/100M Network Connection
- Santa Cruz (Voyetra Turtle Beach sound card)
- VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
- VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller

IRQ 19:
- Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller (also
supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with the “Movie Studio
Premium� package)
- VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
- VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller

The entire configuration that I am working with for the debugging is “as
shipped� originally. The only exception is that I unplugged the external
Dazzle Mojave device when doing the XP re-install, and tried to add it in
later. After the re-install, with the Dazzle Mojave device disconnected, I
got rid of the Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error, but I still had the
CPU utilization issue. When I reconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, I get a
Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error back. I also used the latest driver
for this device from the Dell website for the Movie Studio package.

I’ve used alternate hardware profiles to selectively disable potentially
offending devices through Device Manager,. The only thing that stops the CPU
consumption is systematically disabling the USB Root Hubs first, and then
disabling the USB controllers. That stops the CPU consumption; however it
renders my USB ports inoperable, and upon re-boot the system hangs.

One final note: my BIOS is upgraded to the most recent version. BIOS setup
shows different IRQs for the PCI devices than the IRQs shown in Device
Manager.

My gut tells me that the problem is with the components of the Dell “Movie
Studio Premium� package. I’ve systematically disabled, via Device Manager,
all the components associated with it but I still have the CPU utilization
issue. I will probably try to uninstall them via Device Manager and/or try
removing the card from the slot next to see if that resolves it.

Before taking this final step, any recommendations or advice would be
greatly appreciated. This debugging process has been an excellent learning
tool for me to find obscure techniques in an attempt to resolve it, but I’m
ready for it to be over!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Hi,

I would suggest looking for updated usb drivers from Dell.
http://support.dell.com/support/do [...] l=en&s=dhs

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney MS-MVP Shell/User
http://bertk.mvps.org


TZar wrote:
> The short version:
> My Dell Dimension 8250 with an "as shipped" configuration
> has a Hardware Interrupt issue which constantly keeps the
> CPU 70% utilized (as measured by Windows Task Manager)
> even with no applications/processes actively utilizing
> the CPU (also as measured by Windows Task Manager).
> Device Manager shows no apparent hardware conflicts, but
> a process management tool (Process Manager by
> Sysinternals) shows that the 70% background CPU
> utilization is caused by Hardware Interrupts. The
> details on my devices and associated IRQs are listed
> further down in this post. Can anyone advise as to how
> to resolve the interrupt issue and free up the CPU?
>
> The Long Version:
> For several weeks, I've been trying to debug an issue
> with very slow system performance and constant high CPU
> usage. I have tried everything from multiple anti-virus
> tools, multiple anti-adware tools, system restore, using
> alternate hardware profiles to temporarily disable
> potentially conflicting devices, MSconfig to temporarily
> turn off non-essential services and applications, XP
> recovery console, the MS User Profile Hive clean-up tool,
> Dell Diagnostics, clearing NVRAM, XP repair install, and
> eventually a full XP re-install. Nothing has corrected
> the problem. Prior to the re-install, I was on Service
> Pack 2 and was fully up to date with any XP updates.
>
> With this problem, Windows Task Manager shows conflicting
> results. The overall CPU usage is always over 70% (as
> reflected in the lower status bar, in the "Performance"
> tab, and in the system tray icon of Task Manager),
> however the at the same time Task Manager "Processes" tab
> shows that the system is 99% idle (System Idle Process
> for the CPU is 99%, with no other processes showing any
> CPU usage over 1%).
>
> In addition to the CPU utilization issue, before the XP
> reinstall, I also had a "blue screen"
> Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error.
>
> I recently found a tool (Process Manager by Sysinternals)
> which is similar to Windows Task Manager, which
> identifies the hidden CPU usage. It identifies that the
> 70% CPU usage is being consumed by Hardware Interrupts.
>
> To simplify the debugging, for the XP re-install, I
> disconnected any peripherals (e.g. printer, DSL Modem,
> wireless router) that did not come with the original
> configuration. I also disconnected the Dazzle Mojave
> device, but left the associated card in the slot. These
> were part of a standard Dell "Movie Studio Premium"
> package.
>
> After the re-install, although several devices share the
> same IRQs, Device Manager shows no apparent hardware
> conflicts (other than a missing driver for the Multimedia
> controller resulting from having the Dazzle Mojave device
> unplugged).
>
> I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with the following PCI
> devices which could be causing the Hardware Interrupt
> conflict:
>
> IRQ 10:
> - Multimedia Controller (supporting the Mojave Dazzle
> Device which came with the Dell "Movie Studio Premium"
> package)
>
> IRQ 11:
> - Intel 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller 2443
>
> IRQ 16:
> - 64MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 MX 420 w/ TV Out (Dell)
> - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
>
> IRQ 17:
> - Conexant HSF v.92 56 RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
>
> IRQ 18:
> - Intel Pro/100M Network Connection
> - Santa Cruz (Voyetra Turtle Beach sound card)
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
>
> IRQ 19:
> - Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host
> Controller (also supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device
> which came with the "Movie Studio Premium" package)
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
>
> The entire configuration that I am working with for the
> debugging is "as shipped" originally. The only exception
> is that I unplugged the external Dazzle Mojave device
> when doing the XP re-install, and tried to add it in
> later. After the re-install, with the Dazzle Mojave
> device disconnected, I got rid of the
> Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error, but I still had
> the CPU utilization issue. When I reconnected the Dazzle
> Mojave device, I get a Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop
> error back. I also used the latest driver for this
> device from the Dell website for the Movie Studio
> package.
>
> I've used alternate hardware profiles to selectively
> disable potentially offending devices through Device
> Manager,. The only thing that stops the CPU consumption
> is systematically disabling the USB Root Hubs first, and
> then disabling the USB controllers. That stops the CPU
> consumption; however it renders my USB ports inoperable,
> and upon re-boot the system hangs.
>
> One final note: my BIOS is upgraded to the most recent
> version. BIOS setup shows different IRQs for the PCI
> devices than the IRQs shown in Device Manager.
>
> My gut tells me that the problem is with the components
> of the Dell "Movie Studio Premium" package. I've
> systematically disabled, via Device Manager, all the
> components associated with it but I still have the CPU
> utilization issue. I will probably try to uninstall them
> via Device Manager and/or try removing the card from the
> slot next to see if that resolves it.
>
> Before taking this final step, any recommendations or
> advice would be greatly appreciated. This debugging
> process has been an excellent learning tool for me to
> find obscure techniques in an attempt to resolve it, but
> I'm ready for it to be over!!
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Thanks!

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

It sounds to me that your hardware isn't playing nicely together. FWIW - I
had some disturbing problems with a Turtle Beach card not too long ago - and
stopped using it. The drivers conflicted with something in my system.

While I haven't used a Via chipset in a long, long time - don't they have a
4 in 1 driver setup? I would suggest updating to the most current version of
this software. In particular, I'd investigate their USB update.

Here's a link to the latest 4 in 1 drivers:
http://www.viaarena.com/Driver/VIA [...] _V500A.zip

Which I found by going to this page:
http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=2

Next, I'd try updating the Dazzle thingie's drivers (along with the
Multimedia stuff), then your Turtle Beach, then your video drivers, then your
LAN driver, and finally your modem.

Hope that this helps!


"TZar" wrote:

> The short version:
> My Dell Dimension 8250 with an “as shipped� configuration has a Hardware
> Interrupt issue which constantly keeps the CPU 70% utilized (as measured by
> Windows Task Manager) even with no applications/processes actively utilizing
> the CPU (also as measured by Windows Task Manager). Device Manager shows no
> apparent hardware conflicts, but a process management tool (Process Manager
> by Sysinternals) shows that the 70% background CPU utilization is caused by
> Hardware Interrupts. The details on my devices and associated IRQs are
> listed further down in this post. Can anyone advise as to how to resolve the
> interrupt issue and free up the CPU?
>
> The Long Version:
> For several weeks, I've been trying to debug an issue with very slow system
> performance and constant high CPU usage. I have tried everything from
> multiple anti-virus tools, multiple anti-adware tools, system restore, using
> alternate hardware profiles to temporarily disable potentially conflicting
> devices, MSconfig to temporarily turn off non-essential services and
> applications, XP recovery console, the MS User Profile Hive clean-up tool,
> Dell Diagnostics, clearing NVRAM, XP repair install, and eventually a full XP
> re-install. Nothing has corrected the problem. Prior to the re-install, I
> was on Service Pack 2 and was fully up to date with any XP updates.
>
> With this problem, Windows Task Manager shows conflicting results. The
> overall CPU usage is always over 70% (as reflected in the lower status bar,
> in the "Performance" tab, and in the system tray icon of Task Manager),
> however the at the same time Task Manager "Processes" tab shows that the
> system is 99% idle (System Idle Process for the CPU is 99%, with no other
> processes showing any CPU usage over 1%).
>
> In addition to the CPU utilization issue, before the XP reinstall, I also
> had a “blue screen� Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error.
>
> I recently found a tool (Process Manager by Sysinternals) which is similar
> to Windows Task Manager, which identifies the hidden CPU usage. It
> identifies that the 70% CPU usage is being consumed by Hardware Interrupts.
>
> To simplify the debugging, for the XP re-install, I disconnected any
> peripherals (e.g. printer, DSL Modem, wireless router) that did not come with
> the original configuration. I also disconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, but
> left the associated card in the slot. These were part of a standard Dell
> “Movie Studio Premium� package.
>
> After the re-install, although several devices share the same IRQs, Device
> Manager shows no apparent hardware conflicts (other than a missing driver for
> the Multimedia controller resulting from having the Dazzle Mojave device
> unplugged).
>
> I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with the following PCI devices which could be
> causing the Hardware Interrupt conflict:
>
> IRQ 10:
> - Multimedia Controller (supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with
> the Dell “Movie Studio Premium� package)
>
> IRQ 11:
> - Intel 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller 2443
>
> IRQ 16:
> - 64MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 MX 420 w/ TV Out (Dell)
> - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
>
> IRQ 17:
> - Conexant HSF v.92 56 RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
>
> IRQ 18:
> - Intel Pro/100M Network Connection
> - Santa Cruz (Voyetra Turtle Beach sound card)
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
>
> IRQ 19:
> - Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller (also
> supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with the “Movie Studio
> Premium� package)
> - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
>
> The entire configuration that I am working with for the debugging is “as
> shipped� originally. The only exception is that I unplugged the external
> Dazzle Mojave device when doing the XP re-install, and tried to add it in
> later. After the re-install, with the Dazzle Mojave device disconnected, I
> got rid of the Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error, but I still had the
> CPU utilization issue. When I reconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, I get a
> Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error back. I also used the latest driver
> for this device from the Dell website for the Movie Studio package.
>
> I’ve used alternate hardware profiles to selectively disable potentially
> offending devices through Device Manager,. The only thing that stops the CPU
> consumption is systematically disabling the USB Root Hubs first, and then
> disabling the USB controllers. That stops the CPU consumption; however it
> renders my USB ports inoperable, and upon re-boot the system hangs.
>
> One final note: my BIOS is upgraded to the most recent version. BIOS setup
> shows different IRQs for the PCI devices than the IRQs shown in Device
> Manager.
>
> My gut tells me that the problem is with the components of the Dell “Movie
> Studio Premium� package. I’ve systematically disabled, via Device Manager,
> all the components associated with it but I still have the CPU utilization
> issue. I will probably try to uninstall them via Device Manager and/or try
> removing the card from the slot next to see if that resolves it.
>
> Before taking this final step, any recommendations or advice would be
> greatly appreciated. This debugging process has been an excellent learning
> tool for me to find obscure techniques in an attempt to resolve it, but I’m
> ready for it to be over!!
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Thanks!
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Thanks, I'll give it a try. I've been somewhat cautious about using non-Dell
provided drivers since some of their drivers and hardware seem to have some
proprietary tweaks. At least 3 of their devices have some proprietary twist.
Since they don't have a newer driver on the Dell site for USB, I'll assume
that the standard drivers will be ok. I've become pretty adept at keeping a
working backup of software (through system restore) and it's associated
hardware (through a backup hardware profile) so I'm more willing to take a
risk.
I noticed on VIA's site that they have a "pro" (the link you sent to me), a
"current" and a "retro" version of the 4 in 1. They imply that the pro and
current are better suited for newer machines, and the retro is tuned to make
an older machine operate faster than with the current versions. Since the
setup is over 2.5 years old, I assume that the retro might be better. Any
thoughts on that? I posed the question on the VIA board just to be sure.
Thanks again for the suggestion and the link.

"usasma" wrote:

> It sounds to me that your hardware isn't playing nicely together. FWIW - I
> had some disturbing problems with a Turtle Beach card not too long ago - and
> stopped using it. The drivers conflicted with something in my system.
>
> While I haven't used a Via chipset in a long, long time - don't they have a
> 4 in 1 driver setup? I would suggest updating to the most current version of
> this software. In particular, I'd investigate their USB update.
>
> Here's a link to the latest 4 in 1 drivers:
> http://www.viaarena.com/Driver/VIA [...] _V500A.zip
>
> Which I found by going to this page:
> http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=2
>
> Next, I'd try updating the Dazzle thingie's drivers (along with the
> Multimedia stuff), then your Turtle Beach, then your video drivers, then your
> LAN driver, and finally your modem.
>
> Hope that this helps!
>
>
> "TZar" wrote:
>
> > The short version:
> > My Dell Dimension 8250 with an “as shipped� configuration has a Hardware
> > Interrupt issue which constantly keeps the CPU 70% utilized (as measured by
> > Windows Task Manager) even with no applications/processes actively utilizing
> > the CPU (also as measured by Windows Task Manager). Device Manager shows no
> > apparent hardware conflicts, but a process management tool (Process Manager
> > by Sysinternals) shows that the 70% background CPU utilization is caused by
> > Hardware Interrupts. The details on my devices and associated IRQs are
> > listed further down in this post. Can anyone advise as to how to resolve the
> > interrupt issue and free up the CPU?
> >
> > The Long Version:
> > For several weeks, I've been trying to debug an issue with very slow system
> > performance and constant high CPU usage. I have tried everything from
> > multiple anti-virus tools, multiple anti-adware tools, system restore, using
> > alternate hardware profiles to temporarily disable potentially conflicting
> > devices, MSconfig to temporarily turn off non-essential services and
> > applications, XP recovery console, the MS User Profile Hive clean-up tool,
> > Dell Diagnostics, clearing NVRAM, XP repair install, and eventually a full XP
> > re-install. Nothing has corrected the problem. Prior to the re-install, I
> > was on Service Pack 2 and was fully up to date with any XP updates.
> >
> > With this problem, Windows Task Manager shows conflicting results. The
> > overall CPU usage is always over 70% (as reflected in the lower status bar,
> > in the "Performance" tab, and in the system tray icon of Task Manager),
> > however the at the same time Task Manager "Processes" tab shows that the
> > system is 99% idle (System Idle Process for the CPU is 99%, with no other
> > processes showing any CPU usage over 1%).
> >
> > In addition to the CPU utilization issue, before the XP reinstall, I also
> > had a “blue screen� Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error.
> >
> > I recently found a tool (Process Manager by Sysinternals) which is similar
> > to Windows Task Manager, which identifies the hidden CPU usage. It
> > identifies that the 70% CPU usage is being consumed by Hardware Interrupts.
> >
> > To simplify the debugging, for the XP re-install, I disconnected any
> > peripherals (e.g. printer, DSL Modem, wireless router) that did not come with
> > the original configuration. I also disconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, but
> > left the associated card in the slot. These were part of a standard Dell
> > “Movie Studio Premium� package.
> >
> > After the re-install, although several devices share the same IRQs, Device
> > Manager shows no apparent hardware conflicts (other than a missing driver for
> > the Multimedia controller resulting from having the Dazzle Mojave device
> > unplugged).
> >
> > I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with the following PCI devices which could be
> > causing the Hardware Interrupt conflict:
> >
> > IRQ 10:
> > - Multimedia Controller (supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with
> > the Dell “Movie Studio Premium� package)
> >
> > IRQ 11:
> > - Intel 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller 2443
> >
> > IRQ 16:
> > - 64MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 MX 420 w/ TV Out (Dell)
> > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 17:
> > - Conexant HSF v.92 56 RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 18:
> > - Intel Pro/100M Network Connection
> > - Santa Cruz (Voyetra Turtle Beach sound card)
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 19:
> > - Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller (also
> > supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with the “Movie Studio
> > Premium� package)
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> >
> > The entire configuration that I am working with for the debugging is “as
> > shipped� originally. The only exception is that I unplugged the external
> > Dazzle Mojave device when doing the XP re-install, and tried to add it in
> > later. After the re-install, with the Dazzle Mojave device disconnected, I
> > got rid of the Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error, but I still had the
> > CPU utilization issue. When I reconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, I get a
> > Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error back. I also used the latest driver
> > for this device from the Dell website for the Movie Studio package.
> >
> > I’ve used alternate hardware profiles to selectively disable potentially
> > offending devices through Device Manager,. The only thing that stops the CPU
> > consumption is systematically disabling the USB Root Hubs first, and then
> > disabling the USB controllers. That stops the CPU consumption; however it
> > renders my USB ports inoperable, and upon re-boot the system hangs.
> >
> > One final note: my BIOS is upgraded to the most recent version. BIOS setup
> > shows different IRQs for the PCI devices than the IRQs shown in Device
> > Manager.
> >
> > My gut tells me that the problem is with the components of the Dell “Movie
> > Studio Premium� package. I’ve systematically disabled, via Device Manager,
> > all the components associated with it but I still have the CPU utilization
> > issue. I will probably try to uninstall them via Device Manager and/or try
> > removing the card from the slot next to see if that resolves it.
> >
> > Before taking this final step, any recommendations or advice would be
> > greatly appreciated. This debugging process has been an excellent learning
> > tool for me to find obscure techniques in an attempt to resolve it, but I’m
> > ready for it to be over!!
> >
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated!
> >
> > Thanks!
> >

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Thanks for the suggestion, but they have updated drivers for my modem,
keyboard, NIC, DVD, Video, and Dazzle Mojave, but not for the VIA USB.

I had already tried the updated Dazzle Mojave, NIC, and video card drivers
from Dell. I'll give the VIA standard USB drivers a shot. Please see the
post prior to yours.

Thanks again.


"Bert Kinney" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I would suggest looking for updated usb drivers from Dell.
> http://support.dell.com/support/do [...] l=en&s=dhs
>
> --
> Regards,
> Bert Kinney MS-MVP Shell/User
> http://bertk.mvps.org
>
>
> TZar wrote:
> > The short version:
> > My Dell Dimension 8250 with an "as shipped" configuration
> > has a Hardware Interrupt issue which constantly keeps the
> > CPU 70% utilized (as measured by Windows Task Manager)
> > even with no applications/processes actively utilizing
> > the CPU (also as measured by Windows Task Manager).
> > Device Manager shows no apparent hardware conflicts, but
> > a process management tool (Process Manager by
> > Sysinternals) shows that the 70% background CPU
> > utilization is caused by Hardware Interrupts. The
> > details on my devices and associated IRQs are listed
> > further down in this post. Can anyone advise as to how
> > to resolve the interrupt issue and free up the CPU?
> >
> > The Long Version:
> > For several weeks, I've been trying to debug an issue
> > with very slow system performance and constant high CPU
> > usage. I have tried everything from multiple anti-virus
> > tools, multiple anti-adware tools, system restore, using
> > alternate hardware profiles to temporarily disable
> > potentially conflicting devices, MSconfig to temporarily
> > turn off non-essential services and applications, XP
> > recovery console, the MS User Profile Hive clean-up tool,
> > Dell Diagnostics, clearing NVRAM, XP repair install, and
> > eventually a full XP re-install. Nothing has corrected
> > the problem. Prior to the re-install, I was on Service
> > Pack 2 and was fully up to date with any XP updates.
> >
> > With this problem, Windows Task Manager shows conflicting
> > results. The overall CPU usage is always over 70% (as
> > reflected in the lower status bar, in the "Performance"
> > tab, and in the system tray icon of Task Manager),
> > however the at the same time Task Manager "Processes" tab
> > shows that the system is 99% idle (System Idle Process
> > for the CPU is 99%, with no other processes showing any
> > CPU usage over 1%).
> >
> > In addition to the CPU utilization issue, before the XP
> > reinstall, I also had a "blue screen"
> > Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error.
> >
> > I recently found a tool (Process Manager by Sysinternals)
> > which is similar to Windows Task Manager, which
> > identifies the hidden CPU usage. It identifies that the
> > 70% CPU usage is being consumed by Hardware Interrupts.
> >
> > To simplify the debugging, for the XP re-install, I
> > disconnected any peripherals (e.g. printer, DSL Modem,
> > wireless router) that did not come with the original
> > configuration. I also disconnected the Dazzle Mojave
> > device, but left the associated card in the slot. These
> > were part of a standard Dell "Movie Studio Premium"
> > package.
> >
> > After the re-install, although several devices share the
> > same IRQs, Device Manager shows no apparent hardware
> > conflicts (other than a missing driver for the Multimedia
> > controller resulting from having the Dazzle Mojave device
> > unplugged).
> >
> > I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with the following PCI
> > devices which could be causing the Hardware Interrupt
> > conflict:
> >
> > IRQ 10:
> > - Multimedia Controller (supporting the Mojave Dazzle
> > Device which came with the Dell "Movie Studio Premium"
> > package)
> >
> > IRQ 11:
> > - Intel 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller 2443
> >
> > IRQ 16:
> > - 64MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 MX 420 w/ TV Out (Dell)
> > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 17:
> > - Conexant HSF v.92 56 RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 18:
> > - Intel Pro/100M Network Connection
> > - Santa Cruz (Voyetra Turtle Beach sound card)
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 19:
> > - Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host
> > Controller (also supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device
> > which came with the "Movie Studio Premium" package)
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> >
> > The entire configuration that I am working with for the
> > debugging is "as shipped" originally. The only exception
> > is that I unplugged the external Dazzle Mojave device
> > when doing the XP re-install, and tried to add it in
> > later. After the re-install, with the Dazzle Mojave
> > device disconnected, I got rid of the
> > Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error, but I still had
> > the CPU utilization issue. When I reconnected the Dazzle
> > Mojave device, I get a Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop
> > error back. I also used the latest driver for this
> > device from the Dell website for the Movie Studio
> > package.
> >
> > I've used alternate hardware profiles to selectively
> > disable potentially offending devices through Device
> > Manager,. The only thing that stops the CPU consumption
> > is systematically disabling the USB Root Hubs first, and
> > then disabling the USB controllers. That stops the CPU
> > consumption; however it renders my USB ports inoperable,
> > and upon re-boot the system hangs.
> >
> > One final note: my BIOS is upgraded to the most recent
> > version. BIOS setup shows different IRQs for the PCI
> > devices than the IRQs shown in Device Manager.
> >
> > My gut tells me that the problem is with the components
> > of the Dell "Movie Studio Premium" package. I've
> > systematically disabled, via Device Manager, all the
> > components associated with it but I still have the CPU
> > utilization issue. I will probably try to uninstall them
> > via Device Manager and/or try removing the card from the
> > slot next to see if that resolves it.
> >
> > Before taking this final step, any recommendations or
> > advice would be greatly appreciated. This debugging
> > process has been an excellent learning tool for me to
> > find obscure techniques in an attempt to resolve it, but
> > I'm ready for it to be over!!
> >
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated!
> >
> > Thanks!
>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

USASMA and Bert,

Thanks for the info. I think I realize what my issue is. I erroneously
have VIA USB drivers loaded, when I think I should have the Intel chipset
drivers loaded.

My original driver CD from Dell had two sets of drivers, one for Intel and
one for
VIA. There was no clear distinction that both sets of drivers were USB drivers. As a result (which I now realize), is that I
loaded both sets of drivers. The net result is that I should have the Intel
chipset, however, the VIA drivers are the ones that are loaded.
I have tried uninstalling the VIA drivers and installing the Intel drivers,
but the VIA drivers are somehow persistent, and continue to try loading even
after being uninstalled (via Device Manager), and attempting to install the
Intel ones. The Intel ones run through the install process, which requires a
reboot. Before the reboot, the VIA drivers try to reinstall. If I kill the
VIA reinstall, they come back when I reboot to complete the Intel install
anyway. If I kill them, I get an incomplete install and an unusable
configuration.
Do you have any suggestions on how I can permanently remove the VIA drivers
so I can get a clean shot at installing the Intel ones?

I have a related post in the VIA HYPERION 4IN1 DRIVER ARENA:
http://forums.viaarena.com/categories.aspx?catid=54

Entitled "Drivers for Dell Dimension 8250" if that helps:
http://forums.viaarena.com/message [...] erthread=y

"TZar" wrote:

> Thanks, I'll give it a try. I've been somewhat cautious about using non-Dell
> provided drivers since some of their drivers and hardware seem to have some
> proprietary tweaks. At least 3 of their devices have some proprietary twist.
> Since they don't have a newer driver on the Dell site for USB, I'll assume
> that the standard drivers will be ok. I've become pretty adept at keeping a
> working backup of software (through system restore) and it's associated
> hardware (through a backup hardware profile) so I'm more willing to take a
> risk.
> I noticed on VIA's site that they have a "pro" (the link you sent to me), a
> "current" and a "retro" version of the 4 in 1. They imply that the pro and
> current are better suited for newer machines, and the retro is tuned to make
> an older machine operate faster than with the current versions. Since the
> setup is over 2.5 years old, I assume that the retro might be better. Any
> thoughts on that? I posed the question on the VIA board just to be sure.
> Thanks again for the suggestion and the link.
>
> "usasma" wrote:
>
> > It sounds to me that your hardware isn't playing nicely together. FWIW - I
> > had some disturbing problems with a Turtle Beach card not too long ago - and
> > stopped using it. The drivers conflicted with something in my system.
> >
> > While I haven't used a Via chipset in a long, long time - don't they have a
> > 4 in 1 driver setup? I would suggest updating to the most current version of
> > this software. In particular, I'd investigate their USB update.
> >
> > Here's a link to the latest 4 in 1 drivers:
> > http://www.viaarena.com/Driver/VIA [...] _V500A.zip
> >
> > Which I found by going to this page:
> > http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=2
> >
> > Next, I'd try updating the Dazzle thingie's drivers (along with the
> > Multimedia stuff), then your Turtle Beach, then your video drivers, then your
> > LAN driver, and finally your modem.
> >
> > Hope that this helps!
> >
> >
> > "TZar" wrote:
> >
> > > The short version:
> > > My Dell Dimension 8250 with an “as shipped� configuration has a Hardware
> > > Interrupt issue which constantly keeps the CPU 70% utilized (as measured by
> > > Windows Task Manager) even with no applications/processes actively utilizing
> > > the CPU (also as measured by Windows Task Manager). Device Manager shows no
> > > apparent hardware conflicts, but a process management tool (Process Manager
> > > by Sysinternals) shows that the 70% background CPU utilization is caused by
> > > Hardware Interrupts. The details on my devices and associated IRQs are
> > > listed further down in this post. Can anyone advise as to how to resolve the
> > > interrupt issue and free up the CPU?
> > >
> > > The Long Version:
> > > For several weeks, I've been trying to debug an issue with very slow system
> > > performance and constant high CPU usage. I have tried everything from
> > > multiple anti-virus tools, multiple anti-adware tools, system restore, using
> > > alternate hardware profiles to temporarily disable potentially conflicting
> > > devices, MSconfig to temporarily turn off non-essential services and
> > > applications, XP recovery console, the MS User Profile Hive clean-up tool,
> > > Dell Diagnostics, clearing NVRAM, XP repair install, and eventually a full XP
> > > re-install. Nothing has corrected the problem. Prior to the re-install, I
> > > was on Service Pack 2 and was fully up to date with any XP updates.
> > >
> > > With this problem, Windows Task Manager shows conflicting results. The
> > > overall CPU usage is always over 70% (as reflected in the lower status bar,
> > > in the "Performance" tab, and in the system tray icon of Task Manager),
> > > however the at the same time Task Manager "Processes" tab shows that the
> > > system is 99% idle (System Idle Process for the CPU is 99%, with no other
> > > processes showing any CPU usage over 1%).
> > >
> > > In addition to the CPU utilization issue, before the XP reinstall, I also
> > > had a “blue screen� Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error.
> > >
> > > I recently found a tool (Process Manager by Sysinternals) which is similar
> > > to Windows Task Manager, which identifies the hidden CPU usage. It
> > > identifies that the 70% CPU usage is being consumed by Hardware Interrupts.
> > >
> > > To simplify the debugging, for the XP re-install, I disconnected any
> > > peripherals (e.g. printer, DSL Modem, wireless router) that did not come with
> > > the original configuration. I also disconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, but
> > > left the associated card in the slot. These were part of a standard Dell
> > > “Movie Studio Premium� package.
> > >
> > > After the re-install, although several devices share the same IRQs, Device
> > > Manager shows no apparent hardware conflicts (other than a missing driver for
> > > the Multimedia controller resulting from having the Dazzle Mojave device
> > > unplugged).
> > >
> > > I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with the following PCI devices which could be
> > > causing the Hardware Interrupt conflict:
> > >
> > > IRQ 10:
> > > - Multimedia Controller (supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with
> > > the Dell “Movie Studio Premium� package)
> > >
> > > IRQ 11:
> > > - Intel 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller 2443
> > >
> > > IRQ 16:
> > > - 64MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 MX 420 w/ TV Out (Dell)
> > > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> > >
> > > IRQ 17:
> > > - Conexant HSF v.92 56 RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem
> > > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > >
> > > IRQ 18:
> > > - Intel Pro/100M Network Connection
> > > - Santa Cruz (Voyetra Turtle Beach sound card)
> > > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > >
> > > IRQ 19:
> > > - Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller (also
> > > supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device which came with the “Movie Studio
> > > Premium� package)
> > > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> > >
> > > The entire configuration that I am working with for the debugging is “as
> > > shipped� originally. The only exception is that I unplugged the external
> > > Dazzle Mojave device when doing the XP re-install, and tried to add it in
> > > later. After the re-install, with the Dazzle Mojave device disconnected, I
> > > got rid of the Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error, but I still had the
> > > CPU utilization issue. When I reconnected the Dazzle Mojave device, I get a
> > > Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error back. I also used the latest driver
> > > for this device from the Dell website for the Movie Studio package.
> > >
> > > I’ve used alternate hardware profiles to selectively disable potentially
> > > offending devices through Device Manager,. The only thing that stops the CPU
> > > consumption is systematically disabling the USB Root Hubs first, and then
> > > disabling the USB controllers. That stops the CPU consumption; however it
> > > renders my USB ports inoperable, and upon re-boot the system hangs.
> > >
> > > One final note: my BIOS is upgraded to the most recent version. BIOS setup
> > > shows different IRQs for the PCI devices than the IRQs shown in Device
> > > Manager.
> > >
> > > My gut tells me that the problem is with the components of the Dell “Movie
> > > Studio Premium� package. I’ve systematically disabled, via Device Manager,
> > > all the components associated with it but I still have the CPU utilization
> > > issue. I will probably try to uninstall them via Device Manager and/or try
> > > removing the card from the slot next to see if that resolves it.
> > >
> > > Before taking this final step, any recommendations or advice would be
> > > greatly appreciated. This debugging process has been an excellent learning
> > > tool for me to find obscure techniques in an attempt to resolve it, but I’m
> > > ready for it to be over!!
> > >
> > > Any help would be greatly appreciated!
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Bert,

Here's a link to my latest reply:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp [...] sloc=en-us

"Bert Kinney" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I would suggest looking for updated usb drivers from Dell.
> http://support.dell.com/support/do [...] l=en&s=dhs
>
> --
> Regards,
> Bert Kinney MS-MVP Shell/User
> http://bertk.mvps.org
>
>
> TZar wrote:
> > The short version:
> > My Dell Dimension 8250 with an "as shipped" configuration
> > has a Hardware Interrupt issue which constantly keeps the
> > CPU 70% utilized (as measured by Windows Task Manager)
> > even with no applications/processes actively utilizing
> > the CPU (also as measured by Windows Task Manager).
> > Device Manager shows no apparent hardware conflicts, but
> > a process management tool (Process Manager by
> > Sysinternals) shows that the 70% background CPU
> > utilization is caused by Hardware Interrupts. The
> > details on my devices and associated IRQs are listed
> > further down in this post. Can anyone advise as to how
> > to resolve the interrupt issue and free up the CPU?
> >
> > The Long Version:
> > For several weeks, I've been trying to debug an issue
> > with very slow system performance and constant high CPU
> > usage. I have tried everything from multiple anti-virus
> > tools, multiple anti-adware tools, system restore, using
> > alternate hardware profiles to temporarily disable
> > potentially conflicting devices, MSconfig to temporarily
> > turn off non-essential services and applications, XP
> > recovery console, the MS User Profile Hive clean-up tool,
> > Dell Diagnostics, clearing NVRAM, XP repair install, and
> > eventually a full XP re-install. Nothing has corrected
> > the problem. Prior to the re-install, I was on Service
> > Pack 2 and was fully up to date with any XP updates.
> >
> > With this problem, Windows Task Manager shows conflicting
> > results. The overall CPU usage is always over 70% (as
> > reflected in the lower status bar, in the "Performance"
> > tab, and in the system tray icon of Task Manager),
> > however the at the same time Task Manager "Processes" tab
> > shows that the system is 99% idle (System Idle Process
> > for the CPU is 99%, with no other processes showing any
> > CPU usage over 1%).
> >
> > In addition to the CPU utilization issue, before the XP
> > reinstall, I also had a "blue screen"
> > Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error.
> >
> > I recently found a tool (Process Manager by Sysinternals)
> > which is similar to Windows Task Manager, which
> > identifies the hidden CPU usage. It identifies that the
> > 70% CPU usage is being consumed by Hardware Interrupts.
> >
> > To simplify the debugging, for the XP re-install, I
> > disconnected any peripherals (e.g. printer, DSL Modem,
> > wireless router) that did not come with the original
> > configuration. I also disconnected the Dazzle Mojave
> > device, but left the associated card in the slot. These
> > were part of a standard Dell "Movie Studio Premium"
> > package.
> >
> > After the re-install, although several devices share the
> > same IRQs, Device Manager shows no apparent hardware
> > conflicts (other than a missing driver for the Multimedia
> > controller resulting from having the Dazzle Mojave device
> > unplugged).
> >
> > I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with the following PCI
> > devices which could be causing the Hardware Interrupt
> > conflict:
> >
> > IRQ 10:
> > - Multimedia Controller (supporting the Mojave Dazzle
> > Device which came with the Dell "Movie Studio Premium"
> > package)
> >
> > IRQ 11:
> > - Intel 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller 2443
> >
> > IRQ 16:
> > - 64MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 MX 420 w/ TV Out (Dell)
> > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 17:
> > - Conexant HSF v.92 56 RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 18:
> > - Intel Pro/100M Network Connection
> > - Santa Cruz (Voyetra Turtle Beach sound card)
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> >
> > IRQ 19:
> > - Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host
> > Controller (also supporting the Mojave Dazzle Device
> > which came with the "Movie Studio Premium" package)
> > - VIA Rev5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
> > - VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
> >
> > The entire configuration that I am working with for the
> > debugging is "as shipped" originally. The only exception
> > is that I unplugged the external Dazzle Mojave device
> > when doing the XP re-install, and tried to add it in
> > later. After the re-install, with the Dazzle Mojave
> > device disconnected, I got rid of the
> > Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop error, but I still had
> > the CPU utilization issue. When I reconnected the Dazzle
> > Mojave device, I get a Driver_IRQL_Not_Less_or_Equal stop
> > error back. I also used the latest driver for this
> > device from the Dell website for the Movie Studio
> > package.
> >
> > I've used alternate hardware profiles to selectively
> > disable potentially offending devices through Device
> > Manager,. The only thing that stops the CPU consumption
> > is systematically disabling the USB Root Hubs first, and
> > then disabling the USB controllers. That stops the CPU
> > consumption; however it renders my USB ports inoperable,
> > and upon re-boot the system hangs.
> >
> > One final note: my BIOS is upgraded to the most recent
> > version. BIOS setup shows different IRQs for the PCI
> > devices than the IRQs shown in Device Manager.
> >
> > My gut tells me that the problem is with the components
> > of the Dell "Movie Studio Premium" package. I've
> > systematically disabled, via Device Manager, all the
> > components associated with it but I still have the CPU
> > utilization issue. I will probably try to uninstall them
> > via Device Manager and/or try removing the card from the
> > slot next to see if that resolves it.
> >
> > Before taking this final step, any recommendations or
> > advice would be greatly appreciated. This debugging
> > process has been an excellent learning tool for me to
> > find obscure techniques in an attempt to resolve it, but
> > I'm ready for it to be over!!
> >
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated!
> >
> > Thanks!
>
>
>