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TaskManager/Processes in Win98?

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by pbtoms

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In WinXP, task manager allows real-time monitoring of processes, so I can see exactly what is using the processor, and see if something is tying it up. Is there a utility of some kind out there that will do the same for Win98? I have a computer at my church that often starts flashing the cursor from arrow to hourglass, over and over. Nothing weird is running in the background, that I can see. I was hoping maybe by looking at processes, I could figure out what keeps making the computer flash "busy"? I'd prefer freeware, or shareware, since it isn't something I'd use a lot. Any ideas? Thanks!

9 replies

by thechas

I use the Systom Monitor that is part of Fix-It System Suite when I need to see what is going on.

I have seen some freware utilities posted at both www.completelyfreesoftware.com
and www.nonags.com

However, I don't believe you need to get that involved.
Start by running AdAware from Lavasoft (www.lavasoft.de)
This will clean out any spyware that has made it's way onto the system.

Then, clean out the following folders:
C:\Windows\Recent
C:\Windows\Temp
C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

Empty the recycle bin, and boot into safe mode.
Run Scandisk, and then Defrag the drive.

If you still see unusual activity, my next step would be to use a registry cleaner.
My preference is the one in either Fix-It, or Norton Win Doctor.

Chas

by pbtoms

I've done most of those things, to no avail, which is why I'm looking for a list of processes. The Fix-It System Suite might be useful. I also was not aware of the two freeware sites you listed. Thanks for the leads!

by b_pope

Try Process Explorer from this site it's free & a very small download, I've been using it on all my PC's for awhile now & it works great. You can even kill processes that Window's doesn't release when their not in use. Just rightclick on any listed process & check properties to see if it's still being called for by another program, if not kill it.

http://www.sysinternals.com/index.shtml

by pbtoms

Perfect! That is exactly what I was looking for. Naturally, once it was installed, I couldn't get the stupid cursor to flash, but it will start up again soon, and I'll be ready for it. Thanks!!

by c.barnhorst

How much memory does the computer have? It may only be the OS managing the swap file. Adequate memory for the applications running should lessen disk activity.

by pbtoms

128 Meg of RAM, and it does it whether there are applications running or not. A 500 MHz PIII with 128 Meg of RAM should be able to keep up with Minesweeper! :-) Once the flashing starts, it goes constantly. That's why I'm looking for something that can show me processes in use in real time.

by c.barnhorst

Then also check your task scheduler. I have a disk defragmenter that runs on my external hard drive whenever it feels the fragging has passed a certain threshold. I'm not saying it is a disk defragmenter, but the disk activity indicates that some sort of disk reorganizing is underway. You would not necessarily find it with the task manager. A memory manager also does defragging of memory by writing the contents of memory to disk and back to memory. Just trying to give you some clues. In any event you would not see the swap file activity in task manager as a task different than explorer.

by pbtoms

Don't want to be a jerk about it, but my teaching experience kicks in, and I can't give credit for answering a question I didn't ask. :-) I've asked the "what do I do" question previously, and nothing worked. I've tried task scheduler, I've tried defrag, I've turned things off, etc. Nothing seems to work, which is why I'm hoping I can see what process is hogging CPU cycles. Even if it doesn't show me exactly what it's doing (i.e. swap file showing up as explorer), it will help me narrow it down. I do appreciate the effort, but... Oh, what the heck. You did try to help. *Changing to Acceptable*. :-)

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