PC CPU usage spikes, causing a very slow computer

[MacksJackson]

My Alienware M17x 2009 model is running extremely slowly. For example- windows explorer takes about 5 seconds to load, I am now unable to run fallout 3 at the lowest graphical settings when before I had it maxed. I've run malwarebytes anti malware, rebooted in safe mode and changed system start up programs. I've looked all over the web and to avail. Though I noticed that in Task Manager, desktop idle was a taking a lot of CPU consumption. Here's a pic of it http://prntscr.com/44bnhy . And here's one of my processes. http://prntscr.com/44bq16

 

PC Specs

CPU- Intel core 2 duo CPU, 2.93 GHz

RAM- 8 GB

OS-Windows 7 Professional 64 bit

GPU- 2 NVidia GeForce 260m

HD- 1 TB 

SSD- 60 GB (windows is on this drive)

 

 

 

 

[Altecice]

check for graphics drivers and reinstall them. see if that helps.

[Jodomcfrodo]

I would just clean install windows 8. Did it for my M14x. SOOOO worth it.

[Sauron]

It's a good idea to replace that ssd with a newer and larger model (like a samsung 840 pro 256gb), regardless of your issue. Anyway, a clean windows install is the first thing I would try, I doubt you have a lot of data on that 60gb ssd.

[MacksJackson]

I would just clean install windows 8. Did it for my M14x. SOOOO worth it.

That was something i was thinking about doing, and sense everyone is saying just re install windows i try that. Ill post after its done!

[Jodomcfrodo]

That was something i was thinking about doing, and sense everyone is saying just re install windows i try that. Ill post after its done!

It helps a lot, especially if you have the small SSD they give you as a cache for the HDD and not a separate drive like I was using it as. 

[MacksJackson]

Well after 3 days of finding ways to update my old drivers to non supported versions I'm finally done. Works good as new!