penny drop

Thanx for that little fix ICE... it seems to have soothed things a little but the problem is still certainly there. It has eased the CPU a little but apps still stutter... This problem started at the same time as the MS/ Realtek update issue back round the 3rd of April and I did a system restore also at the same before i realised there was a hotfix. Anymore suggestions would be welcome.

a svchost.exe process seems to be the major numbers cruncher....pegging CPU at 100% regular. how do I sooth this thing?

Thank you for your suggestions i just spent ages reply and my session timed out and deleted it... in short, I have tried all you suggested and the rest I have covered. CCleaner / Dial a fix / No Norton / Nothing relevent in Event Viewer matches descriptions / Regulr defrag / PCcillin security just did a scan / latest drivers/ killed a bunch of start ups/ NO CHANGE infact the system seems to be getting worse..... Computer cant keep up with typing and mouse is staggering at times / Printer has stopped printing. TOSHIBA T1350 lappy. Intel 1.86ghz, 758 RAM, Mobile Intel 945GM express chipset. Any more info would be appreciated

I have a Toshiba lappy with XP Home and a Realtek sound device. After the Windows update debarcle a few days ago I have sorted the problem with the Hotfix that seemed to fix most peoples systems. But now my whole system struggles to even play a song or movie in WM without stuttering. Most other apps also stutter or fail completely (like Protools ect;) within a short time. I notice that my CPU usage fluctuates wildy and does not seem ever to stop, even when idle. When I open any app, even just Media Player, CPU is pegged at 100%. I have more than 50 proccesses running at idle which i dont remember ever seeing before (but cant be sure) , I dont know if this relevant? ...and I notice a comment like "TPM gone or TMP Not working" during boot up, again i cant be sure but I never noticed it before and know if it is related. I really need some help and guidance please, so I can get back to work, all I seem to be able to do now is check mail and browse help forums... Cheers!