CPU Usage at 100% Help!!

[kcsega]

I recently started getting 100% cpu usage whenever I play an avi file. I restart my cpu, then I'm able to play one file with no problem. The problems start when I try to load another file.

Laptop
2.4 Ghz P4
1 GB of RAM
40 GB HD
Windows XP Professional
Windows Media Player 9.00.00.2980
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700

The most recent codecs I installed were from the ACE Mega Codecs Pack, but the problems didn't start until weeks later.
I also tried using other programs like gdivx, or divx player, but it still jumps to 100%.

Is there anything I can do, or can I change the settings somehow so it doesn't use as much cpu power?

[gd_nimrod]

"The most recent codecs I installed were from the ACE Mega Codecs Pack, but the problems didn't start until weeks later."

If you don't think its anything that you installed which might be causing the problem, i would do a system restore of a previous date (assuming you have system restore enabled) about a week back. Start->all programs->accessories->system tools->system restore.

[Enchanter]

Check that you have DMA enabled for your drives and that the appropriate IDE driver is installed.

[chickeneater]

also, close all unecesary programs. ctrl+alt+del. in the task manager, go to the tab "processes" and click on username at the top of the little box. once you have that sorted, close all processes except explorer and tskmngr. then try your problem.

[kcsega]

I did all that you guys suggested, but I still get the occassional stalling then my cpu usage goes to 100%. Maybe I should just reinstall windows?

[chickeneater]

first, reboot your computer and do what we told you to do. Just in case before you reinstall windows.

whenever i have a problem with windows, or anything related, i reboot and try the problem out.

[kcsega]

I rebooted everytime I tried something new. I'll try system restore again. But, I'd like if someone could explain how I can check to see if dma is enabled for my hard drive in windows xp

[gs0666]

Device Manager-->IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers

[kcsega]

Yeah. DMA was enabled. I sitll get the problem. When I try to do system restore, I get an error when windows restarts. Don't know what else to do.

[Batman]

Uninstall all codecs you have installed. Then install only the codecs you need, and avoid the ace media codec pack.