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    High CPU usage with Broadcom Ethernet card on M1330

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by leftside, Oct 5, 2007.

  1. leftside

    leftside Notebook Geek

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    The System process is showing a continuous high CPU usage of around 50%. I ran Process Explorer and examined the System process. There are two thread with the following Start Address that are causing the high CPU usage:

    ntkrnlpa.exe!ExQueueWorkItem+0x1d9

    If I take out the ethernet cable, my CPU usage drops back down to around a normal 5%.

    1) I'm using the latest Broadcom NetLink (TM) Fast Ethernet drivers (10.10.0.0)

    2) I've uninstalled the drivers and re-installed them

    3) I've performed a system restore to a few days in the past (inbetween I installed a new USB device and I though that might have been causing the problem - but it isn't).

    Anyone else have any other ideas? At the moment the laptop is almost useless with the ethernet cable plugged in.

    I've noticed a few Advanced settings under properties for the device, but am unsure if these will make any difference.
     
    leftside, Oct 5, 2007
    #1
  2. Chuckles

    Chuckles Notebook Consultant

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    Virus sending out spam emails?
     
    Chuckles, Oct 5, 2007
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  3. leftside

    leftside Notebook Geek

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    I originally thought something like that, but when I unplug the ethernet cable, the wireless connection is fine.

    I will be doing a complete system scan tonight though anyway.
     
    leftside, Oct 5, 2007
    #3
  4. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    Description of NTKRNLPA.EXE
    This is a component of Microsoft Windows Application. Microsoft Windows Application is the widely popular Windows operating system. The Windows family of operating systems developed the point-and-click graphical user interface for easy interaction with programs and files.

    Recommendation for NTKRNLPA.EXE
    N/A

    Trusted: Yes
    Trojan: No
    Chronic: No
    Adware: No
    Carrier: No
    Browser Hijacker: No
    Dialer: No
    Commercial Keylogger: No
    Remote Administration Tool: No
    Suspected: No

    Company Name: Microsoft Corporation
    Platforms Affected:
    Methods of Distribution: .
    Variants/Versions:
    Release Date: 1983


    http://www.fbmsoftware.com/spyware-net/process/NTKRNLPA_EXE/888/
     
    nizzy1115, Oct 6, 2007
    #4
  5. frazell

    frazell Notebook Deity

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    That tells us pretty much nothing... Doesn't mean malicious code hasn't compromised the system or even the process. It also doesn't mean malicious code isn't spoofing the filename...

    To OP:
    What are your specs? Almost all of the issues i saw on Microsoft Support regarding NTKRNLPA were related to using the /PAE switch on windows startup to force Windows to address more than 3GB of RAM.
     
    frazell, Oct 6, 2007
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  6. leftside

    leftside Notebook Geek

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    leftside, Oct 7, 2007
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  7. Samuel613

    Samuel613 Notebook Evangelist

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    nVidia drivers from lv2go is one thing, but, otherwise, I would use Dell drivers, not drivers from driveragent, or any other company that entices you with a free scan and only THEN reveals that you have to pay for them.
     
    Samuel613, Oct 8, 2007
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  8. leftside

    leftside Notebook Geek

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    To be fair, I did complain to them and they sent me a link to the latest updated drivers.
     
    leftside, Oct 8, 2007
    #8