When I open Windows Explorer it uses up all CPU

And ?
What OS?
Does it settle down to normal levels once windows has fully loaded?
Have you made any recent changes?

And ?
What OS ??
Does it settle down to normal levels once windows has fully loaded?
Have you made any recent changes ??

Windows XP, SP3. On an older (2002) Gateway Laptop. I have not downloaded any software lately, except Norton PC Checkup--which found nothing on my computer causing problems. I have run Malware and the full Norton virus check. Nothing shows problems.

Whenever I open Windows Explorer, it uses 85-95% CPU, essentially using all CPU as other programs need some. This started just recently, but weeks after I downloaded Norton PC Checkup.

Norton + XP = WORLD OF HURT!!

Serious dump that as your FIRST option..

There's some useful maintenance tips here: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/computers-beginners/frequently-ask-questions-about-computers-233870.html

Slightly out of date, but you get the idea..

Windows XP, SP3. on an older (2002) Gateway Laptop. I have not downloaded any software lately, except Norton PC Checkup--which found nothing on my computer causing problems. I have run Malware and the full Norton virus check. Nothing shows problems.

Whenever I open Windows Explorer, it uses 85-95% CPU, essentially using all CPU as other programs need some. This started just recently, but weeks after I downloaded Norton PC Checkup.

PC checkup is a total cpu/memory hog. Curlyben is right

I use this disk optimizer which runs in background, and perfect for older pc's

free trial here (http://bit.ly/4ChildHealth)