My HP laptop (Windows XP, 1GB memory) periodically slows to a crawl or stops for several seconds. If I check “performance” in "Windows Task Manager", I see CPU usage 100% and PF usage 599MB/1621MB and I have 81 processes going. The 100% CPU usage can happen before I even open any program. I assume too many “Processes” is the culprit but I have no clue as to what they are and which ones I can close. Any suggestion welcome. MLM

In task manager You should be able to sort your processes by system load, look athte ones with highest system load and let us know what they are.

For starters go through your installed programs and remove any you no longer use.

Once this is done you need to open up the MSCONFIG menu.
Start > Run > Type "Msconfig"
Go to the start tab and UNcheck any you don't need to run at start up.

If you are unsure about this post a list and we'll help.