WD2000: Word Uses 100 Percent of the CPU (211443)

SYMPTOMS

While you work in Microsoft Word 2000, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) usage monitor may show the CPU is running at or near 100 percent on some computers.

This symptom occurs even while you are performing operations that are not perceived as CPU intensive; such as typing text, running the proofing tools, opening documents containing hidden text, or other similar common word-processing tasks.

CAUSE

Microsoft Word 2000 can generate many low-priority requests, which may keep the CPU at or near 100-percent usage.

NOTE: Because these requests are low-priority, they yield CPU time to any process that requests it. Therefore, this behavior does not affect your computer's performance.

WORKAROUND

You may be able to optimize Word to help resolve this problem.

If you are running the Intel Power Monitor software, you may be able to force Microsoft Word to cut back on CPU usage by using the Fix button on the Intel Power Monitor.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

NOTE: Microsoft Word 2000 corrects some causes of 100-percent CPU usage that may be experienced in earlier versions of Microsoft Word. Word may still hit 100-percent CPU usage when it is performing complex tasks.

MORE INFORMATION

Running at 100-percent CPU usage does not make Microsoft Word or other programs run slowly, because Microsoft Windows pre-empts Microsoft Word and gives the CPU time to other requesting programs.

In comparison with Microsoft Word 97 on a laptop computer, using Microsoft Word 2000 may allow your computer to consume less power. This version of Word allows the CPU in your computer to return to an idle state more quickly than does Microsoft Word 97, thus conserving battery power.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.