One CPU Always Shown as Busy on Multiple-Processor Computer (241532)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q241532

SYMPTOMS

When you view CPU usage using Task Manager, one processor may appear to be busy, with from 50 percent to 70 percent usage, even when the computer is idle.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if both of the following conditions exist:
  • Your computer uses one of the following motherboards:
    • ASUS P2B-D
    • ASUS P2B-DS
    • ASUS XG-DLS
    • ASUS P2L97-D
    • ASUS P2L97-DS


  • You choose to install the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) during or after Windows 2000 Setup.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, contact ASUS to obtain an update for the motherboard to enable ACPI support. For additional information, please visit the following ASUS Web site:

http://support.asus.com/technicaldocuments/technicaldocuments.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.


To work around this issue:
  1. Start Windows 2000 Setup again.
  2. When you see the following prompt, press the F5 key:

    Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver.

  3. When you are prompted for the type of computer you are using, choose MPS Multiprocessor PC, and then continue Setup normally.

MORE INFORMATION

NOTE: This issue has also been seen on the following motherboards and resolved with the following resolutions: 
Motherboard             Resolution
=======================================================
Gigabyte GA-6BXD        Update to BIOS revision F3F (No rework of board required)

For more information about the Gigabyte GA-6bxd motherboard, visit the following Gigabyte Web site:

www.gigabyte.com

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/24/2006
Keywords:kbHardware kbprb KB241532
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