High CPU usage freezing up and a removed extension that keeps coming back"Nielsen" extension

[NickC6]

My laptop is freezing processes stop and my CPU is pegged out at over 175% nonstop even with nothing open or running. This extension Nielsen Online keeps coming back after being removed and other apps that shouldnt be running run nonstop. Smartscreen exe seems one of the highest in CPU usage and processes  are high in CPU usage.I  know just enough to be dangerous here Please  help Im not goingto get my unemployment done because of this crap .Christmas was going to be tuff no job no money 

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @NickC6 

Welcome !

What you describe can be caused by tons of different things (hardware issues, software issues, etc).

Be patient until we find the culprit.

This Nielsen thing could be potentially unwanted application (adware).

Perform some basic hardware checks to rule out hardware problem

1. Please, shutdown the computer using the power button (pressed and hold for a few seconds until PC powers off)

2. Power the computer back on.

  - As soon as you press the power-on button, immediately begin hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap) before any logo appears. This should open a HP Startup Menu -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSN0qzXayUY

3. Choose F2 to open System Diagnostics. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform System Test >> Fast test.

This will check major hardware components for issue (do it just in case) . Here is more info >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXUp43ahHA

If there are no system checks/no quick tests, perform HDD (hard disk drive) and RAM check (memory check).

Let me know the test results.

Back to Windows:

1. Optimize

- de-fragment your Hard Disk Drive (if you have hard disk drive) > https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8933-optimize-defrag-drives-windows-10-a.html

- run Disk Clean Up - cleanmgr.exe > https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3012-disk-cleanup-open-use-windows-10-a.html

2. Remove unneeded and temporary files. Download and run CCLeaner (from Piriform) with the extra options checked. Here are instructions

>> http://www.howtogeek.com/113382/how-to-use-ccleaner-like-a-pro-9-tips-tricks/

>> http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/portable 

3. Scan your PC for threats, viruses, malware...

  3.1.... Run the free ESET Online Scanner >> https://download.eset.com/com/eset/tools/online_scanner/latest/esetonlinescanner.exe

Scan your PC for viruses, threats and unwanted/unsafe applications - remove if anything found.

  3.2.... Run and scan with the free app AdwCleaner >>https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/

  3.3... Run and scan with Hitman Pro - free version >> https://www.hitmanpro.com/en-us.aspx

Let me know in details if they found/removed something and what it was....

4. Uninstall any programs you definitely do not use but you think might be a bit high on resources. You can uninstall them from Control Panel > Programs and features

5. Download and run the free Speccy  > http://www.piriform.com/speccy

Install and run the app

When it is ready, click on File > Save a snapshot

6. Update your BIOS and drivers - using HP Support Assistant >> https://support.hp.com/hr-en/document/c03467905

I am looking forward to your reply, results and details.