CPU Running at 98% Constantly and Battery Indicator on tool tray disappeared

[DNDFROG0107]

Today I hooked my PC to my television, as I sometimes do to listen to music. I noticed the Media Player was not responding but still playing the music. I closed the program and at that point noticed that my task manager icon was showing the CPU was running at capacity. Then I noticed that my battery indicator was missing as well. I opened the task manager to see what was running the CPU usage so high. It ended up being the service host. When I closed all programs and let it sit for a few minutes, the usage decreased. I then went into my system tray settings to try and bring my battery indicator back up but it is grayed out. So I have no option of putting back in the system tray. I hate not having the battery indicator where I can see it at all times. I will never know when to save my work or when the battery is getting to a critical level. I also noticed that my programs on the taskbar keep disappearing. I have run a disk cleanup on C: Drive and a defrag. HP Support Assistant isn't showing any issues with any diagnostic that I run. Someone help??????

[A4Apollo · Accepted solution]

Hi! @DNDFROG0107, Thank you for visiting the HP Forums! A great place where you can find solutions for your issues with help from the community!

I understand your PC is running at 98% and keeps freezing.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out.

Did you make any software or hardware changes on your PC?

Please provide the product number of your PC to assist you better.

Try updating the BIOS and chipset driver on your PC and check if it helps.

You can try updating the drivers using HP support assistant.

Refer this article to know more information about using HP support assistant.

Also, try the steps recommended below.

Use the steps in this section to help find the cause of the lockup:
Disconnect all devices to the PC with the exception of keyboard and mouse and/or monitor required for minimal use.
Remove any discs from the CD/DVD drives.
If Windows becomes active again, clean, repair, or replace the disc. Troubleshooting is complete.
If the lockup persists, continue troubleshooting using these steps.
While holding down the Alt key on the keyboard, press the F4 key to close the application.
If Windows becomes active again, the problem is related to an application. Save your work and restart the computer. Remember the name of the application that stopped responding or caused the error. Update or remove applications that continue to lock up. Troubleshooting is complete.
If the lockup persists, continue troubleshooting using these steps.
Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys to open Task Manager.
Review the list of applications under Processes and look for applications that have stopped responding. Make a note of the names of those applications or programs.
Select an application that is not responding, and then click End Task.
A Microsoft Windows error message might appear: Windows Explorer has stopped working. Windows may check to see if there is a solution for the problem or prompt you to close the program. Or, if you see If you can’t see the taskbar and desktop icons, press Windows key and type Explorer….”
If you can’t see the taskbar and desktop icons, press the Windows key and type Explorer in the field and click OK to restart File Explorer.
Continue clicking End Task for applications that are not responding until all unresponsive applications are removed from the list.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot lock up or freezing issues with PC.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Have a great day! 🙂

Please click "Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

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[DNDFROG0107]

bios was flashed about 3 months ago. I actually did everything you suggested including some regular maintenance (clean up & defrag) that was somehow removed from is schedule. Updates occurred the night prior and I have noticed if a cleanup and defrag isn't run before everything else, it will lock up. Clean up & defrag plus a restart solved the issue.

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @DNDFROG0107, Thanks for your prompt response.

I am glad to hear that your issue got resolved.

If you have any queries in future related to any HP products, you can always reach out to us.

We will try our best to help you out.

Take care,

Have a great day! 🙂