Windows7 - System Idle Process at 99%

[goocreations]

I know that the web is full of this question, but no one is given the correct answer.

My system idle process in Windows7 is running at 99%. I know that this "is good", because my PC has nothing to do.
But the problem is that my PC has something to do. I run a bunch of other processes that require a lot of CPU processing.
Now, my sustem idle process euns at 99% an all my open programs get stuck for a while. This happens all the time. So my idle process is taking away the CPU power for all the other processes and most of my programs get stuck for 20 to 40 seconds, before my idel process decreases and then the other procresses start running again.

Ant clues on what to do?
PS: running Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 (3GHz) with 4GB ram and Win7 64bit. So my CPU isn't that bad

 

[stevovo]

You also need to take into account that some applications are not written to take full advantage of 2 or more cores so they will only use up max 40 - 50% on a dual core cpu.

 

[Scooby_Doo]

The system idle process will not stop other processes from running. If it is taking that long to for an application to start is must be something else.

 

[Drake2007]

The symptom is not the cause.
Check the performance Tab in Task Manager, the CPU graphs should more or less match up. If not then you have some apps that aren't multi-threaded properly though this is not always the case.
You'll need to start tracking down processes and services to find out what's happening, keep in mind it could be a rogue driver also, very difficult to troubleshoot.

 

[plazma]

Also, look to see if your anti-virus is checking the application you started before it launches. That would also cause delays. If so, add your trusted applications to a list of things your AV should ignore. They should then start without delay. Most AV's check everything before they launch, by default.

 

[bekdik]

Updating of reporting takes place at the lowest priority, so if you hace a very busy cpu the values displayed may be way out of date due to the activity.

 

[goocreations]

ok, thanx. I will have a look into these things.
My anti-virus is fine. And I've tested it with programms that run on both cpu's, but with the same problem.