One CPU Always Shown as Busy on Multiple-Processor Computer

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This article was previously published under Q241532

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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.

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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.

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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 (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:

Start Windows 2000 Setup again.
When you see the following prompt, press the F5 key:
Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver.
When you are prompted for the type of computer you are using, choose MPS Multiprocessor PC, and then continue Setup normally.

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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 (http://www.gigabyte.com)

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