Hello Hamish
my first suggestion is to start the computer in "safe mode" where the
computer then starts up with minimal drivers programmes etc. If this then
works at a speed that you would consider "normal" then it is almost certainly
a programme on your PC that is using all of your CPU and memory. I would
download the Microsoft Beta anti spyware software or Ad-Aware (free) version
and do a complete scan of your PC but first I would unplug your internet
connection and disable firewall and anti virus.
After the anti spyware scan and your register is packed with active crap (I
can assure you it will be) just remove/quarantine/delete all that is reported
as being spyware.
When you have done this, re-boot keeping your internet connection unplugged
and the firewall and anti virus off, I would run the anti spyware scan again,
you will be surprised at what has re-appeared!
When you have done this re-enable your anti virus and re-boot then run an
in-depth scan of your computer, which will probably bring up one or two
things you didn't know you had.
I should have said this at the beginning but you must make sure you have the
latest definitions downloaded for your spyware and anti virus programmes
before commencing the above!
If the power drain is still there then there may be a hardware fault but I
doubt it very much.
Let me know how you get on
Country Boy
