Task manager / Skype cutting out

Barewolf · 11-12-2006, 20:34

I have tried to eliminate almost all applications possible in task manager because when my girlfriend is talking to me Via landine to Skype on my pc its cutting out.

My CPU is at 22-33% with only Skype running (See Pic)

What can i do to lower this, or is this just a problem with skype? sometimes it sounds clear as a bell but today its cutting out as though my CPU is too high, hence why i looked.

Sometimes i have MSN Running or can be in Outlook / surfing the web at the same time and it seems fine.

I dont understand, need some help.

Paul · 11-12-2006, 21:07

Have you tried uninstalling it, delete your install folder, reboot, re-install?

punky · 11-12-2006, 21:15

If you right-click on it you can set a higher priority. That might help.

Are you sure its cutting out over CPU usage, and not bandwidth issues?

Paul · 11-12-2006, 21:34

Can't be it CPU unless the CPU is rammed to 100% and locks everything up. When it goes wrong what is your CPU usage in total and what processes are taking the PCU time up?
VSMON? Are you sure your firewall hasn't fouled up? Zone Alarm has been known to cause strange issues when it goes wrong. You could try telling it not to load at windows start up, turn on the Windows Firewall if running XP and then see what happens.
Also make sure your windows auto updates aren't hogging the bandwidth as alluded to by the Punkster

Uncle Peter · 12-12-2006, 11:51

I think that 20-30%ish CPU usage is normal tbh. Just wondering if you're running a direct connection or via relay? If you're not behind a firewall/proxy then you should be using a direct connection to obtain the best call quality:

In options, check the "connection" page. The "Use port 80 and 443 as an alternative for incoming connections" should be unchecked on both your own and your girlfriend's machines.

You will of course need to ensure that the port specified in the "Use port XXXXX" for incoming connections is forwarded to your respective machines if you are using a router.

Another thing you can do is go to the "Advanced" page in options and check the "Display technical info" box. This will display the call quality, packet loss and various other useful stats when you hover the mouse pointer over the person's avatar/icon when in a call. This might give you some clues as to whether or not your network connection is causing quality issues.

hth

AbyssUnderground · 13-12-2006, 17:12

It may not be a program fault. If your connection is being dodgy and slow, or you're getting packet loss or high pings, that could cause it to break up too.

Druchii · 13-12-2006, 18:06

I take it you've closed Skype completely and opened it again to check it wasn't just a mess up with that program itself?

And 30% CPU for Skype? That seems pretty high tbh, got a call going here and 3 or 4 chats, and i'm touching 3% usage, and that's with lots of other applications open.

You could try disabling firewalls for a sec or two, see what happens then...

Barewolf · 13-12-2006, 18:38

Druchii are you on Dual Core?

Ive got MSN Running, Zone Alarm, A-Notes, Skype, and Lotus Organizer, all on my Task Bar.

In Task Manager it says i have 40 things running.

I look at my CPU usage and dont touch anything on the pc including the mouse and its fluctuating from 3% to 8%

Druchii · 13-12-2006, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barewolf

Druchii are you on Dual Core?

Ive got MSN Running, Zone Alarm, A-Notes, Skype, and Lotus Organizer, all on my Task Bar.

In Task Manager it says i have 40 things running.

I look at my CPU usage and dont touch anything on the pc including the mouse and its fluctuating from 3% to 8%

Actually yes i am, but when i thought about it to translate from 30% to 3% i thought was a bit of a jump, even for a 3Ghz Core2.

How is it going with the Skype calls now?