CPU usage 100%

The file VMHOST.EXE is identified as the Trojan Program that is used for stealing bank information and users passwords. DO NOT PUT ANY PERSONAL INFO IN ANYWHERE. Run virus scans or take to a professional

In Task Manager, go to the Processes tab and sort by the CPU column. See what is hogging up all your CPU. It may be a virus, if so, I recommend downloading Malware Bytes and doing a full scan. Warning, it could take several hours to scan depending on the size of your machine. Good luck!

Check out this link for
How to Fix High CPU Usage
How to Fix High CPU Usage

For Win XP PC.... if your PC/Laptops is clean ie free from Malwares, spywares, virus & etc....

Read these tips links...

1. http://www.somelifeblog.com/2007/05/windows-xp-svchostexe-100-cpu-high.html

2. http://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-fix-svchostexe-errors-and-problems-with-high-cpu-usage/

3. http://www.technibble.com/how-to-fix-svchost-using-100-cpu-memory-leak/

Hope it helps.

First, I appreciate the details provided in your question. Thanks!
The specification of your laptop are fine and enough to run and support Vista. It is true that greater number of processes and CPU usage causes, but normally the machine can handle it well if it gets proper ventilation.
Laptop heating issue generally occurs due to fan failure, which may damage the system, if not checked properly. Another cause of overheating is the dust present inside the laptop, which clogs the fan and heatsink. I suggest that you should get you laptop checked by a professional for servicing (if required). I believe immediate action is required to prevent any damage to your machine and data.

Hope it Helps! Let me know if i could be of any further assistance.
CreativeTECH

Generally you will see core temps around 50C with a stock fan and no overclocking, that is if you run fully loaded 100% cpu usage. But this is all highly dependent on what type of cooling you have. A program like GIMPS Prime 95 will test your processor. The max temp for most of the Pentium 4 series is 85C, but to know all the details we need to know which core you have. Wikipedia would help you determine which core you have, or you can download a program that will tell you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_4

Have you inatalled the latest service pack before you upgraded to IE7?
If not, suggest you un-install IE7, install the service pack, reboot computer and then upgrade to IE7.
If IE7 causes you problems the revert back to IE6.

In software Svchost.exe is a generic host process name for services that run from dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) within the Microsoft Windows operating system.
At startup, Svchost.exe checks the services part of the registry to construct a list of services that it must load. Multiple instances of Svchost.exe can run at the same time. Each Svchost.exe session can contain a grouping of services. Therefore, separate services can run, depending on how and where Svchost.exe is started. This grouping of services permits better control and easier debugging, but it also causes some difficulty for end users wishing to see the memory usage or vendor legitimacy of individual services and processes. End users in Windows XP Professional (and derivatives, such as Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Media Center Edition) can run the following command at the system prompt to get a breakdown:
tasklist /svc /fi "imagename eq svchost.exe" (NB: This command does not work in Windows XP Home.)
Due to being widespread among running processes, svchost.exe has long been a common disguise used by malware to hide its presence from the user. (One of the common trojan horses deceptively uses scvhost.exe). Users may then run tasklist with no arguments and match the reported PIDs with the previously shown Svchost instances. If memory usage appears abnormal, the user can look up the service names shown by their command on the internet to see if it is a known service or malware.
The Svchost.exe file is located in the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder. The main registry key involved at bootup is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SvcHost (values in this key will show the user at least a partial list of the actual processes behind instances of svchost).
The 30 April, 2007 release of WSUS 3.0 led to reports of svchost.exe issues, including 100% CPU usage, memory hogging, and excessive laptop fan/power usage.[1]

[edit] See also

• List of Microsoft Windows components
• Windows NT Startup Process

check the priority level of the program it maybe above normal rate you can set it in task manager then right-clicking on the realplayer.exe then you can see the priority submenu

You should try to test your memory (before windows boots.See download) to make sure the sticks are good. Download this. Next try using a program called Process Explorer to locate hanging modules of your computer. This will help you narrow it down.