Hi, it is Compal Laptop. Its about 5 years old, like I said, it gets used mainly for internet radio. None of the downloadable software seems to work to check temp on this machine, but I would say that it is not a temperature problem. Fan is running at about half speed....if I block the air vents, it will speed up, then slow back down when the airflow resumes. Checked the bios, it is set for max performance when on ac. Windows reports it as 600mhz. TuneUP utilities also reports 600mhz. I downloaded a utility that allows you to control and monitor processor speed, now that one reports strange speeds, seems to like 447mhz, but when told to check again, it has come up as low as 102mhz.....
I don't have any other background processes running. I considered a heat issue, left it powered off all night, this morning it again reported strange numbers. Also scanned for viruses etc.....however after the 3rd reboot this morning, it now reports 600mhz and the grid agent is running.....maybe its just time to retire it and find a different machine.
Thanks for the suggestions.

John