W3WP.EXE using 100% CPU - where to start?

Question

An ASP.NET web app running on IIS6 periodically shoots the CPU up to 100%. It\'s the W3WP that\'s responsible for nearly all CPU usage during these episodes. The CPU stays pinne

Answer 1

If your CPU is spiking to 100% and staying there, it's quite likely that you either have a deadlock scenario or an infinite loop. A profiler seems like a good choice for finding an infinite loop. Deadlocks are much more difficult to track down, however.