Massive Bandwidth

Hi, I used to be a regular here, years ago, but haven't been in for a while.

I'm having a problem that seems beyond my ability to solve and I have no idea whether it's a hardware or software problem, or perhaps some kind of a settings problem.

I have a fancy computer that I built about five and a half years ago with an ASUS X-79 Deluxe motherboard and a six-core i7 processor. It has Windows 8.1 on it. 

About a week ago, after using it for over five years, it began using huge amounts of bandwidth. I ran Malwarebytes and Windows Defender and didn't have a hint of malware. I have a Netgear router and use the Genie to check bandwidth, connected devices and so on. I finally traced it to this computer.

I can watch videos all day long on my Windows 7 computer with no problem, but when I use this one it will begin jumping by gigabytes - a single video can use from one to six gigabytes of data!

The reason I first noticed it was checking my cable one bandwidth - I have a 350 GB per month plan - and I jumped from using less than 10 GB per day to 30 and then 60 GB per day!

Yesterday, in frustration, I completely re-installed 8.1 and the problem persists. I simply can't use this computer for simple tasks. It will download several gigs while I'm having a nap somewhere else!

I've opened resource monitor and watched it and the best I can come up with is Chrome or something else. I've also switched from Chrome to Firefox and had exactly the same problem.

I've searched for solutions but can't seem to find anyone with a similar problem.

Edited by Chris Cosgrove, 10 March 2021 - 04:56 AM.
Moved from win 8/8,1 to Networking

Update: I don't think it has anything to do with videos - it also happens when there are no videos running.

Another update:

The heat's off. I re-installed again, this time deleting partitions and re-installing completely clean. I had noticed that there were some files that shouldn't have been there. So it's too early to tell for sure, but for now, I no longer seem to have the problem.  ::sigh::

If you think this system is so great, why have you not upgraded to Windows 10 (for free) ..

I found this recently (last couple of weeks) , used it on my very slow Windows 7 laptop, and there was No Problems .. Unless you do not want to (your choice) I recommend it ..

 

If you think this system is so great, why have you not upgraded to Windows 10 (for free) ..

I found this recently (last couple of weeks) , used it on my very slow Windows 7 laptop, and there was No Problems .. Unless you do not want to (your choice) I recommend it ..

 

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-download-windows-10-for-free-now-that-windows-7-is-dead/ Toys R Us Credit Card payment

Windows 10 free download: How to get the upgrade now

Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7. If you haven't upgraded to Windows 10 yet, follow these simple steps now.

Here's how to get Windows 10 for free, if you're currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Home or Pro: 

1. Go to the Download Windows 10 website. 

2. Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download tool now and Run. 

3. Choose Upgrade this PC now, assuming this is the only PC you're upgrading. (If you're upgrading a different machine, choose Create installation media for another PC, and save the installation files.)

4. Follow the prompts. 

5. When the upgrade is complete, go to Settings Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a digital license for Windows 10.  

Then ditch your A/Virus (unless Paid Version) Go > START > SETTINGS > SECURITY and activate Defender ..