abnormal memory usage

[estranged12]

i use windows vista and my computer has suddenly slowed down
when there are no processes running, 30% of the memory is used according to task manager. But if I add up the values under Memory (Private Working Set), it doesnt come up to nearly that much
please help

 

[Zeeshan Quireshi]

can u give a screenshot of ur task manager ? then it'll be a lot easier to help

well that might be due to the memory occupied by the kernal od Vista which doesn't show up in the processes section

 

[estranged12]

*img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitledyk4.jpg
i have 2 gb ram
also if i open a program, say firefox. It uses a much larger amount than it normally did - ff uses like 50 MB when i open it... and the RAM jumps up to 35%...

 

[estranged12]

ahhhhh its up to 45%.... almost 1 gb :S