Sorry to hear about the problems. Please post the following information so we can try and figure out what's going on:

1. When you notice AutoProtect using all your CPU, please open the Terminal application (in Applications/Utilities). Type in the following command:

sudo fs_usage | grep NortonAuto

(and press return). You will be asked for your password. Let it run for 30-40 seconds, then hit the control-C key. Then copy & paste the output here. This will tell us what the AutoProtect process is trying to scan.

2. Please the Activity Monitor application, and find the NortonAutoProtect process (its name might be cut of). You might have to change Activity Monitor to display all the processes (in the popup menu in the toolbar, change it to "All processes"). When you find it, double click it, and click on the Sample button. Copy & paste the sample output here.

3. Please tell us more about your computer (such as Intel or PowerPC), whether you use FileVault for your home directory, and whether you have Norton AntiVirus or Norton Internet Security.

Thanks!

Ryan