Re: Windows XP using 100% CPU without any applications running

From: Rock (rock_at_mail.nospam.net)
Date: 11/08/04 

Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2004 15:16:11 -0800

Ciaran wrote:

> Hi, I have a problem with XP professional edition.
>
> Explorer.exe is using virtually all of the CPU and system is too slow
> to open any applications.
>
> When in kill explorer.exe i can work...however only by starting
> programs or applications with the task manager, as soon as I start
> explorer.exe again the CPU usage goes up to 100%....
>
> windows just is not the same without explorer :-( any ideas.
>
> info:
>
> Windows XP profressional SP1
> NAV Corporate edition
> 1GB DDR ram (266)
> AMD athlon 1600 (running at 1400)
> IBM 40HHD 7200 rpm
> 2nd HDD Maxtor 120gb 7200RPM (files only)
> PCI graphics 32mb SIS
>
> Tried the windows classic view and has no effect. (folders views etc)
> disabled virtually everything in the startup
> scanned for any spyware, adware or any virus and cleaned up registry.
>
> tried increasing paging file - no difference
>
> only thing that has changed on pc is that I moved house and am waiting
> for ADSL connection in the new house...so have been unable to update
> windows recently or NAV.
>
> please forward any suggestions.
>
> Thanks in advance
> Ciaran

You could have malware on your system. Run these programs to check for
spyware/malware. After installing update them, then boot into safe mode
and run them. You should update and run them weekly.

Cwshredder
http://aumha.org/freeware/freeware.php#cwshred

Ad-aware SE
http://www.lavasoftusa.com

Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org

Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner
http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10247783.html

Pest Patrol Free Pest Scanner
http://www.pestscan.com/ScanOrTrial.asp

If you’re still having problems after running these then run HijackThis
and post the log to one of the specialty forums, _NOT_ this one.

HijackThis
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=3155

Forums to Interpret HijackThis Logs:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums/
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/

After your system is clean use these programs to help keep it clean:

Spywareblaster
www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

Spywareguard
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sgdownload.html

IE-SPYAD
http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm

For viruses, start with Trend Micro’s Sysclean. Download it and the
signature file. Turn off system restore, boot into safe mode and run
sysclean. Boot back into normal mode and run a full AV scan with your
normal AV program. Then turn system restore back on.

Trend Micro Sysclean
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp

Trend Micro Signature File
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp

You should also regularly run at least two of these online scans in
addition to your regular up to date AV program:

Online and Downloadable Virus Scanning:

Panda ActiveScan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm

Bit Defender Online Virus Scan:
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/license.php

Symantec Online Virus and Security Scan:
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp

TrendMicro:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

McAfee Online Virus Scan:
http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/mfs/default.asp

RAV AntiVirus - Scan Online
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/

F-Secure:
http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml

McAfee AVert Stinger Virus Removal Tool
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

[Note: Stinger looks only for a limited number of specific viruses.
It’s not intended for full strength virus scanning and removal, but it
can help eliminate enough threats to allow you to install and scan with
a full featured AV program.]

Make sure you have a firewall active at all times. If nothing else use
the one built into XP, but there are a variety of free third party ones
that do a better job from Sygate, Zone Alarm or Kerio.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: A teetering system!
    ... To clean your system boot into safe mode and run the spyware and virus ... All virus and spyware cleaning should be done from safe mode. ... Symantec Online Virus and Security Scan: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
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    ... This sounds like spyware/malware/adware running on your computer & possibly a virus or two. ... Also if any components will not remove in normal mode I strongly suggest restarting the computer into safe mode to remove the other components that won't remove in normal mode. ... If you have problems getting either of these programs installed I'd recommend using clean boot to disable the spyware & possibly viruses that are preventing it from installing. ... To check for a virus I recommend using an online virus scanner as the installed anti virus software is the first target of most viruses. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
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    ... Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner ... Online and Downloadable Virus Scanning: ... Symantec Online Virus and Security Scan: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: SVCHOST.EXE application error when using IE
    ... other programs besides just McAfee and Adaware. ... Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner ... Bit Defender Online Virus Scan: ... Symantec Online Virus and Security Scan: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Intermittent Windows XP Ding Default Beep
    ... The default beep could be used by dozens of applications on your computer - ... coming from a program running in the background, or a virus or spyware. ... "Ted Zieglar" wrote: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)