Re: Answer for 100% CPU usage by SVCHOST on first boot

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

I've read one post where the OP really did a thorough study on svchost consuming all of the CPU cycles and there is really no fix for it.
He did remove all of the log files contained in the Software Distribution\DataStore folder, but the issue came back.
Until this is resolved, suggest you disable the Automatic Update Service
from the Services console and turn it on once a week to check for updates.

The post subject is: Windows Update - SVCHOST findings
Psted by : New Science
Post Date : 9/17 @ 3:42 PM (PDST)

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
===============
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JrBK wrote:

Hi MowGreen,

Thanks for the reply.

One hardware firewall in my Dlink DI-524 router and the Firewall provided with Windows XP.

The thing is... Other's have the same problem and for them it is still a problem. I got this laptop so that my wife, who doesn't know much about computers, could use it to surf the net and do some word processing. I know this could be dangerous becuase she could end up clicking something that could infect the computer but I can fix that. I can't fix the 100% cpu usage, nuy can avoid it by leaving AU turne off. If the risk is low I will stay this way and monitor the situation concerning a fix and then update when a fix is in place.

Regrards,
JrBK

"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:


I have two firewalls and keep my virus protection up to date.

Two software firewalls ? Or, a hardware firewall in a router and a software firewall ?

As I said, the issue went away, but today when I awoke one of my desktops I noticed that svchost was taking most of the CPU cycles until it was done checking for updates. Then it returned to 0%.
I have a gut feeling that there is an issue here but that other software, particularly firewalls, AV's, download managers, internet "speed" boosters, etc., may be exacerbating it.


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


JrBK wrote:


MowGreen,

Thanks for the reply. No, I didn't know that support for SP1 ends on Oct. 11. Every system I manage has SP2 and is running fine except this one. I just got this laptop.

It is a Compaq Amrama M300 P3 600Mhz 320mg Ram 12gig hd.

Each install was clean from a XP Pro Volume License SP1 CD. For this last install I didn't connect to the internet until I had it completely installed and it was at the desktop. I made sure the Firewall provided with XP was turned on. I then connected to the network using the internal nic and once I acquired my IP I registered with Microsoft. On this last install AU never asked if I wanted to keep my computer current by turning on AU. Still hasn't... I installed Norton anti-virus 2003 and updated it completely. I installed Office 2000 Premium, Adobe Reader and some of the compaq software for the hot bottons and power managment on the laptop. I went into the computer properties and turned off AU. When I went to windowsupdate.com It told me I needed to update to the newest AU program. That is when I ran into problems the last few times so I decided not to do it.

I didn't imagine 100% CPU usage and I didn't have any viruses, malware, trojens, etc.

I did use a process viewer on the second install and it told me that Automatic Updates was hogging 98% of the CPU. The only way to stop it was to stop the process. When I did it stopped numerous other processes and I had to reboot.

This is the first time I have had any exposure to this problem and I maintain over 12 different systems all different speeds ranging from celeron to centrino. The system I am having problems with is only a 600Mhz. This is the most recent thread that I have found and the people posting seem to have the same exact problem.

If the problem was temporary and was due to network overload then I am happy to proceed with all necessary updates. BUT if it is still an issue then I am happy using my system as it is now, problem free. I have two firewalls and keep my virus protection up to date.

What are your thoughts?

Regards,
JrBK





"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:



You're referring to this post, right ?:



I just did my third fresh install of XP Pro SP1 on a Armada M600 with a P3 600mhz with 320mb ram and 12 gig hd. On the first install of XP Pro SP1 I continues and installed SP2 and that is when the svchost went to 98% cpu usage and stayed. On the second install I went to WU and it had me download the new WU program. That is when my svchost went to 98% cpu usage and stayed. On this, the third install I am leaving it at SP1 and Automatic Updates didn't promp me to update. So I have disabled AU in the System Properties.

I plan to wait unitl MS fixes the problem and hope that it will be on the second Tuesday of October.

What am I risking by doing this?

Thanks,
JrBK

You do know that support for SP1 ends October 11th. Without knowing what security software (firewall, AV, anti malware, etc) is currently installed, it's impossible to state what is specifically causing the CPU useage.
Have you run ProcessExplorer to attempt to discern what is causing it ?
Taskmanager ?

*** STRONGLY *** suggest installing all CRITICAL updates, but I do not know which ones you've installed at this point.

Go here and obtain the Critical ones that are *needed* for SP1:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

If there are any install issues, the most likely cause will be that the latest Windows Installer is needed. To get that, one must Validate the system.
IMHO, that's ridiculous since Critical SECURITY updates do not need Validation. Let's hope that isn't the case.



On this, the third install I am leaving it at SP1 and Automatic Updates didn't promp me to update.

Say what ? Was this a clean install ?


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============





JrBK wrote:



MowGreen,

So is it safe to update my system now? I left a post earlier [jrbk]. since you are an MVP I am hoping you can help me out.

Regards,
JrBK

"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:




Howdy Antioch,

Well, whatever the issue was, it's gone now. While it was occurring I ran Process Explorer to see what proccesses and threads svchost.exe
was using. Nothing unusual showed up.
This was while impending updates were still in the download phase, i.e. notification of the updates appeared and I approved them.
Due to "regulation" - 2006-09-13 11:00:29 472 4c4 DnldMgr * Update is not allowed to download due to regulation

the system had to wait another day to actually do the download phase. When the ones approved were installed and the system restarted, the issue went away.

Hard to draw a definitive conclusion, but it appeared to be an issue with the AU service when it was "waiting" for the downloads to actually come down. YMMV, of course ;)


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


antioch wrote:




"MowGreen [MVP]" <mowgreen@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:eG$L%23WD2GHA.1040@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx




Chris,

Did you happen to see Susan Bradley's post ? :

The Automatic Updates service may stop responding:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914810

My laptop showed 98% CPU useage yesterday and if it persists, I'll be asking for the Hot Fix from the KB ;)

p.s. WU drives me to drink ... often !

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
============


Hello Mow
As you are one of the leading fixers/problem solvers in the updates group, I am indeed upset to read that you have problems.
Well, if you can't fix this problem I fail to see who can.
Has this Black Tuesday started off worse than last month - its difficult to tell :-(
I wish success and look forward to your continued support and help.
Rgds
Antioch



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