A Computer Problem - svchost.exe virus

You have my sympathy. I use to work in PC Support and saw this problem many times - never could resolve it, always ended up wiping the hard disk and re-installing everything (which only takes 15 mins so we did it for any problem that couldn't be resolved in half an hour.)
Brendan (but not the Brendan that everyone is eagerly awaiting)
 
If a full virus scan didn't show anything up then I doubt you have a virus.

You could try using the full path to tasklist i.e. C:\WINDOWS\System32\tasklist.exe \svc but I cant imagine that systtem32 is not in your path variable anyway. I've hosted my tasklist.exe for you so you can download it and save it in C:\windows\system32\ and see if that works.

You may find that you have multiple versions of svchost running, which is fine, but you can narrow the search by looking for the User Name of the one that is hogging the cpu in task manager.

Then you can use tasklist /svc /fi "USERNAME eq SYSTEM" (replace SYSTEM with the username of the guilty party) to get a list of just the processes that user is running.

e.g.
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Tommy>tasklist /svc /fi "USERNAME eq NETWORK SERVICE"

Image Name PID Services
========================= ====== =============================================
svchost.exe 1052 RpcSs
svchost.exe 1216 Dnscache
sqlservr.exe 1856 MSSQL$SQLEXPRESS
wmiprvse.exe 3552 N/A
</pre><hr />

You can then view, and stop, the services individually by going to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services.

It is a bit of a nightmare tracking down what these problems are, it would probably be easier if it were a virus. I know one service that can cause problems is SSDPSRV 'SSDP Discovery Service' so you could try stopping that in Services and see if it helps. It could also be windows messenger, or automatic updates.

Good luck.
 
Had the same problem for weeks last year. Finally uninstaled my anti virus and the problem went away, and has not returned in the last 4 to 5 months.

I have since been using avg free version and no problem. It found and wiped a virus this morning and every thing seems fine now.

The automatic updates for windows are possibly a cause as well but definately I would try uninstalling my anti virus If I were you.
 
Hi and Thanks to everyone who responded.

Current situation - I spent the morning deleting programs which I didn't really need - till I broke the InstallShield Wizard - which is another problem but fixable. Didn't solve my problem.

I never managed to get the command promt to work, but followed the advice quoted below, and began stopping services.
[ QUOTE ]
You can then view, and stop, the services individually by going to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services.

It is a bit of a nightmare tracking down what these problems are, it would probably be easier if it were a virus. I know one service that can cause problems is SSDPSRV 'SSDP Discovery Service' so you could try stopping that in Services and see if it helps. It could also be windows messenger, or automatic updates.

[/ QUOTE ]

By a process of elimination, I found that stopping 'Automatic Updates' cured my problem.

I still need to sort out what is wrong with the software, but at least it is pinned down a bit more. I've changed the 'Start Up Type' to manual for the moment.

Thanks again for everyone's help, any further information would be welcome. At least I have a machine which is fast enough to do further research.

Worst part is that we could have been up at the boat today, signing off now to load up the car and go there now.

Ash /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]

Try CC Cleaner, great tool and free.


But not if you use AOL! I tried it on your advice (Dont panic:- not suing you! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif) and now my AOL is virtually unuseable. Wont let me sign on to the forums, and slowed it down no end

Fortunately I also run Firefox which continues to work quite happily (only keeping Angst On Line for the email address) and allows me to log on here and elsewhere.

I tried everything I can think of to restore AOL, but without success.

Anyone any ideas - other than buy a Mac!
 
I've since read elsewhere that 'Fix Issues' of CC Cleaner shouldn't be used. I can't remember the reason.

I did use 'Fix Issues' and now I can't get my machine to 'Restore' - Don't know if it's coincidence.

I've been up at the boat, so haven't done any more on my machine.

I've still got 'Auto Updates' switched off, which allows the machine to run, but isn't the ultimate answer.

I've also somehow bust my 'IntallShield Wizard' so can't remove any programs. Haven't tried loading any new programs yet.

I had hoped to restore to a point older than when I bust it.

Ash /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
The problem with these 'cleaners' is that they often make registry changes and that can cause utter havoc and, as you say, it is irreversible even after a System Restore (if you can still restore). The most reliable form of backup is a Drive Image as this puts your entire hard drive back as it was....but is it worth it for a 'cleaner'? I do have Registry Cleaner and run it from time to time but seldom let it correct issues and then only in certain cases.

Every time I have instigated a registry change it has cost me hours or days to get things right again. Probably because I don't know enough...but now I know enough not to do it! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I've also somehow bust my 'IntallShield Wizard' so can't remove any programs.

[/ QUOTE ]
Found that I can uninstall other programs, so it must be be the uninstall for this one particular program which is faulty, which ain't so bad. It was only a trial version but fairly hefty at 79.95 meg, but I suppose that I can just delete the complete file.

Ash
 
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