Opening applications through shortcuts opens 2 processes,

[20100.is]

Opening applications through shortcuts opens 2 processes, then one more
for each double-click on that shortcut.
This behaviour only applies when opening applications through
shortcuts, opening the application through their respective .exe, opens
the application just fine.

These issues appeared out of the blue after a morning reboot.
I am however running an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual core 3800+ and I've had
the AMD Dual-Core Optimizer installed since June. Running Trend Micro
Officescan as a virusscanner.

All help apreciated.

 

[20100.is]

Forgot to mention that after an odd 30 seconds or so, one of the
processes (if having 2 open) jumps to 45~50% CPU usage. Never more,
Never less. if having more than two applications running, each having 2
processes ... 100%CPU usage will occur.

 

[Bob I]

Perhaps your virus scanner is doing this? Try disabling it and try it again.

 

[Rock]

Opening applications through shortcuts opens 2 processes, then one more
for each double-click on that shortcut.
This behaviour only applies when opening applications through
shortcuts, opening the application through their respective .exe, opens
the application just fine.

These issues appeared out of the blue after a morning reboot.
I am however running an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual core 3800+ and I've had
the AMD Dual-Core Optimizer installed since June. Running Trend Micro
Officescan as a virusscanner.

All help apreciated.

Do some clean boot troubleshooting.

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=316434

How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310353