svchost using up to 99% CPU

[Guest]

I am having problems with one of the copies of SVCHOST.EXE. The only way I
can use the computer is by pressing th "End Process" button in the Task
Manager window. I realize this is dangerous and in fact, when I do this I
lose the use of my sound and speakers. By now I am sure that there is a virus
that launches the task (process) and keeps it spinning wheels. It happens
even when Task Manager is the only application running. Can somebody tell me
how to erradicate this problem? Thank you very much for the help.

 

[Rock]

I am having problems with one of the copies of SVCHOST.EXE. The only way I
can use the computer is by pressing th "End Process" button in the Task
Manager window. I realize this is dangerous and in fact, when I do this I
lose the use of my sound and speakers. By now I am sure that there is a
virus
that launches the task (process) and keeps it spinning wheels. It happens
even when Task Manager is the only application running. Can somebody tell
me
how to erradicate this problem? Thank you very much for the help.

Malware Removal
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

THE PARASITE FIGHT
Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

Richard Harper’s Guide to Cleaning Pests
http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm

 

[bkoehler]

Probably not a virus. Svchost is the host process for services in
Windows XP. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314056

Try the following:

Start Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Del + Task Manager)
View, Select Columns, check PID

Note the PID of the offending instance of svchost on the processes tab

Start, run, cmd (ok)
c:\>Tasklist /svc
(Scroll up looking for the PID)

Note the services running under the offending PID.

If it's the same PID that hosts both AudioSrv and wuauserv try
installing any pending Widows Updates.