Updates have severely slowed computer

[Guest]

I recently downloaded and installed Windows service pack 2 for XP and now the
speed of my computer slows down when using any program. The task manager
indicates that the memory is fine and there is plenty available but the CPU
meter shows that it is constantly using 100% and thus everything slows. It is
showing explorer.exe in the processes tab as being the culprit and this
process is the heart of the system, so if I end it, the system will crash.
Can anyone help? Thanks.

 

[PA Bear]

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.net/downloads/hijackthis.zip)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783

 

[antioch]

I recently downloaded and installed Windows service pack 2 for XP and now
the
speed of my computer slows down when using any program. The task manager
indicates that the memory is fine and there is plenty available but the
CPU
meter shows that it is constantly using 100% and thus everything slows. It
is
showing explorer.exe in the processes tab as being the culprit and this
process is the heart of the system, so if I end it, the system will crash.
Can anyone help? Thanks.

Ho Moydy
No help I am afraid - just questions.
Sorry if I ask a rude Q - but are you sure you are reading 100% use or 100%
idle - getting this confused was pointed out to me some years back.
After the upgrade, did you download the recent Black Tuesday KB security
updates or have you not done the updates at all that I believe are required
after SP2 is installed.
After the last Black Tuesday(July) I and others noticed a lot of xxdump.exe
in Task Manager - those slowed us up - rebooting several times got rid of
them.
Antioch