CPU Processes

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Guest

I've been sitting through 10, 15, even 20 minutes of waiting for my CPU to
accept even the most elemental commands! I can understand when I run
Photoshop that I'm using 40% but what the hey is going on with "agent.exe"
that uses 40% and more? I've simplyfied my disks and desktop by having NO
screensaver, no desktop pictures, no games no programs other than Explorer
(windows & internet), etc. I have the latest version of Norton Antivirus and
my computer is protected from invasions. I've delved into the background
runnings and am completely at a loss for what is going on. Any suggestions?
 
...I have the latest version of Norton Antivirus
and my computer is protected from invasions.
Click to expand...

As if!

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

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v1.99.1
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.zip) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
 
Livalone said:
I've been sitting through 10, 15, even 20 minutes of waiting for my CPU to
accept even the most elemental commands! I can understand when I run
Photoshop that I'm using 40% but what the hey is going on with "agent.exe"
that uses 40% and more? I've simplyfied my disks and desktop by having NO
screensaver, no desktop pictures, no games no programs other than Explorer
(windows & internet), etc. I have the latest version of Norton Antivirus
and
my computer is protected from invasions. I've delved into the background
runnings and am completely at a loss for what is going on. Any
suggestions?
Click to expand...

Do a _thorough_ check for malware, following all of the steps at one of
these Web pages.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing Messenger Plus, whose ads for
malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince you that you
owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.
 
Livalone said:
I've been sitting through 10, 15, even 20 minutes of waiting for my CPU to
accept even the most elemental commands! I can understand when I run
Photoshop that I'm using 40% but what the hey is going on with "agent.exe"
that uses 40% and more? I've simplyfied my disks and desktop by having NO
screensaver, no desktop pictures, no games no programs other than Explorer
(windows & internet), etc. I have the latest version of Norton Antivirus
and
my computer is protected from invasions. I've delved into the background
runnings and am completely at a loss for what is going on. Any
suggestions?
Click to expand...
Searching the internet for "agent.exe" reveals that this name is used by
Acronis True Image, by a MS product, and by virus writers.
Your symptoms indicate a virus which Norton did not catch. This sad
situation is hardly new by the way.

Other posters have given you information about how to remove the malware.

Jim
 
Thanks Frank! Best post so far!

Frank Saunders said:
Do a _thorough_ check for malware, following all of the steps at one of
these Web pages.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing Messenger Plus, whose ads for
malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince you that you
owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.
Click to expand...
 
I wouldn't have a Norton app in my house, let alone installed on one of my
machines.

NB: Home versions of NAV may identify but not remove hijackware.
 
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