explorer.exe using 50% CPU time when idle

[cupstack]

explorer.exe is using 50% CPU when the computer is idle. This started after
being in hibernation for about 6 hours.

I can log in, but have no use of the task bar. I can click on a program
icon on my desktop and the program opens with no problem. When I mouse over
the taskbar, either nothing happens or my cursor changes into an hourglass.
I cannot use the Windows key on my keyboard either. If I use Task Manager to
stop explorer.exe and then restart explorer.exe - the taskbar works normally
for a while, but explorer.exe is still using at least 50% CPU time when the
computer is idle.

At one time when the coputer asked if I wanted to wait for the program to
end or close program or find a solution, i clicked on details and:

==================
Description:
A problem caused this program to stop interacting with Windows.

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: AppHangB1
Application Name: Explorer.EXE
Application Version: 6.0.6000.16549
Application Timestamp: 46d230c5
Hang Signature: f5c0
Hang Type: 0
OS Version: 6.0.6000.2.0.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Hang Signature 1: 0e0c8e5ed35ecb9a57712466f494ead5
Additional Hang Signature 2: cfa2
Additional Hang Signature 3: 2fe8c59d396edec6fd2dfb79f91a3d31
Additional Hang Signature 4: f5c0
Additional Hang Signature 5: 0e0c8e5ed35ecb9a57712466f494ead5
Additional Hang Signature 6: cfa2
Additional Hang Signature 7: 2fe8c59d396edec6fd2dfb79f91a3d31

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=====================

If I log on as a different user, I do not have the problems listed above.

I am also using Norton antivirus and no viruses have been found.

Can someone please help me figure out what is wrong?

 

[Ian D]

My core 2 duo does the same (solid 50% used by explorer.exe), but the
other core allows me to operate fairly normally. The abnormal load
being used by explorer.exe is not apparent when logged in as the admin
user.

Another symptom is that the explorer hot links (personal favourites) in
the start menu have all disappeared. Is it a User Profile issue?

I have just installed Nero7, but this is not actually running as far as
I can see

More experimentation needed.

Interesting. I enabled fast user switching, and immediately my
Core 2 Duo went to and stayed at 50% CPU usage. The culprit
was explorer.exe. I disabled the fast user switching and CPU
usage went back to it's idle 0%-2%. This was for Win XP Pro,
but the similarity is striking. I was planning on using fast
user switching with Vista Ultimate 64bit, but may forget it.
During the 50% CPU usage, the CPU stayed at its full speed,
causing a 10*C increase in core temps.

 

[Agreed]

I am also having this issue. I noticed it today (May 8, 2008). I might just
do a system restore, but am not sure if that would help. I'm gonna wait to
see what sort of response there will be here first. It had been up to 95+%,
and had to reboot, as going to My Computer wouldn't even show the contents of
the window.

 

[Agreed]

Hi all,

Well, it seems to be working now. Looking at the Windows Task Manager, it
shows 00% CPU usage, and 30,288K under Memory. I'm using Windows Vista Home
Premium on my HP dv9543cl Pavilion Notebook.

What I did. Well, yesterday I installed iTunes. That's when the trouble
started. Stupid Apple installs their Updater programs, and "watcher" for
when you plug in an Ipod (I don't have one.. wish they would put a check
option to include it or not in your install). Anyhow, I uninstalled about
3-4(? can't remember... nor their names, sorry) of their Apple Software from
the Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel. I still have iTunes installed,
but it's not giving any problems, as I'm using it right now.

Anyhow, that's what helped me. Hope you guys get your issues fixed.

P.S. Didn't even have to do a System Restore like I had stated.

P.P.S. Sorry, the "May" date was incorrect, I meant June 8, 2008.

 

[addasc]

These problems are identical to what I'm experiencing. Mine acted up after I
tried to perform a standard update. I'm going to see about creating a new
profile.
One other thing I noticed though, SearchProtocolHost.exe will occassionally
run at ~30%. I'm not entirely sure why or what it even does, so if anyone
has any ideas...you know...a little help here.