Explorer Takes Over CPU

  • Thread starter Thread starter ZZ_Scarab
  • Start date Start date
Z

ZZ_Scarab

Hi,

I'm running WinXP Pro SP2 and I noticed recently that Windows Explorer is
using a significant chunk of the CPU most of the time, even when I don't
explicitly have it open. This happened around the same time I installed the
MSN Toolbar. So I uninstalled the toolbar and I think it has gotten a little
better, but certainly not as it used to be. Could there be something left
over in the registry causing my problem? And if so, can you suggest any
tools that can clean this up?

Thanks
 
What are your anti-virus and anti-spyware arrangements.

Task Manager is useful but you could look at another freeware utility
Process Explorer, which provides similar information but adds that
little bit extra towards seeing what the running processes represent.

For further information about Process Explorer see here:

http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/procexp.shtml

To ascertain which service is causing the problem select the
image name producing the high CPU usage, right click,
select Properties, Services. Note there are the full names and some
explanation of what each service does.

You will find further information on Services here:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

To trace the particular Service involved you need to turn off each
service in turn and then restore it noting what effect it has on CPU
usage. However, you need to take care and watch what other Services are
dependent on that service. When you click on the Dependencies tab allow
it a little time to display the information.


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
ZZ_Scarab said:
Hi,

I'm running WinXP Pro SP2 and I noticed recently that Windows Explorer
is using a significant chunk of the CPU most of the time, even when I
don't explicitly have it open. This happened around the same time I
installed the MSN Toolbar. So I uninstalled the toolbar and I think it
has gotten a little better, but certainly not as it used to be. Could
there be something left over in the registry causing my problem? And
if so, can you suggest any tools that can clean this up?

Thanks
Click to expand...

First do the normal troubleshooting for viruses and malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

After you've done that and you know the machine is completely clean, if
you still have the problem do clean-boot troubleshooting:

Clean boot in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
Clean-boot advanced troubleshooting in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434
and How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

Malke
 
Thanks, Gerry. I will try that.


Gerry Cornell said:
What are your anti-virus and anti-spyware arrangements.

Task Manager is useful but you could look at another freeware utility
Process Explorer, which provides similar information but adds that
little bit extra towards seeing what the running processes represent.

For further information about Process Explorer see here:

http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/procexp.shtml

To ascertain which service is causing the problem select the
image name producing the high CPU usage, right click,
select Properties, Services. Note there are the full names and some
explanation of what each service does.

You will find further information on Services here:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

To trace the particular Service involved you need to turn off each
service in turn and then restore it noting what effect it has on CPU
usage. However, you need to take care and watch what other Services are
dependent on that service. When you click on the Dependencies tab allow
it a little time to display the information.


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Click to expand...
 
Thanks, Malke. I will try that.

Malke said:
First do the normal troubleshooting for viruses and malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

After you've done that and you know the machine is completely clean, if
you still have the problem do clean-boot troubleshooting:

Clean boot in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
Clean-boot advanced troubleshooting in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434
and How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
Click to expand...
 
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