hard CPU loop in wuaueng.dll (windows update?)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jim Lewandowski
  • Start date Start date
J

Jim Lewandowski

It occurs right around the time most of the NAV and other system tray-related startup
tasks are finishing their job.

It is ALMOST a virtually unyielding loop (i.e NO cycles to lower priority work) at 99% for
about 2 solid minutes.

Using Process Explorer, the CPU shows in :

wuaueng.dll (windows update)?

Service RtlAllocateHeap+0x18c.


Started a few weeks ago but I didn't notice when so I didnt' have a chance to use System
Restore.

All up to date on maint via Windows Update.


Any ideas as to where to start to fix/solve this problem?

JL
 
wuaueng.dll = Windows Update AutoUpdate Engine

Probably checking for updates. I assume that you have Automatic Updates
enabled?

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
I have auto update set where it doesn't notify me. I have to click on the AU icon in the
system tray. I manually then choose to download and install them.

It NEVER did this before. Remember it virtually locks up the PC for 2 minutes. Clicking
on anything yields NOTHING for that time.

Do you at least admit that it shouldn't take 2 minutes of 2.0 ghz CPU time for anything
related to checking for updates?

JL
 
Do you at least admit that it shouldn't take 2 minutes of 2.0 ghz CPU
time for anything related to checking for updates?
Click to expand...

I have no earthly idea, I do not use Automatic Updates.

I would suspect, and this is only a SWAG, that some Windows Update caused
this.

Turn off Automatic Updates, reboot and see if you have the same problem.
That would at least narrow it down some.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
Verified it's auto updates. Turned off such that it doesn't start at boot (system tray
shows X over automatic updates shield).

Go to Control Panel and turn AU on. SVCHOST task #920 CPU loop for about 2 minutes.

WindowsUpdate.log doesn't show anything I can understand.

JL
 
I do not know if it will do any good, but it can't hurt to run System File
Checker.

System File Checker (sfc.exe) replaces screwed up system files.

Load your XP CD in your CD drive.

Start | Run | Type or paste: sfc /scannow | Click OK

If you have XP Home and it asks for your XP Pro CD, see this KB article...

You may be prompted to insert a Windows XP Professional CD when you run the
System File Checker tool in Windows XP Home Edition
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/897128

If SFC.EXE did anything it will be in the Event Viewer.

Open the Event Viewer...
Start | Run | Type: eventvwr | Click OK |
Click System | Look at any Windows File Protection
entries

Explains a whole bunch about sfc.exe.
scannow sfc (sfc.exe)
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File Checker
(Sfc.exe)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310747

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
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