hidden tasks ?

[Alasdair]

according to task manager processes view the system idle process is at or
above 90%
with one or two tasks varying at 1 to 5 %
yet the performance view shows cpu usage at 22-29% constantly and the mouse
is constantly `sticking` indicating some task is constantly running in the
background but not showing in the process list.
Sysinternals Process explorer indicates system idle at 75% with about 3
other tasks at 1-3% leaving some 25% unaccounted for.
I run AVG personal, Zonealarm, Ad-Aware, SpywareBlaster all up to date
any help welcomed

Alasdair

 

[R. McCarty]

While in Performance (TAB), click View and check "Show Kernel
Times". This will change the meter to a dual color with red indicating
the portion that XP itself is using.

 

[Yves Leclerc]

You should also add: Spybot: Search and Destroy 1.4, CWShredder and do a
web scan with Trend Micro's Housecall. Spyware/hackware/malware removal
programs do not always remove every spyware/hackware/malware that exists.
You need to use various removal tools in order to be sure that your system
is "clean".

 

[Alasdair]

scanned with Housecall, added SpybotS&D and CWshedder. nothing found, turned
on show kernel times and it is hovering around 25%, what is running in the
background ?
Alasdair

 

[Alias]

Try AdAware as well. Also, the Panda online scan is good.

Alias

 

[Alasdair]

I do use Ad-Aware, I should also mention
that resetting the computer sometimes returns the
situation to a normal state i.e. 1-5% background cpu usage

Alasdair
please note email address requires editing

www.digitalmystic.co.uk

 

[Alias]

OK, how about Bazooka?

Alias

I do use Ad-Aware, I should also mention
that resetting the computer sometimes returns the
situation to a normal state i.e. 1-5% background cpu usage

Alasdair
please note email address requires editing

www.digitalmystic.co.uk

 

[Alasdair]

just tried that ; nothing detected

Alasdair


please note email address requires editing

www.digitalmystic.co.uk

 

[Alias]

I guess that leaves HijackThis.

Alias

just tried that ; nothing detected

Alasdair


please note email address requires editing

www.digitalmystic.co.uk

 

[Alasdair]

Still nothing..... I would like to know how a task can run and windows not
report it
Alasdair

www.digitalmystic.co.uk

 

[Mak]

In Process Explorer, Toolbar - View, select 'Show fractional CPU'.
(And.. click on plus in front of 'System Idle Process' if you have not done
so)

 

[Alasdair]

have done Show fractional cpu, but I don't see any plus ?
Alasdair

www.digitalmystic.co.uk

 

[Mak]

Ctrl+T for 'Show Process Tree', then - you can click on the plus to show
Interrupts and DPCs.
Is show processes from all users enabled too?
The last version of ProcessExplorer is 9.22.

 

[Mak]

and while you at sysinternals site, grab RootKitRevealer (under
utilities/security section)