Processes not stopping/programs not shutting down

[Kim]

I keep my Windows fairly up to date, but recently I've had trouble with CPU
usage and processes staying open, even when the applications have shut down.
It is not unusual to find 5 or 6 instances of Word or Internet Explorer still
open in the Task Manager with nothing running.

I REALLY don't want to re-build this computer as I use both XP and Vista for
work but is that my only option?

 

[hakeoz]

I keep my Windows fairly up to date, but recently I've had trouble with CPU
usage and processes staying open, even when the applications have shut down.
It is not unusual to find 5 or 6 instances of Word or Internet Explorer still
open in the Task Manager with nothing running.

I REALLY don't want to re-build this computer as I use both XP and Vista for
work but is that my only option?

There are many third party 'tweak' programmes available . EG PowerUp by
Ashampoo & TweakUI is another. These have options of unloading dll's when not
in use as well as other nifty tweaks. Might just fix your problem!.

 

[Kim]

Sorry it took so long. The link didn't work and it took me forever to find
this group again in the zillions of Microsoft Xp communities.

I'm working on a Sony Vaio and am also running 360, but it has happened
before when I was just using NIS 2006.

I can't get Outlook to cancel out unless I restart now and I really don't
need to loose my Inbox. I'd like to completely re-do this computer, but
there is waaaay too much stuff on it. I need a server!

Kim

 

[kfox65]

I'm having the same problem. Anybody figure out what is causing this and how
to fix it yet?

 

[Kim]

I finally found out what was going on with this and apparently it is a fairly
well known bug with Norton 360. Head on over to their forums and search for
"zombie process". Lots of ideas and ways to handle it.

Kim