Task Manager can't end most processes

[Frank Dreyfus]

Hi,

Something is fishy with this PC (XP Home). I can run Task Manager but
can't end most processes. The message I get is "Access denied".

I'm a system administrator so I would think I could end most processes.
I know there are several that the system won't allow to be killed but
many others should be allowed. Some examples: AOLascd.exe, aoltpspd.exe,
KodakCCS.exe, Apache.exe and quite a few more.

This is a used PC and I think the prior owner or maybe even a virus may
have done something to restrict my control of the system.

I've tried googling for this with no luck.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Frank

 

[Guest]

Clean Windows Startup and hidden Startup:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/optimizewindowsstartup.htm

Spyware/Virus Removal and Prevention:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/windowsxpsolutions.htm
(Links to online virus scans on the same page)


Good Luck!

 

[Venger]

Hi,

Something is fishy with this PC (XP Home). I can run Task Manager but
can't end most processes. The message I get is "Access denied".

Likely because those processes are services, not tasks. Services started
using the System privileges cannot be ended at task manager. They can,
however, be ended in the Services applet.

I'm a system administrator so I would think I could end most processes.
I know there are several that the system won't allow to be killed but
many others should be allowed. Some examples: AOLascd.exe, aoltpspd.exe,
KodakCCS.exe, Apache.exe and quite a few more.

All services I believe.

This is a used PC and I think the prior owner or maybe even a virus may
have done something to restrict my control of the system.

I've tried googling for this with no luck.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

There are utilities that can end tasks cold - such as kill.exe as well as
other, graphical utilities.

Again, if you can't stop it, there's a good chance you probably shouldn't!

Venger

 

[Kelly]

Good reply.

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[Bob I]

The exact reason MVP's recommend wiping and reinstalling on freshly
acquired used PC's.