Unknown error message

[bacchus41]

A window with the following error message keeps popping up for no apparent
reason and during no specific operation. The computer is running XP Home and
is all up to date. I reloaded Windows in case something was messed up
internally but no help.

The message is " Generic Host Processes for Win 32 Services has encountered
a problem and needs to close".

Can anyone give me a lead as to what is causing this. It is a real pain to
have to be continually closing these windows that have no apparent effect.

Thanks

 

[Leonard Grey]

Unless Event Viewer provides more details you are probably seeing the
effects of malware. Reinstalling Windows doesn't remove malware unless
you start by erasing your hard drive.

 

[bacchus41]

Thanks, Leonard, for the reply.

The computer has been runnung McAfee Security Suite all along but apparently
something might have slipped through. Considering erasing the hard drive as
the nuclear option, do you have any suggestions for software that might be
able to remove this kind of virus?

 

[Leonard Grey]

No anti-malware software can block all malware. People have their own
opinions as to whether this or that product is better or worse, but the
bottom line is: No product is guaranteed to protect you.

In any case, software is only a second line of defense. Our willingness
to educate ourselves and commit to discerning practices is the number
one line of defense.

Even the 'best' software won't provide adequate protection if it is not
configured correctly or not continuously updated. Nor can the 'best'
software prevent us from taking actions that are unsafe, albeit unknowingly.

I don't know what "this kind of virus" is, so I can't offer instructions
on how to remove it.

Malwarebytes is often recommended in this newsgroup as a way to identify
(at least) and remove (at best) a malware infection. Get it here:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

 

[Gerry]

How does the error show in Event Viewer?

You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start, Control Panel,
Administrative Tools, and Event Viewer. When researching the meaning
of the error, information regarding Event ID, Source and Description
are important.

A tip for posting copies of Error Reports! Run Event Viewer and double
click on the error you want to copy. In the window, which appears is a
button resembling two pages. Click the button and close Event
Viewer.Now start your message (email) and do a paste into the body of
the message. Make sure this is the first paste after exiting from
Event Viewer.


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Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
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