wscntfy.exe + svchost: CPU Use over 90%, Slow

[Guest]

Occasionally, perhaps once every day or 2, my computer slows to a crawl. Upon
viewing the process list using Process Explorer, I see that wscntfy.exe,
running under an instance of svchost, is using 90+% of the CPU. This goes
away after a few minutes, but is very annoying.

I read that I shouldn't kill wscntfy, so my current workaround is to change
the priority using Process Explorer for both to Idle (4), which seems to
help, but is reset to Normal (8) whenever I reboot.

Is there some way to eliminate the problem? If not, how can I, and should I,
reduce the priority for these processes more permanently?

 

[Dave Griffiths]

wscntfy.exe

The link below seems to explain the file and various comments from users
concerning it.

http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/wscntfy.exe.html

I, personally, have mine disabled since I use other security methods.
However, to disable or not is your decision, in the end.

 

[Guest]

It could be a virus.
Have you tried scanning you computer for viruses or spyware maybe.
I recommend AVG anti spyware from www.ewido.com
or for viruses, try Kaspersky Anti Virus.

This is an excerpt from a website "www.neuber.com" about wscntfy.exe

....."wscntfy.exe" is the Windows Security Center, introduced in Service Pack
2. It displays a tray icon indicating the status of updates, virus
protection, and firewall.

wscntfy.exe can be disabled by going in to "Services" and disabling Security
Center (not recommented).

Note: The wscntfy.exe file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. In
other cases, wscntfy.exe is a virus, spyware, trojan or worm! Check this with
Security Task Manager........

 

[Guest]

Thank-you Dave and Arun.

To answer the first question, yes I scan very regularly and with different
software for both spyware and viruses. I am pretty sure I am clean, and the
only wscntfy.exe that I find is in the right place.

After reading what you both said and what was on the website you directed me
to, I am considering disabling Security Center. I am ok with that for
firewall and virus, since I have these handled by other means.

How can I handle the MS autoupdate task without Security Center, besides
going to the MS website regularly? If I can crack that, then I'll gladly turn
off wscntfy.exe!

Thank-you in advance for your help.