[pugsley18]

Hi
My laptop is running abnormally slow, and shows around 68 processes in task manager, many of which begin with cc, Vz, Tos; there are 9 svchost, and system idle processes takes up 98 -99 CPU.
(And I only have IE open to write this- and just started up my PC)
Also, every time i start my computer, "My Computer" window opens up.

Do I have a security issue? (i understand many of these are req'd system processes, but there seems to be far too many?!?)

Any help would be greatly appreciated- I'm v. confused
Thanks

[r3drock3t88]

{Note by Moderator:}

Hi r3drock3t88- Hi -- I have removed what you had posted here- for a couple reasons.

One: You have to be an authorized helper to post advice on removing malware at TechGuy forums.

Two: Your advice was a general procedure, but with the malware we are seeing these days, it is important
that we at the least see a Hijackthis log before posting any form of scans, fixes, procedures.



****I do realize that you were only posting with directions to help find out if there is a malware problem, but that is just about the same thing as actually posting fixes.....isn't it? You suspect the possibility of malware, so the TSG guideline should have been followed!!

We ask for the HJT log not only to spot malware....the log provides details in one shot that we need to see, items starting up, what programs are being used, operating system and level of patching, to name a few.

Here are the TSG Rules concerning who may post help to remove malware- though this post was not in our restricted forum for malware removal, it may yet be moved there, depending on what we find...

Log Analysis/Malware Removal - In order to ensure that advice given to users is consistent and of the highest quality, those who wish to assist with security related matters must first graduate from one of the malware boot camp training universities or be approved by the administration as already being qualified. Those authorized to help with malware issues have a gold shield next to their name and authorized malware removal trainees have a blue shield next to their names. Anyone wishing to participate in a training program should contact a Moderator for more information.

Now, with all that said, please continue to enjoy your stay at TechGuy.

[r3drock3t88]

I have just as many svchost.exe running as you, they are all necessary. Definitely try cleaning out in safe mode, you might find your problem there.

[calvin-c]

Many Norton services start with cc. which isn't to say that all services that start with cc belong to Norton. Svchost is a 'generic' process. It's used to run other services so you need something like Process Explorer to see what's actually running in all those instances of svchost. Visit http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb896653.aspx to get Process Explorer.

If the system idle process is up at 98-99% then I don't think your problem is CPU. The other common problem is a lack of memory. Personally, though, I'd dump Norton & use AVG (or Avast-I haven't used it but it's often recommended whereas Norton rarely is). Be sure to use both AV & AS, or else buy their Internet Security suite-that even includes a decent firewall.

As for My Computer opening, have you checked the obvious? (Restore previous folder windows at logon, found under Tools/Folder Options/View.)

[r3drock3t88]

Eh, I'd be selective as to what you disable there.

You don't want to disable your anti virus and your firewall software. Also, if I were to personally do that then my wireless card wouldn't turn on.

Like I said, make sure you only uncheck the ones you KNOW you don't need.

While you in MSCONFIG, you might as well click the "BOOT.INI" tab and then click on the one that says ...

"multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0) ..."

and so on, then while thats highlighted look toward the middle right of the screen, you will see "Timeout" and it will be at a fairly high number from 20 - 30 ish. Change that number to 3.

[Byteman]

{Note by Moderator: Hi stouprob- I have removed what you had posted here- for a couple reasons.

One: You have to be an authorized helper to post advice on removing malware at TechGuy forums.

Two: Your advice was a general procedure, but with the malware we are seeing these days, it is important
that we at the least see a Hijackthis log before posting any form of scans, fixes, procedures.

We ask for the HJT log not only to spot malware....the log provides details in one shot that we need to see, items starting up, what programs are being used, operating system and level of patching, to name a few.

Here are the TSG Rules concerning who may post help to remove malware- though this post was not in our restricted forum for malware removal, it may yet be moved there, depending on what we find...

Only members who are deemed qualified to remove malware may post to security related threads. These members can be easily recognized by a gold shield or a blue shield (indicating a trainee) that will appear next to their user name.

A paragraph has also been added to the forum rules that reads as follows:

Log Analysis/Malware Removal - In order to ensure that advice given to users is consistent and of the highest quality, those who wish to assist with security related matters must first graduate from one of the malware boot camp training universities or be approved by the administration as already being qualified. Those authorized to help with malware issues have a gold shield next to their name and authorized malware removal trainees have a blue shield next to their names. Anyone wishing to participate in a training program should contact a Moderator for more information.[/quote]

[Byteman]

Hi pugsley18,

Please post a Hijackthis log:



go to Click here to download HJTsetup.exe

• In the list of servers under the Free Downloads tabpick a server
• Save HJTsetup.exe to your desktop.
• Double click on the HJTsetup.exe icon on your desktop.
• By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Hijack This.
• Continue to click Next in the setup dialogue boxes until you get to the Select Additional Tasks dialogue.
• Put a check by Create a desktop icon then click Next again.
• Continue to follow the rest of the prompts from there.
• At the final dialogue box click Finish and it will launch Hijack This.
• Click on the Do a system scan and save a log file button. It will scan and then save the log and then the log will open in Notepad.
• Click on "Edit > Select All" then click on "Edit > Copy" to copy the entire contents of the log.
• Paste the log in your next reply.
• DO NOT have Hijack This fix anything yet. Most of what it finds will be harmless or even required.

Please also do this:[list][*]Open Hijack This and click on the "Open the Misc Tools section" button. [*]Click on the "Open Uninstall Manager" button.[*]Click the "Save List" button. After you click the "Save List" button, you will be asked where to save the file. Pick a place to save it then the list should open in notepad. [*]Copy and paste that list here in your reply