[tom_taylor]

Hiya!

As the title of this thread suggests, during logon/startup my Task Manager shows the 'System' (image name) process using 99% CPU !!

Even my 'svchost.exe' has a blast at neartly 99% cpu usage every now and then too.

I remember years back this used to be the case with those nasty blaster's, sure i haven't got them though.

Double checked startup progs, done a complete malware, anti virus and spyware scan during safe mode with McAfee Enterprise 8.5, Spyware Doctor 4, Spybot S&D 1.4, Eset NOD 32, Microsoft Antispyware, Ad-aware, Spyware Blaster, SUPERAntiSpyware!!

Other than that am not sure how or why this is happening!

Please see the screenshot of my task manager.

Probs a Windows XP Pro SP2 repair could fix the problem?

Cheers!
Tom

[Frank4d]

Download and run Process Explorer: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys...sExplorer.mspx

Right click on "services.exe" in Process Explorer, then click Properties, then the Threads tab, then sort the display by clicking the CPU column name (might need to click a couple of times to get highest CPU usage at the top). That should help you find what is running within services.exe that is using all the CPU.

[bryan986]

Make sure you have all of the most recent windows updates, there was a patch out recently to fix some problems with svchost, don't know if it covers this problem though

[tom_taylor]

Ok i've checked that, both services.exe and system process', not seen anything unsual so far!

Any recommendations on what i should be looking for?

Thanks again!

Tom

[tom_taylor]

Originally Posted by bryan986

Make sure you have all of the most recent windows updates, there was a patch out recently to fix some problems with svchost, don't know if it covers this problem though

Yup i always keep my machine and software up to date, has done since windows 95

Ok i may have seen the problem, it seems to be an 'amon.sys' using at least 84.62 percent of cpu!!

It did it on its own, and then when any activity occured in internet explorer or windows live messenger - wtf! lol

So i just did a quick google and found this:

http://www.file.net/process/amon.sys.html

Basically its my Eset NOD 32 on-access scanner, just changed its settings so its not too aggressive and scanning everything (doesn't need too really, i aint a novice haha) and it should now be ok!

Cheers people, problem solved

[Frank4d]

Glad you found it even though I typed "services" above instead of "system" (well they do start with the same letter).

[tom_taylor]

Hehe tis ok ill let u off

[meaallen]

Hi Guys,

I downloaded the process explorer to track my "system" process using up 100% of my cpu.

It says a file called ntoskrnl.exe is the problem. If I pause the process, my cpu goes to 99%
idle and everything is fine. When I reboot it all comes back.

I even deleted the file, rebooted, and the file regenerated and I'm back to 100% cpu.

Any idea what this file is and how I can make it not so aggressive.

Thanks
Mark

[Frank4d]

Ntoskrnl.exe is a Windows system file that is critical to proper function of the operating system. Ntoskrnl.exe should NEVER show up in Task Manager under running processes. If it does, you have a virus or other malware.

You need to start your own thread on this. You won't get much help in a thread already marked "Solved".

[meaallen]

Thanks I will.

Mark