Thread: svchost crashing.

This is a rather recent problem that my computer has developed. My computer runs several instances of svchost. I don't know if it is the same instance everytime, but one instance of it continues to rack up memory usage until it reaches over 1 million k of memory usage. I have to either end the process or it completely locks up my computer and I have to do a hard reboot. If I end the process, another instance goes through the exact same thing, and eventually crashes. At this point, I have no choice but to restart my computer. The time it takes for each of these two instances to crash vary every time, but they are becoming more and more frequent.

I have run both my Malwarebytes and AVG anti-virus programs, and nothing has come up. I don't know what is causing this, and I would really appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Option,

Look at this post and follow the instructions there; it may narrow down the search for a solution: [Solved] Svchost.exe sucking up my memory - windows-7

Also, when you determine which processes are implicated, post back with your OS, as well as any recent changes you've made to your software (any new programs, recent updates, etc.). Does Windows Update indicate that all important updates are installed?

I run XP, so none of that particular thread helps me. However, I found another for XP with the same problem, but I don't know what it means by running the "Tasklist /SVC" command.

Also, my automatic updates is off and has been off for over a month. Both me and my dad have not been able to turn it back on. Whenever I try too, it tells me that it is unable to do it, then tells me I can do it another way. But even when I do it the way it tells me too, it still doesn't work. Could this be the root of the problem?

it means open up a dos prompt/command prompt...

Start Menu -> Run -> cmd.exe <enter>

then type: tasklist /svc <enter>


And if you are having other windows issues you could still have malware of the rootkit variety. Those are particularly nasty buggers that hide very well.

Option,

Go here You cannot install updates from Windows Update, Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Update after a repair install of Windows XP or after you install Windows XP SP3 immediately after a clean install of Windows XP SP2 and follow the directions or use the "Fix it for me" option. If that fixes the Windows Update issue, run any critical / important updates and see if your issue resolves. Out of curiosity, have you recently applied an XP Service Pack?

I have had more problems with Windows Update over the years than any other aspect of Windows. And WU problems can cause the svchost issue you described.

Viktor: I just did both the "Fix it" option and the regular download and neither of them worked. For the "Fix it" it said it couldn't process, and for the download it said it was already installed. I went and double checked everything, and when I go to "System" from the control panel and over to the Automatic Updates tab, it says that it is on. But my Security center tells me that it is off.

Kanati: I tried that, but it tells me that it is not and internal or external file, and doesn't do anything.

Hmmm, have you done anything unusual with your XP install in the past few weeks? Something appears to have gotten seriously borked.

I agree with Kanati, you could have a rootkit infection. Try one or more of the following detectors: Best Free Rootkit Scanner and Remover | Gizmo's Freeware Reviews (I'd start with Kaspersky's). If you are unable to find a definitive cause of this issue, I suspect you'll be looking at a fresh install of XP (or a move up to Win 7).