100 percent CPU usage problem with SVCHOST - the complete fix for 99 percent of the computers out there.

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Monday, May 7. 2007

100 percent CPU usage problem with SVCHOST - the complete fix for 99 percent of the computers out there.

You'll want to install KB 927891 first, and then upgrade to the WSUS 3.0 update client (x86, x64)

Note: If this does not fix the problem for you, look for a service other than Windows Update that could be hiding under SVCHOST and scan your system for malware to ensure there isn't a virus active.

in Windows OS at 23:53 | Comments (24)

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I have verified this not to work.

svchost still hogs the CPU at 100%

#1 Summit on 2007-05-10 10:59 (Reply)

Scan your system for viruses. If the above hasn't fixed it, you might have malware that hides under a svchost.exe process. I haven't seen a system that previously had the 100% cpu issue that wasn't fixed by this one-two punch of patches.

#1.1 Aaron Tiensivu (Homepage) on 2007-05-10 11:03 (Reply)

I am just about to try this (at a client's site).

I traced svchost.exe back to a Symantec program and, after changing the Symantec services to Manual (from automatic), and then relogging in, the login sequence went quick (1-2 minutes). Before, it took over 30 minutes.

They are running Symantec AntiVirus 10.1.5.5000 and I will also install a new SAVCE_SMB_10.1.5._MP1_AllWin_EN.zip file at the same time.

Hope to have some good news in this regard.

#1.1.1 Ross Tucker on 2007-05-10 20:05 (Reply)

I had a similar issue. Even after applying the two hotfixes, I still had unusual svchost activity (between 40-60%). I narrowed it down to the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). I turned it off (set to manual startup in Services), and now my system humms along at about 3% when idle. This worked for me, and I hope this suggestion helps others with this problem.

#1.2 Derek Wade on 2007-05-15 02:14 (Reply)

Derek,

Can you provide step by step instruction on how to do this for the less fortunate?

Thanks!

#1.2.1 David on 2007-07-18 17:41 (Reply)

i've verified you to be a retard, this works great.

#1.3 Anonymous on 2007-05-24 13:19 (Reply)

I had same problem on XP machine. Found the culprit to be Norton 360. I just completed the uninstall of 360 and now I can use my Laptop again. I had previously done the windows updates as recommended on several blogs and no improvement. CPU usage is now normal instead of 100%.

#1.4 Bill Hall on 2007-11-14 09:04 (Reply)

I have the same problem. My Cpu is pretty steady until I open the broswer and then it spikes to 100 percent and stays there making my computer almost useless. I do remember the problem coming right after my attempt to uninstall Norton. It had an issue and quit the uninstall half way through the process and now I can see something norton related in my add/remove files. It just wont uninstall. Could this be holding on my my cpu? Any help will be appreciated since Ive done everything else I can think of. Thanks.

#1.5 Diana on 2008-03-27 12:47 (Reply)

The first thing to say... it worked. Yay!

The second thing to say... the blog post is a bit misleading... *anything* could be running under svchost - so saying this fixes "the 100% CPU svchost problem" is a bit misleading.

The problem it fixed for me was the svchost that hosts the wireless zero configuration service going to 100% CPU whenever a new Windows Update was available. Before I installed the fixes about, the svchost process would go to 100% for about 5 minutes, and also kicked out my wireless connectivity. After the 5 minutes, it went down to 0% and the wireless came back on... regardless, it was annoying. The above fix worked perfectly. It still goes to 100% but only for about 30 seconds, and the wireless doesn't go down at all... great!

Thanks Aaron!!

#2 Rob Walker on 2007-05-12 06:45 (Reply)

I agree - I am going to edit the text. It wasn't meant to be that way.

#2.1 Aaron Tiensivu (Homepage) on 2007-05-12 12:48 (Reply)

Anybody tried disabling *DNS Client* service to see if the svchost.exe issue will go away? At least after a restart the cpu does not spike at all in my case.

I'm interested to know if this workaround will work for others who cannot resolve the issue with the hotfix.

#3 atlanticus on 2007-05-13 01:54 (Reply)

Hi Aaron,

This fix worked well. Don't be fooled by the initial CPU rise when you first restart, it will die off after about 2 mins and your CPU usage and Wireless should work without issue from now on.

My client thanks you!!!

Cheers

#4 Jason from NZ (Homepage) on 2007-05-13 05:15 (Reply)

Freeking Genius ! Now my CPU Usage is down to 3 percent. Hopefully it will stay there.

#5 Brandon Neal on 2007-05-17 22:52 (Reply)

I have this same problem and talked to someone and they said it was form DSL rogue host or something like that but I couldn't find anything on it, but along with my problems, when I killed the process, it made IE7 run like 6 and sent my taskbar to looking like Windows 98 or ME. I DL'd and am using this http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx, it's called Process Explorer, and it's not a bad tool to have, but I still can't find what's causing this problem. I need help badly!

#6 Daris on 2007-05-20 12:51 (Reply)

Process Explorer showed me it was linked to the Windows Updater on my PC. Any ideas on how to fix?

#6.1 Daris on 2007-05-20 23:57 (Reply)

You'll want to install KB 927891 first, and then upgrade to the WSUS 3.0 update client (x86, x64)

#6.1.1 Anonymous on 2007-05-21 15:55 (Reply)

The hotfix is coming down WSUS and Windows Update soon so one half of the problem will be gone for most people shortly. I still highly recommend installing the WSUS 3.0 client (and server) everywhere you can.

The WSUS 3.0 client helps out quite a bit.
Much less thrashing and cleaner log files.

#7 Aaron Tiensivu (Homepage) on 2007-05-24 14:08 (Reply)

This fix worked for me.... EXCELLENT !! thanks!
People working around me are grateful since this pc's(COMPAQ evo) fan would run like a jet airplane taking off !!

#8 Mike Segura - Disney on 2007-06-01 12:20 (Reply)

My CPU won't install the x86 or x64 update clients. I don't know all that much about computers. I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 and am very tired of this glitch. Any advice?

#9 Brent Cartier on 2007-06-06 16:55 (Reply)

We had the same problem in Windows XP SP2 computer with the Forefront Client security agent installed.

See:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936222

Am installing it in one computer right now, will see how it goes!

#10 Johnny Mango on 2007-08-23 15:27 (Reply)

I can now reveal......it did not work. B*llcks

#10.1 Johnny Mango on 2007-08-23 15:43 (Reply)

We disabled a GPO for WSUS, and it seems to be working okay on a client which now has the Forefront Client services stopped and disabled. Dunno what the ultimate resolution will be

#10.1.1 Johnny Mango on 2007-08-23 16:57 (Reply)

I had problem with DNSclient thrashing to 100% CPU utilization for over 30 minutes. Mind you, I have checked for viruses and malwares thoroughly. I believe that upon cleaning some reegistry entry I started the problem with TCPIP setting, followed by horrendous waste of time figuring things out without re-installing the XP. What I found is this: I run ProcessExplorer BFEORE any net connection. Then when I run net connection, and when DNSClient goes haywire, I terminate that SvcHost process. Of course it would crash the internet connectivity, but at least I do not have to restart damn computer again. However, upon crashing the DNSclient (running under SVHost process), and 2-3 min wait time, my internet connection regains and runs as fast as newly installed system. I do not know why? I tried disabling DNSClient, but it does not help much to establish internet connection, which could take over 5 to 10 min. I have applied BlackViper's "SAFE" settings, but it seems too restrictive now, so I had to selectively "lift" some of the restrictions from "safe" to default. I am not yet satisfied, but am able to use internet and am abe to post this note here. May be someone has similar experience/advice> Thanks a lot.

#11 worldphrase (Homepage) on 2007-10-06 23:03 (Reply)

PROVEN SOLUTION!!! I finally found one that has fixed many of my PCs. It's also very simple. Here's how to do it:

1) Make sure Microsoft Update (NOT Windows Update) is installed.
2) Go to Control Panel and click on Automatic Updates.
3) Set it to Fully Automatic.
4) Click OK and restart your computer.
5) After rebooting, go to Control Panel again and click on Automatic Updates. Do NOT manually terminate SVCHOST.EXE at this point!
6) Set it to Completely Off and click OK.
7) Immmediately restart your computer.

Restart again and your problems are solved.

Note: You can still get the latest updates by manually running Microsoft Update from Internet Explorer.

#12 pageof@cox.net on 2008-12-15 17:54 (Reply)

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