Windows explorer.exe using 100% cpu

)on my moms computer "explorer.exe" is using 96-100% of the cpu... i have a feeling its a virus or something running in the background... cause when i "end process" it the task bar and **** goes away like it should, but process still stays there, then i can call up "explorer.exe" from the new task run prog, and then there is 2 but the first is still taking up 97%

ive tried to lower its priority, but no luck any one please help.. ill be gone for 3 days so a speedy reply will be much apprieciated (if thats how you spell it )

thanks in advance

 

download and run avg antivirus.

Its free and good.

http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php

Sorted out my problems on the pc.

 

the problem that is really pissing me off, is that since explorer.exe is using 100% of the cpu, i cant run n e programs or n e thing, i can maybe get to task manager, and simple things but it takes like 10 mins... and i have tried safe mode, same deal

 

2nded -- get some AV if you don't already

 

Have you tried end tasking the expolrer that is using all your CPU, and then running another one?

Also, not sure which version of windows you are running, but try installing this Start-up Control Panel on the PC and check what programs are loading at start up.

Also, shouldn't this be in the Software & Operating Systems thread for better feedback?

 

Try taking the HDD out of the computer, sticking it into your machine and virus scanning, any virus should be cleaned right out of there by AVG if not, then it sounds like it's time for a fresh OS install...

 

If the virus scan doesn't come up with anything I'd second the OS reinstall. I recommend you clean format if you are using XP because the 'Repair OS' install feature screwed my instllation after a few weeks on my system.

 

i am running xp pro on it, and i have taken everything off from the startup sequence in msconfig, and yes i have tried to end task the explorer.exe that is hogging all of the resources, the task bar and everything goes away like it should, but the explorer.exe is still there hogging all the resources, and when i start up a new one, it still hogs it all

i wont be able to do n e thing till tuesday, cause im at my college orientation,

im afraid i might just have to do a fresh install of xp pro

 

AVG Dictionary:

Heal = DESTROY, DELETE, ERASE, KILL

Just a note i lost loads of pictures of les... eerm Circuits to the heal button.


Also its unlikely that explorer is the problem, something thats gettign explorer to do loads of system foot-work is, end as many proccesses and system tray crap as possible.

 

Is it by anychance if you look very closely
"explorer .exe" ie with a space between the r and the [dot]?

If so this is deffo a virus. Saw that on a machine recently and it took me a while to spot it. Run an up to date checker and you should not have any more problems.

look here for a list of all viruses that use "explorer .exe" and you will spot bugbear a and b and yaha which have all been fairly prevelant in recent times.

 

well, since i was out of town, my mom brought it to her old job's tech guy and he looked at it and said it was probably a virus, like i was saying, and he is now installing 2k pro... so i suppose all in all, its all good