system process eating all of cpu

[timush]

cpu is running at 100% all the time and it is always the "system" process (not "system idle" process) eating 95+ %,  everything is slowed to a crawl

HP Pavilion a1410y with Celeron D and 712K memory running XP SP2...

I downloaded process explorer, it only showed "system" process eating all of the cpu...
none of its children.  I still killed all the child processes I could no relief.  I uninstalled
every piece of software on the box no relief.  I disabled all services from starting, also
came up in safe mode still see the problem. Finally I reinstalled completely via the HP
recovery partition still no relief! The recovery partition installs SP2....I tried upgrading
to SP3 no help. Now I'm thinking hardware.  I unplug/take out everything...CD-ROM,
extra memory, all extra cards etc, no relief.  I ran the built-in HP hardware diags and
the PC-Doctor hardware diags everything runs clean.  I'm at my wits end on this one can anyone help??

[Broni]

Same thing in Safe Mode?

[timush]

Yes, same thing in safe mode.....

[Broni]

Download HijackThis:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
Click on Download HijackThis Installer
Post HijackTHis log.

[timush]

OK, here it is.  I had done a fresh reinstall, so stuff I had removed before is back
now. I would have thought the reinstall would have cleared any virus.  This is in normal mode, not safe mode.  If I use process explorer to lower the run priority of the system process, the machine is marginally usable....but it is still
always flat out 100% cpu.

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Owner\Desktop\ProcessExplorer\procexp.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=PAVILION&pf=desktop
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {A8F38D8D-E480-4D52-B7A2-731BB6995FDD} - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: hpWebHelper Class - {AAAE832A-5FFF-4661-9C8F-369692D1DCB9} - C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\plugin\WebHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {C4069E3A-68F1-403E-B40E-20066696354B} - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IS CfgWiz] c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\cfgwiz.exe /GUID {F073BDC9-0D67-4ff0-879E-27241C843828} /MODE CfgWiz /CMDLINE "REBOOT"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPBootOp] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Boot Optimizer\HPBootOp.exe" /run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Reminder] "C:\Windows\Creator\Remind_XP.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPwuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: Pin.lnk = C:\hp\bin\CLOAKER.EXE (User 'Default user')
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Internet Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Internet Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Internet Security Password Validation (ccISPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Proxy (ccProxy) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\comHost.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Protection Center Service (NSCService) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec AVScan (SAVScan) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

--
End of file - 7470 bytes

[Broni]

I don't see anything unusual.

Run memtest: http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic62524.html

Run HD diagnostic: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

[timush]

Everything runs clean.  I tried  cloning the hard drive.  It has the same issue with the cloned drive....

[patio]

Well it would because you're not only moving working things but issues as well...

[timush]

Yes but it eliminates a physical issue with the hard drive

[Broni]

Did you run memtest?
When CPU usage reaches 100%, what process is the main taker?

[patio]

Post a screenshot of the expanded view of Process Explorer...

[timush]

How do I get a screenshot? 
Well, here is the text...not very nicely formatted, but as you can see at the moment
of the capture system has 100.00 of cpu....it is blank for everybody else...(the columns aren't lining up)

Process   PID   CPU   Description   Company Name
System Idle Process   0         
 Interrupts   n/a      Hardware Interrupts   
 DPCs   n/a      Deferred Procedure Calls   
 System   4   100.00      
  smss.exe   372      Windows NT Session Manager   Microsoft Corporation
   csrss.exe   528      Client Server Runtime Process   Microsoft Corporation
   winlogon.exe   556      Windows NT Logon Application   Microsoft Corporation
    services.exe   600      Services and Controller app   Microsoft Corporation
     ati2evxx.exe   756      ATI External Event Utility EXE Module   ATI Technologies Inc.
     svchost.exe   768      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   872      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   936      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
      wuauclt.exe   2020      Automatic Updates   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   1028      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   1240      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     ccSetMgr.exe   1420      Symantec Settings Manager Service   Symantec Corporation
     ccEvtMgr.exe   1448      Symantec Event Manager Service   Symantec Corporation
     ccProxy.exe   1528      Symantec Network Proxy Service   Symantec Corporation
     spoolsv.exe   1656      Spooler SubSystem App   Microsoft Corporation
     navapsvc.exe   1896      Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service   Symantec Corporation
     wdfmgr.exe   192      Windows User Mode Driver Manager   Microsoft Corporation
     symlcsvc.exe   2080      Symantec Core Component   Symantec Corporation
     SNDSrvc.exe   2328      Network Driver Service   Symantec Corporation
     NSCSRVCE.EXE   3484      Norton Security Console Norton Protection Center Service   Symantec Corporation
    lsass.exe   612      LSA Shell (Export Version)   Microsoft Corporation
    ati2evxx.exe   1176      ATI External Event Utility EXE Module   ATI Technologies Inc.
explorer.exe   1264      Windows Explorer   Microsoft Corporation
 RTHDCPL.EXE   1748      Realtek HD Audio Control Panel   Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
 ccApp.exe   1604      Symantec User Session   Symantec Corporation
 hpwuSchd2.exe   1640      Hewlett-Packard Product Assistant   Hewlett-Packard Co.
 msmsgs.exe   720      Windows Messenger   Microsoft Corporation
 procexp.exe   2724      Sysinternals Process Explorer   Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com
 IEXPLORE.EXE   1428      Internet Explorer   Microsoft Corporation
atiptaxx.exe   3872      ATI Desktop Control Panel   ATI Technologies, Inc.
hpsysdrv.exe   2660      hpsysdrv   Hewlett-Packard Company

[Broni]

I believe, when "system" is eating up 100% of CPU usage, you may be dealing with hardware problem.
1. Run memtest: http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic62524.html
2. Run HD diagnostic: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

[timush]

I did run them the first time you asked me too.  They did not show any problems.

[Raptor]

Faulty memory or a damaged hard drive are not very likely to force your CPU into overdrive.

A certain program or function inside Windows may be interfering with normal operation.

I would disable all programs that are not native to Windows during start-up to see if that makes the problem disappear. (Assuming you have already tried safe-mode? Report back.) Search the web for "Ccleaner", it can disable and enabled start-up entries more easily than Windows' own tools.

[Broni]

Go Start>Run (Start Search in Vista), type in:
msconfig
Click OK (hit Enter in Vista).

Click on Startup tab.
Click Disable all

Click Services tab.
Put checkmark in Hide all Microsoft services
Click Disable all.

Click OK.
Restart computer in Normal Mode.

NOTE. If you use different firewall, than Windows firewall, turn Windows firewall on, just for this test, since your regular firewall won't be running.
If you use Windows firewall, you're fine.

[timush]

Disabled all services and startup items. ....no help...

[Broni]

The only other advice, that come to my mind is ti uninstall Norton, using this: http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
If you decide to do so, make sure to turn Windows firewall on.

[Raptor]

So, did you try safe mode?

[Broni]

Yes, same thing in safe mode.....

[Raptor]

Then why are you still suggesting that the person in question finds the solution in Windows itself?
Norton doesn't run in safe mode.

Sounds more like a hardware defect to me.

Diagnose hardware using a program such as PCCheck
Reformat + reinstall to see if the problem continues.

[Broni]

Raptor
Make up your mind...

Faulty memory or a damaged hard drive are not very likely to force your CPU into overdrive.

then...

Sounds more like a hardware defect to me.

Norton doesn't run in safe mode.

You don't know Norton, then.

[Raptor]

Raptor
Make up your mind...

Faulty memory or a damaged hard drive are not very likely to force your CPU into overdrive.

then...

Sounds more like a hardware defect to me.

Norton doesn't run in safe mode.

You don't know Norton, then.

So lets see... Computers exist only of RAM and HDD. Is that what you're trying to say?

Where is Mainboard, PCI/PCI-E/AGP expansion? Where is the CD-ROM player?
Where is the north/south bridge? Where is the CPU?

Like I said use a program such as PCCHECK. (Try googling for it, broaden your horizon a bit)

And yes, I do 'know' Norton. I also 'know' Windows.

Show me proof where it says that Norton runs in safe mode and stop sounding like a broken record.

[Broni]

Show me proof where it says that Norton runs in safe mode and stop sounding like a broken record.

I really doubt, you'll ever admit, that anyone else may be right, but you, so this is gonna be my last argument in any discussion with you.
You want a proof? Here we go...
I'm not sure, if you're familiar with GMER program (Google it, and broaden your horizon a bit), so it's a program, which shows all ROOT processes running on your computer.
Below, is a partial log from a computer, which has Norton installed.
Link: http://discussions.virtualdr.com/showthread.php?t=235488&highlight=gmer

---- Devices - GMER 1.0.14 ----

AttachedDevice \FileSystem\Ntfs \Ntfs SYMEVENT.SYS (Symantec Event Library/Symantec Corporation)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\Ip SYMTDI.SYS (Network Dispatch Driver/Symantec Corporation)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Kbdclass \Device\KeyboardClass0 SynTP.sys (Synaptics Touchpad Driver/Synaptics, Inc.)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Kbdclass \Device\KeyboardClass1 SynTP.sys (Synaptics Touchpad Driver/Synaptics, Inc.)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\Tcp SYMTDI.SYS (Network Dispatch Driver/Symantec Corporation)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\Udp SYMTDI.SYS (Network Dispatch Driver/Symantec Corporation)
AttachedDevice \Driver\Tcpip \Device\RawIp SYMTDI.SYS (Network Dispatch Driver/Symantec Corporation)
AttachedDevice \FileSystem\Fastfat \Fat SYMEVENT.SYS (Symantec Event Library/Symantec Corporation)

Take a good look. Can you see Symantec there?

[Raptor]

Take a good look. Can you see Symantec there?

Yup. And that was loaded in safe mode?

I really doubt, you'll ever admit, that anyone else may be right, but you, so this is gonna be my last argument in any discussion with you.
You want a proof? Here we go...

I don't have a problem with being proven wrong. I do have a problem with people trying to prove me wrong and then claim I think I can't be proven wrong without coming with additional information unless I actually ask them for it.

Which is pretty much your problem in your dealings with anyone judging from your posts.

By the way, to how many forums are you actually registered?

[spiderlucci]

i understand that you tested the HD and it was ok...

just for thought... backup what you need and install a new hard drive and see what happens.

it maybe ok now but  it might be ready to go to HD Heaven

 
spider

[killerb255]

Okay, guys...time out!

It's rare for "system" to run at 100% CPU. 

Normally, when I see it happen, it's usually during a file copy operation over the network.

In any case, try looking in the Event Viewer:

Start -> Run -> eventvwr -> press Enter -> check Application and System for any red X's.

Also, looking at your Process Explorer results, it's going to be one of the "subprocesses" under "System." 

In this case:

Code: [Select]

System   4   100.00     
  smss.exe   372      Windows NT Session Manager   Microsoft Corporation
   csrss.exe   528      Client Server Runtime Process   Microsoft Corporation
   winlogon.exe   556      Windows NT Logon Application   Microsoft Corporation
    services.exe   600      Services and Controller app   Microsoft Corporation
     ati2evxx.exe   756      ATI External Event Utility EXE Module   ATI Technologies Inc.
     svchost.exe   768      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   872      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   936      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
      wuauclt.exe   2020      Automatic Updates   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   1028      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     svchost.exe   1240      Generic Host Process for Win32 Services   Microsoft Corporation
     ccSetMgr.exe   1420      Symantec Settings Manager Service   Symantec Corporation
     ccEvtMgr.exe   1448      Symantec Event Manager Service   Symantec Corporation
     ccProxy.exe   1528      Symantec Network Proxy Service   Symantec Corporation
     spoolsv.exe   1656      Spooler SubSystem App   Microsoft Corporation
     navapsvc.exe   1896      Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service   Symantec Corporation
     wdfmgr.exe   192      Windows User Mode Driver Manager   Microsoft Corporation
     symlcsvc.exe   2080      Symantec Core Component   Symantec Corporation
     SNDSrvc.exe   2328      Network Driver Service   Symantec Corporation
     NSCSRVCE.EXE   3484      Norton Security Console Norton Protection Center Service   Symantec Corporation
    lsass.exe   612      LSA Shell (Export Version)   Microsoft Corporation
    ati2evxx.exe   1176      ATI External Event Utility EXE Module   ATI Technologies Inc.

Since there are an awful lot of Symantec processes there, Broni could very well be correct.

Norton (consumer-grade Symantec) products do have a reputation for being bloated.  Business-grade Symantec products (Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition, Symantec Endpoint Protection) don't seem as bad, though.

Try uninstalling Norton.  Best case scenario, the problem is solved and you can look towards alternatives for anti-virus and software firewall protection.  Worst case scenario, that doesn't solve the problem and you can reinstall your Norton stuff if you wish.

[spiderlucci]

killerb255 you are corrcet, Norton does eat alot of your process.

spider

[timush]

Thanks for all the posts!  I am sorry if my problem has caused some arguments I just want to get it fixed...

I had iuninstall Norton as part of te "uninstalled everything" I mentioned in my original post.. (it came back when I reinstalled) ...but I did it again anyways.   Once again, it did not help.  That process explorer post was not very well formatted, but every one of those sub-processes has
its own "CPU" column....sometimes a small number pops up there momentarily and then goes away...but at the time of the posting they were all
blank...indicating node of them were eating any cpu it shows only the parent process (system) as eating any cpu...

I have cloned the hard drive - the machine has the problem with the new drive as well. I have also reinstalled the orignal drive.
I have tried safe mode as well as disabling all services and startup items via msconfig....

I have run PC-doctor diags on the cpu and motherboard as well as the built-in HP diagnostics.  I have also run other hard disk and memory
checkers. Nothing has shown any hardware problem.  I have also unplugged the CD-ROM and swapped memory cards. I am  sorry I cannot find anything called PCCheck  (or at leasy anything that's free).  I am happy to run any free good hardware diag tool anyone can suggest.  I don't
think I want to run any more disk or memory diag tools though I think I have done enouh there to show those aren't the cause.

[Raptor]

So, you have two hard drives with identical copies? How about a reformat of one and a fresh installation of XP to see if the problem persists?

Have you tried the latest Norton removal tool?

[timush]

Well I don't have any XP media, this box didn't come with any.  It has a "recovery partition" on the hard drive.  To reinstall the windows partition, I have to do it from
the recovery partition (it gives you the option of doing a fresh install, which is what I did).  I suppose I could make a set of recovery CD's and then reinstall from those,
but I am not sure that would be any different than reinstalling from the recovery partition....

I downloaded and ran the norton removal tool....no help...

[timush]

Oh sorry I missed the one about eventvwr....

Nothing in Application.

In system, there is nothing with today's date (and I shut it down last night).
However, there are some with yesterday's date:

DCOM: The server did not register with DCOM within the required timeout
and several "service control manager" waiting for the CD-buring COM to connect
(I don't even have a burner)

However.....if I go back even further..o the 20th....I see 4 "Disk controller error on \Device\Harddisk0\D"...very interesting....that could be me though I was in there
changing cables around to boot from the other HD...I don't remember seeing
this error before and I have checked.  There is one more instance of it on the 19th, my log only goes back to the 13th...that must have been when I renistalled.  It is probably worth a closer look. What is the next step here?

[spiderlucci]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317751/en-us


spider

[timush]

Thanks, but I don't think that is it:

1. It is the "system" process not the "explorer" process
2. I have already tried the suggested solution, coming up to the latest
SP, and it did not fix it....