svchost.exe is taking up 100% of my cpu

[nkinneberg]

I've spent hours reading on the internet net as to how to fix this problem on my computer.  I am running an older computer with Windows XP and have Windows Service Pack 3.

First, I noticed that my computer was running slowly and I soon found out on task manager that svchost.exe was using up all of my cpu.  I used ProcessExplorer to determine that this was the host that was dealing with automatic updates, as well as several other things.  I ran a scan with Avira to check if it were a virus or malware on the computer but it didn't show anything.  I tried turning off Microsoft updates, and that didn't help.  I also tried turning off Automatic Updates, but that didn't help either.

I rejoiced when I found that Microsoft released a patch to fix the problem, but when I tried to install it, I received a notice that it had no need to install because I already had a later version than the update.

I've tried cleaning my registry with CCleaner, but it didn't help.  I have run out of options and could use some help... 

[hectorperdomo]

rebootting windows

[Mulreay]

Download this and scan
HijackThis

Save results and post here
<a href="http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/board,7.0.html
/">Virus and spyware[/url]

Do not post results here

[Dairyman]

Apart from the possibility that you do have a virus even if Avira does not detect it (see Mulreay's post), have you installed MVPS HOSTS recently? Apparently a large HOSTS file can do this too.

[nkinneberg]

Just a little more information I've noticed; whenever I start up my computer the cpu usage is normal, but as soon as automatic updates kicks in, the cpu jumps to 100%.  Also, it says "downloading updates" and will only go up to 13%, even if I'm on the computer for quite some time.  I have been unable to determine what exactly it is downloading.

[Mulreay]

Download this and scan
HijackThis

Save results and post here
<a href="http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/board,7.0.html
/">Virus and spyware[/url]

Do not post results here

[nkinneberg]

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,88858.msg596896.html#msg596896

Hijackthis log

[nkinneberg]

Oh, it's alright now.  I disabled automatic updates and uninstalled my anti-virus.  The combination seems to have fixed my computer.

[Allan]

So you're running without an Anti Virus utility? Not recommended my friend.

[Broni]

As well, as disabling updates...

[Quantos]

Oh, it's alright now.  I disabled automatic updates and uninstalled my anti-virus.  The combination seems to have fixed my computer.

I don't think any of us here consider that to be a fix.  All that does is mask the issue - like putting a bandage over a GSW(Gun Shot Wound).  You can't see the wound but the bullet is still in there doing damage.

[smeezekitty]

get an antivirus!
once i ran without an antivirus and had a virus withen a week