svchost.exe

[Denmo]

This program is running about 5-6 instances when I pull up task manager. I'm wondering if that's normal, because it's taking up the most RAM, and I'm looking for ways to reduce that right now.

I know about the trojans that try to hide themselves by being named scvhost or svchosts etc. Already checked for those.

3 svchost.exe's are running from SYSTEM
2 are running from NETWORK SERVICE
1 is running from LOCAL SERVICE

Are any of these virus's, trojans, or unnecessary?

[Red Dragon]

Re: svchost.exe

If it is I got it too.

[DK]

Re: svchost.exe

Put it into google and see?

[Denmo]

Re: svchost.exe

Description:
svchost.exe is a system process belonging to the Microsoft Windows Operating System which handles processes executed from DLLs. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.

Note: svchost.exe is a process registered as a backdoor vulnerability which may be installed for malicious purposes by an attacker allowing access to your computer from remote locations, stealing passwords, Internet banking and personal data. If unaccounted for, this process should be removed immediately.

Note: svchost.exe is a process which is registered as a trojan. This Trojan allows attackers to access your computer from remote locations, stealing passwords, Internet banking and personal data. This process is a security risk and should be removed from your system.

Note: svchost.exe is a process belonging to Microsoft Service Host Process. This program is a non-essential process, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems.

Those notes give me a mixed message.

[Crimson Knight]

Re: svchost.exe

Anything that takes up power on my computer, I STOP.

Of course, this sometimes resulted in "unexpected behavior".

Well, I found 4 of these, 3 SYSTEM and 1 NETWORK SERVICE. Time to TERMINATE THEM. If I don't post again within the hour, it means I ****ed up my computer.

[hitogoroshi]

Re: svchost.exe

Got it in the same numbers as Den. Crazy.

[jvrlopez]

Re: svchost.exe

I have it on my comp too. I wondered about it awhile back. If you have it due to windows I think its fine, though having a few running at once doesnt seem legit. Close a few. If you have multiple users logged on your comp at once, it uses 2 per user (atleast on my comp), so log off anyone not using the comp at the moment.

[AbstractOrigin]

Re: svchost.exe

Those notes give me a mixed message.

I think svchost.exe controls your internet connection, though I'm not too sure.

I know I turned it off once and then I couldn't get online untill I restarted.
Don't take my word for it though.

[thetruecoolness]

Re: svchost.exe

It is normally fine to have more than one of these running. Essentially each service that needs this program will start up a new instance of it, hence you having more than one showing up. Normally these programs are legitimite things needing the program, but every now and then as your google search turned up, malicious programs will start up their own instances of this. So if you're really worried about it, run every scan you can think of, and if those turn up empty you're more than likely ok.

Basically unless your computer starts acting up, or a Virus/Spyware/Adware/Trojan/Portscan turns up non-empty, having more than one svchost.exe is no big deal.

Microsoft article on it http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314056 XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q250320/ 2000.

[highwind]

Re: svchost.exe

It's just the internet. Chill.

[Alex]

Re: svchost.exe

Check your USB. Viruses like to hide in the USB. Plug in a mouse and it will get rid of them.

[Garr123]

Re: svchost.exe

Delete what you think is ****ed, then run a game and see if it has a sound error, if it doesnt, that's a virus.