Is it common for svchost.exe to use almost 100% of ram for approx. 5 mins each day?

Question

I only catch it doing this once a day, so instead of fighting with it I do something other than computer work for about 5 minutes; then it's usually done. I'm using XP with all updates. When I had 98 I never had this happen. I don't have any problems with my operating system; delete cookies and temporary files regularly, defrag once a month, etc...

Answer 1

If your svchost appears under (Network service, or Local service) process its initially OK but if it appears under your user name so its virus or hacking client. but also remember that 100% usage of ram is totally abnormal

Answer 2

svchost.exe is the program which handles most of the communciation between your computer and any networks (including the Internet) you are using. It is not unusual for the service to shoot up to 100% usage for brief periods. It usually means that some kind of activity is going on - such as a program (like Windows update or your virus scanner) checking for any updates, etc. Not much you can do about it.

You are right that your 98 did not do that, bacause it probably did not have whatever software is doing the daily updates.

Answer 3

Like the first answer, svchost is many, and it may use high cpu resources.
For troubleshooting, do following:
1. Try remember when it firstly occured?
2. At that time, what did you do, what changes did you make, install a software? modifying system settings?
3. If it annoys you, restrore it to original state, by doing "System Restrore", navigate to Start > All Program > Accessoris > System Tools > System Restore. (hope this right, I forgot it)
4. Consider a virus attack, recent virus would likely to get it named just like common Windows (R) processes, such as svchost.exe, smss.exe, winlogon.exe. Check it at Task Manager, look at its PID. If it above 500 or 700 it may a virus. Kill it.
5. If it is a virus, contact your local dealer for service, or consult internet forum, or find article guiding you this.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

Yeah I catch about 5 svchost.exe running at once on my system. However it never uses 100% of my systems resources.