IExplorer.exe*32 causing my CPU to Run at 50% Plus

Hi folks,

FYI ... my laptop is Gateway M-6862 with Vista Home Premuim, SP1, 64-Bit. And I have all the Updates installed as per Microsoft suggestion.

I believe about 2 or 3 weeks ago when Microsoft pushed down one of their Screwed up Updates ... has caused my problem. Unfortunately somehow my Restore Points have been deleted and I only can go back 2 or 3 days and not several weeks back.

Since then anytime I have Explorer open ... even one instance ... my CPU jumps to 50% and stays there ... if I happen to open up 2 instances of Explorer the CPU just goes crazier ...

I open Winodws Task Manager and I see "IExplorer.exe*32" going at 50% plus. The only way I can stop this crap is to shut down my Explorer and Re-Boot and restart my laptop ... just so I can start this routine over and over.

I have searched the Internet for couple of days ... and as usual ... everyone right off the back suggests that might be a Virus Infection ... which I doubt I am infected.

But I took those suggestion and here is what I have done so far ...

1. I ran latest MBAM (Malwarebytes) in "Safe Mode with Networking" and I was clean!

2. I also ran latest SAS (SuperAntiSpyware) in the "Safe Mode" ... clean again.

3. I ran Anti-Rootkit programs: F-Secure Blacklight, Sophos 1.5 in Regular Windows mode and again Clean.

4. I tried to run "GMER RootKit Remover 1.0.15.15077" but I get Error that program does not start correctly (which I have posted a separate Thread for this problem). But basically I get the following ERROR when I try to run it ...

"C:\Windows\system32\config\system: The system cannot find the file specified."

But it won't tell me what FILE is looking for!?!?

Anyway ...

Q: Can anyone tell me how to fix this 50% CPU problem due to IExplorer.exe?

Thanks,

G!

 

It might be a memory leak, not necessarily an infection due to the update. The only way I see around this is to uninstall IE, reboot and install and see if the problem occurs again. Note that you would need an installation file of IE beforehand.

BTW are you using IE 8?

 

Hi AZNDragon,

That is what I forgot to mention ... I am still on IE7 ... since I see so many posts with IE8 problems.

Thanks for the suggestion ... I have to get my hands on a IE7 copy since my laptop came with it already installed. I hate this new routine of pre-installing software without giving you the Full version for times just like this.

Thanks again,

G!

 

there's nothing wrong with IE8...why not upgrade to that?

 

It's really up to you. But I think uninstalling and reinstalling "might" help.

 

Hi Theros,

I noticed from Sigline that you are a "Web Designer" ... well my concern is Sites Compatibility issue(s) ... I want to make sure the Sites that I visit can be navigated ... I am not sure all sites are on IE8 yet ... so!!!

That is my "ONLY" concern ... also, if Microsoft Products worked I would NOT be in this mess ... seems like every Update that Micorsoft proposes as Important, or Recommended ... I have to Search the web and see what kind of feedback by Other Users has been made before I can TRUST and install the "Crap".

Actually there are some problem ones that I decided not to install ... and one of them it even Crashed my system ... I wanted to make a Separate Thread Warning folks about them but here they are for now ... KB972260, KB970653, KB972036 ...

THANKS for Your Help!

G!

 

Hi AZNDRagon,

It might have sounded I was NOT going for it (your Suggestion) ... on the Contrary ... I was thinking of doing just that.

Q: BTW, do you know where I can get Full Version of IE7 still!?!?

THANKS Pal,

G!

 

Easiest way is through microsoft. Here's the link:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/ie7/

It's near the center of the page where it says "Get Internet 7" Don't let the IE8 ad fool you.

 

Hi folks,

Sorry that I have not posted my FIX any sooner, been super busy with emergencies.

As a reminder I am running Vista Home Premium, SP1, 64-Bit, and IE7.

The problem is really with EXPLORER.EXE of the Windows and not the Internet Explorer. Because when you right-click on the Explorer.exe when is running at 50% plus ... and tell it to take you to the Source of the File ... you will see that is the Windows Explorer and not the IE.

In Vista if you do a Search in Help Section and look for "Fix a Corrupted User Profile" ... it will walk you step-by-step ... how to fix your problem. I followed it and since then my problem has been fixed ... no more 50% CPU usage and I have had like 6 or 7 Explorer Windows open at the same time ... No Problem!

But now I need help from you the Experts before I do something dumb and wipe my laptop and be forced into

doing a "Clean" install which then I will loose some of my Freebies proggies.

HERE is my new problem ... when I was following the Fix from Corrupted User Profile ... I Named my New Users Names G1, G2, G3 ... here is what my problem is my User Name and USer Profile Name do NOT match each other ... as follows ... G being my Name and the No. 1 corresponds to No. 1 and so forth ...

User Name
1. G
2. G-1
3. G-2

User Profile Name
1. G-2
2. G-3
3. G-1

Q: How can I make my "User Name" be the Same as my "User Profile Name" as it was when my laptop was FRESH!

Thanks,

G!

 

Hi AznDragon,

Thanks for the Link ... but all I saw were downloads for XP, and Server and nothing for Vista!

Q: Can I use any of those for Vista 32-Bit!?!? (I use IE7 in 32-Bit mode).

Thanks,

G!

 

Yes xp ie7 will work on vista-32bit.

 

Thanks AznDragon!

G!

 

No problem. Hope it works though. Have you try looking on microsoft page of known issues with updates regarding internet explorer? I hope it's not an update since it will cause the same issue to occur again.