how do i deal with12 instances of svchost.exe running at the same time?

Question

As stated by the question I have 12 different instances of svchost.exe running simultaneously, using as little as 2,948 K of memory to 125,660 K. On the username, most of them say system, some say, local service, and some say network service. All of them are spelled correctly. I've read this isn't normal and there are probably viruses/worms involved, but my scanners aren't picking up anything. What should I do?

Answer 1

It's pretty typical to have more then one svchost.exe sucking up processing power. Usually it deals with something Windows is doing (so no, not a virus. However, viruses sometimes do use svchost.exe to hide themselves)



Since your scanners aren't picking up anything, I'd say you're clean.



Go here if you want to see how to "stop" it (from sucking up your processing power)

http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-9865052-12.html

Answer 2

Windows has many essential services that require svchost to run. The reason why there are 12 svchosts is because there are 12 different instances running 12 different services. Do not attempt to end these processes. Some viruses actually try to masquerade as svchost. If your anti virus software said you are clean than most likely you are clean.



More info:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314056

Answer 3

actually the guy above me is wrong, i had the same problem one day randomly started having like 10 SVChosts there was nothing i could do about it, it made my pc lag and go slower, in the end i had reinstall windows fresh reboot.