svchost.exe is Eating My Memory!

on my computer which is windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. there is a svchost.exe that even without anything running the computer is just sitting idle the svc memory usage eats almost all the memory.

I have tried to run malwarebytes, Super Antispyware, I uninstalled AVG to see if it was the issue it was not the issue. I have tried several things and I am at my wits end.:cry

Any help would be great.

 

Steadyone...

Microsoft has a program called Process Explorer that gives you ability to see better what is causing svchost to use so much memory. Here is a link to the program download at MGs:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/microsoft_process_explorer.html

If you look underneath wininit.exe, you should see a number of instances of svchost.exe and next to each one how much RAM is being used. If you give the program a try, see if you can identify which one is using the most. Hover over the process name of the svchost.exe using the most memory and get the info from the pop up and post it in your next post...

Could you post the make/model of the PC and how much RAM memory is in the machine?

 

Yes I have a Dell Optiplex 745 It is has Windows Ultimate Service pack 1 64 Bit. It has 3 gig ram.

I I am doing the above now. Thanks

 

How do I get a shot of that it disappears on me or get a copy argh! I did attach a small picture to this post and will have to write down what is says since I cannot copy the pop out window. The one that is marked in grey is the one using the most memory.

 

Okay I had to take a picture with my phone then shrink it. I hope this finds the issue.

Thanks

 

SteadyOne...

OK. Thanks for the pics. Yes, the camera pic got the process tag of the highest one. That was what I was looking for.

I have found that usually svchost.exe most uses resources when Windows updates are set to automatically download and install Windows updates. Windows will download the updates in the background, but, if you are using the PC, the process can take forever. Anyway, all the associated Windows services remain present in RAM during that time.

Take a look at this video. You don't have to do this but just have a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rp8vDD6ioM

There is a way other than the video to change the automatic updates setting without disabling them. Using the Control Panel applet for Windows Updates. Go to Control Panel->Windows Updates->top left click on Change settings. Where it says Important updates, there you will see a dropdown. Click to open the drop down and change the updates setting to "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them". Next click on OK.

See if changing this setting lowers the RAM usage of svchost.exe some...

 

I did what you said it jumped up now to almost using 3 gigs of memory. This is so crazy!

 

Here is the other one jumping higher then the last one. There are a couple really high like this. What is going on.:confused Look at pic's

 

Steadyone...

If you didn't do so since changing the Windows update setting, try rebooting one time and see how the memory resets on reboot...

 

I did that right after I changed the settings. The memory jumped high after reboot and then I went into that program which I posted to you.

 

Steadyone...

It's definitely some sort of Windows service that is lodging itself inside your RAM. They only do that on instructions, which can come from a scheduled task, from the native programming of the service, itself, which can be set to run on boot, etc., or from instruction in a program you have installed on the system.

I run on 5 PCs here at home a program called CleanMem. It has made a big difference on all of the PCs here. I recommend trying it if you haven't already. Basically, it works by periodically trimming process memory levels to standby levels. That is the amount of memory that a process occupies when the system is in standby.

Here is the MGs link:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/cleanmem.html

The next steps involve taking a look at your installed programs and what you have running and then also how your services are set. However, I think trying CleanMem might be a good idea as I have had it trim large amounts of memory on systems...

 

Okay I downloaded it but do not see a difference. Is there something I am suppose to do with the download? I even rebooted it.

 

Do you want me to take a snap shot of that for you?

 

Steadyone...

Did you install CleanMem, yet? Once you have installed CleanMem, there is a wizard you can run to set things up. Go to Start->Programs->CleanMem->choose CleanMem Mini Monitor. When the small bubble pops up, right click on the bubble and select "Start CleanMem Settings Wizard". Next through the settings until you see Operating Mode. Change it to "Ignore List". This will pop up a list, where you can add the process name for your browsers and media players to exempt them from memory trims.

This is all assuming the program helps, but you may want to wait until you get your memory problem satisfactorially resolved before you dispose of CleanMem. You may find you actually like the program, even if it doesn't fully solve your problem...

On how to set up your services, please take a look at Black Viper's page:

http://www.blackviper.com/service-c...dows-7-service-pack-1-service-configurations/

He has various methodologies for setting up the services, depending on your goal. Before you change any of the service Startup Types, I recommend you full screen the services dialog and get a screen shot of them as they are now set up. You may have use 3 or even more screen captures to get them all. Save each pic in your pics folder for later reference...

 

Yes I did all that you instructed and it has not changed my computer fan races and acts hot cause memory is high.

Here is a pic what is in my programs all together.

Also to let you know I went through a whole process in services. msc to set all services to default which took forever. lol I also went into startup and unchecked running programs. Still have the issue.

COuld it be a bug because it seems to jump all over the place.

 

Okay got a better picture of programs Had ti cut it in two. lol

 

OK...thanks for the list.

I wouldn't say so, yet, but I wonder if you might be having a hardware problem like the memory controller.

First, could you please full screen task manager and take a screen shot and attach it to your next post? Make sure there is a check in the box at the bottom of Task Manager where is says "Show processes from all users". If the picture is larger than 97 kb, it won't work with the MGs uploader, but it might upload in a zip file if you know how to zip a file. Otherwise, you may have to trim the pic to the essential info and then maybe resize it if necessary to get below 97 kb.

Next, on Black Viper's page that I linked to, if you full screen the web browser, you will notice that BV has a list to the far right called Bare-bones. Just to see what happens maybe you could go with those services settings to see what happens.

Just a couple of questions to get on the same page. Is this a brand new problem? Also, how is RAM usage when the browser and open programs are closed?

 

Okay I had to snip it in two parts. My friend bought this computer off someone in California but it started when she downloaded her programs I think but do not quote me on that.

I did the Black Viper yesterday it took me two hours to go to services and reset them back to factory settings.,So that is already done.

 

Also I notice my CPU shoots up there too.Which sets off the fan in my computer. I guess that is normal when memory is being eaten? When I am on the browser and playing like Candy crush on fb the cpu's go off the roof the same with streaming on netflix's. So this is weird.. it gets hot the fan works great in the computer I hear it when this occurs.

 

Steadyone...

Yeah, that is looking strange.

Your Task Manager is only showing about 500-700 MB of memory being used, but I don't think that includes system memory. I just checked my TM, and it was at 1 GB all totalled, but I know from the HWiNFO gadget I have that the PC is using 1.675 GB. Some of the system RAM is obviously not listed in Task Manager.

There is another way to get a look. In Task Manager, click on the Performance tab and then on the "Resource Monitor..." button. Click on the memory header and then full screen the whole thing so all of the memory using processes show up. Next click on the "Commit" column header and take a screenshot. Probably will take more than one pic again. That dialog should show everything using memory, though...

 

Okay here they are broken into two pics

 

Steadyone...

My mistake. You did everything correctly, but in the Resource Monitor you will see 4 bars that run across the interface that are stacked on top of each other. What I would like to see is the info you can see by clicking on the Memory bar (not the tab). Looks like the tab info is the same as Task Manager, while the info in the bar is 100% complete.

I checked a little while ago on this PC, and underneath the Memory bar the total will add up to the amount I am seeing in the HWiNFO widget I have. Please click on the header titled "Commit" before taking your screen shots...

Thanks

 

I am not sure if this is what you mean sorry.. I am so not understanding the last thing you want me to do.

 

Steadyone...

No...it's the white bars that you see in the Overview tab like the attached. The "Memory" one is the one to click on and full screen for the pics. Click on the "Commit" header first, so the most heavy RAM users are first...

 

Okay I think I got it now.. Here are the pic's under "Commit"

 

Steadyone...

Looking at the pics, the amount of memory being used looks like far less than 3 GB. Is this an intermittent problem?

The graph is showing right around 1 GB of RAM being used...

 

Okay got it!

 

Yes it is intermittent.. It will be fine one minute and not the next. It is crazy can't stream or play games it will cause it to freeze because memory is high and cpu going crazy!:mad

 

Steadyone...

The pics in 26 were the ones I was looking for. Showing about 1 GB of RAM being used. Need for you to get pics when the usage is at 3 GB to see what's going on...

 

Yeah right now it will say it is fin then it will spike. Strange thing.

 

For instance I was just looking at a youtube stream. The memory is now staying calm but the Cpu's are not and cause the computer to get hot. Here is a screen shot

 

Steadyone...

You have a core2duo processor...is that correct? 80% is not totally out of line for a core2duo based PC running HD video. I assume you have the video setting maxxed to 1080p or 780p...

 

I do not know how do I look for that?

 

Here is a pic of my info

 

Here is the other thing when I turn it on the fan goes crazy so does the memory and cpu's..

 

Steadyone...

You are pushing it these days with a Pentium D processor I would say. Have you considered a new computer? Definitely the number you are seeing (80%) is normal for video for that kind of processor.

I owned a system with very close specs to the specs you have (Pentium/3 GB RAM), and the conditions you are mentioning were exactly the same for me with that PC. That was running Windows XP SP2, which is a lighter OS. I do currently have a Pentium with a 1.5 GHz processor I keep here to test things on, too. I understand the issues you are facing.

If you would consider a new PC (or new used PC), I find really great deals on ebay. It's a great place to look. You would be amazed at what you can get for $100-150. Really it is amazing these PCs coming off lease from companies and almost like brand new...

 

I contacted the guy I got the pc from and he is going to take it back when I go to California.. Thanks for your help today.. I hope you have a wonderful week

 

Steadyone...

If you would like some help finding another PC I would be happy to dish out any pointers I can come up with.

You can get an amazing PC off lease from a company on ebay for $100 or less. You will be surprised at the power in these newer computers. These off lease PCs are many times hardly used at all, honestly...like brand new. I have 5 of them...

 

Yes I would like some help finding a PC that would be great! Who or what name do you recommend while I am browsing on Ebay?

Thanks

 

Techwoman...

What kind of PC are you used to or do you prefer? If you are looking for a laptop, those are difficult to find in really great shape and for a really great price. They get banged around, but, for some reason the prices stay high. Buyers haven't put their foot down about condition when it comes to buying used laptops, I guess...

If it's a desktop you are looking for, I will be happy to tell you what has worked for me. I will try if it's a laptop you prefer. The deals really are scarce for the laptops, but there are some, so it's a patience thing. The desktops are everywhere on ebay basically...

 

I am looking for a pc desktop I already have a Laptop.. I would like something basic.

 

OK...

How do you feel about the brands? Have you owned a desktop before?

Personally, I prefer the HPs to the Dells, HP doing a better job crafting the details into their PCs, and it's all about the little things over the long term. There are Asuses and Acers out there and so, but the number of the first two makes them very available.

You can get almost anything for less than $200 if you are willing to look very closely and be a little bit patient. Like, if you can wait a couple of weeks for something that fits your needs to come through at your price, eventually it will come through...

Examples of what I have been able to purchase:

Transource Mirage HM800 Windows 7 Professional 64 bit valid installation key/Intel i3 540 processor/8 GB RAM/Asus P7H55-M motherboard/Seasonic 300w power supply/ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphics card/no hard drive $70 delivered

HP 6200 Windows 7 Professional 64 bit/Intel i5 2400 processor/4 GB DDR 3-1600 RAM/500 GB Western Digital 6 GB/sec hard drive/550w power supply: $135 delievered

Maybe you would like something like the HP 6200. The big thing is that it has a 550w power supply, so, with another $40-50, you can add an outstanding graphics card that won't even touch the capabilities of the PSU. I added a Radeon R7 240 to the i3 machine, and that card only uses 35 watts max, but really benches high. I only paid $42 for it brand new in the box. Eventually, I will add one to the HP 6200 and then boost the RAM to 8 GB. Anyway, hardly any PCs come standard with a 550w power supply. Really great...

If you want to go small, there a gajillion really good lower but decently powered (processor-wise) small form factor PCs out there. The power supplies offer limited capabilities for upgrading graphics, which is nice to be able to do, but there are some really pretty good options for this...

 

Hey Thanks for the info. Yes I like the HP as well that is what my Laptop it.I like this one. HP 6200 Windows 7 Professional 64 bit/Intel i5 2400 processor/4 GB DDR 3-1600 RAM/500 GB Western Digital 6 GB/sec hard drive/550w power supply: $135 delivered.

Here is the deal. My mom is coming to visit she only plays games on the PC she is 70. So I am trying to find something basic but works well. I wont use it much because I use my Laptop most of the time. It will be more like a backup computer.

 

Techwoman...

OK, here are some specs of the HP that might help. They are VERY good for that PC I must say.

-i5 2400 Passmark benchmarks at around 5800. This is very good. The best gaming PCs bench 10k-20k, but a normal over the counter base model PC in the $500 or less won't have this good of a processor most times.
-The graphics are Intel 2400 graphics, which are good for onboard and compared to 5 years ago. They are built into the processor. I think the benchmark is around 200. Onboard graphics in general are pretty lame, honestly, but, with the 550w PSU, you can easily upgrade with an r7 240 graphics card for $50-60. That benches at around 1000.
-The RAM is DDR3 1600, and it's fast for stock.
-Unit comes with DVD R/W, which is great
-It's a solid unit. Even with the onboard graphics, I really like the PC. Also, the HP 6200 came stock with the 6 GB/sec hard drive over the usual 3 GB/sec. The motherboard supports that, which is awesome.

I will take a look and see what's on ebay and see if I can make some suggestions for your search.

HP 6200 is a quiet PC and fully upgradeable. You can add any amount of RAM you like with Windows 7 Pro 64 bit, and the graphics card upgrade potential is so cool to be able to do. That really improves the experience of using the PC. Great for your grandmother's games too. No weaknesses in the choosing this PC that I can see...

 

Techwoman...

Sorry, I forgot to mention. I was discussing the microtower, which is what I purchased. The small form factor will give you similar capabilities if you get the same processor and so on, but the power supply is I believe 240 watts, instead of 550 watts. You can still add a graphics card if you want, but if you want to add a backup drive and the card...maybe that would be pushing the PSU? I think you would probably be OK, as I have a PC with the same PSU from HP, and the PSU handles a card and two drives. I haven't had to replace the PSU so far...

Anyway, it's a matter of preference I guess...the microtower or the small form factor...

 

Techwoman...

Here is one that looks like a good deal to me. This is the microtower not the small form factor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-COMPAQ-6...595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item567659b37b

The benchmark on the processor is slightly lower than on the one I have, but I think everything else is the same. Not sure about the power supply though. It might be a 350w or then again it might be a 550w. It looks very similar to the one in mine, but, anyway, you would still have enough power to upgrade any way you like (50w or less graphics card, etc.) even at 350w.

This one has a energy saver processor that uses 65w max. It still benches over 5000, which is the number I look for for a PC that will handle the loads put on PCs by today's standards.

You also have 8 GB of RAM in this one, which is amazing...and the 500 GB drive...

For this price, if you have a little room money-wise just in case something goes wrong (replace hd or power supply), you should be great. In comparison to their specs, these PCs are hardly even getting used most of the time. I have only replaced hard drives on the ones I have bought and then after 3 years. I use PCs hard, too...:-o

I wish I could make a guarantee that this PC will last 5 years or longer without any problems. Can't do that. It does have Windows 7 Pro 64 bit, which is supported into 2020, and the seller is a refurbisher which could help, especially with a DOA problem...

 

I do not want to pay that much for a computer but it looks nice... I want something under $100 that is really all I can afford.

 

OK...

Here's what you might try:

Go to ebay, then to Electronics, then to Computers/Tablets and Networking. Look at the left side area to choose and click on Desktops & All-In-Ones. Next click on PC Desktops and All-In-Ones. Focusing on the left side, scroll down the page until you see the minimum and maximum range you are willing to spend. Put a 0 in the first box and 100 in the second one. Scroll back to the top and add HP 6200 to the search bar. Press the Enter key on your keyboard and wait for the results. You should see only PCs in your price range.

Other than the 6200, the HP 8000 Elite is a good PC. Those can be bought in the $70-$80 (and less) last time I checked. Look for one with the E8400 processor and I 4 GB of RAM. Pretty nice little machine that will do what your grandmother requests...

Good luck

 

Techwoman...

Maybe this would do it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Compaq-6...854?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20fd617046

Good luck. Looks like there are some very good deals to work with...