[srcoffee]

Task Manager shows the "System" process hovering around 50% all the time. (not the System Idle process)

I've run three different spyware removal items, investigated every process on the list, and done all the routine maintenance. What is my System up to? Is something running under its covers?

Please don't let me rebuild my system.

[Retired Tech]

Please follow the procedures outlined here: Malware Removal Guide

You will need a PC which can connect to the internet

Run all the programmes as advised then post a current Hijack This Log in a new topic in the Malware Forum

For the purpose of accurate malware analysis, Hijack This Logs are only dealt with in the Malware Forum. Posting them anywhere else will result in a delayed response

If you are unable to run any of the programmes, please ask for advice in the Malware Forum

[srcoffee]

I posted my HJT log on Monday, but no one replied. Apparently it wasn't very interesting. Actually, I think it showed nothing wrong.

It seems very likely that my problem has nothing to do with malware. But then what could cause this? I'm limping along on half a processor.

Geeks, please speak.

Thanks

[Retired Tech]

Click start then run, type msconfig then press enter, click start up then click disable all, replace the ticks for the fireall, anti virus and any anti-spyware programmes, click apply and reboot, tick do not start the configuration utility when windows loads

[srcoffee]

Keith--are you saying to disable all the Windows functions too?

[Retired Tech]

No, just the start up items in the start up list, with the exception of the ones I put

This means programmes will only load when you start them, not automatically with windows

You can also click start then run, type prefetch then press enter, click edit, select all, right click any file, click delete, confirm and reboot

[srcoffee]

Sorry to be dense, but the startup list in msconfig includes ps2, hkcmd, and lots of important looking Windows stuff. Do I disable those?

[Retired Tech]

That's fine, if anything doesn't run you can replace the tick for it

[srcoffee]

Aha--I find NVCPL.EXE among the startup programs. Could that be my problem? Should I deal with that now (how) or should I continue with the diagnostic?

[Retired Tech]

Just as easy to disable all of them, except the firewall etc

[srcoffee]

I'm sad to report that did not change the system process problem.

[srcoffee]

BTW, it looks like the nVcpl I have is a dll used for nVidia, not a worm after all.