Explorer.exe runs at 100% CPU

[penguinroundup]

hi, I have a computer I'm working on that has XP Pro on it (sp1). when the computer boots, explorer.exe hogs the CPU and runs at 99-100%. I can get to task manager and end the Explorer.exe process, everything else runs normally. I've removed everything from the HKLM-Software-Microsoft-windows-current version-run key and all shortcuts from the start menu. I've run a complete virus scan, and the system came back clean. the funny thing is, once I get to task manager, if I go to File-new task (run), find explorer.exe and do a "Run As" and run it as the local administrator, it runs fine. but when the user (who IS a member of the local admins group on this machine) tries to run explorer, it pegs the CPU again.

what on earth could be doing this? i'm stumped at this point!

 

[bcastner]

Three thoughts:

. It might not be a virus per se, but it could well still be malware. Try a different approach from tradition antivirus scans suggested in faq608-4650

. It might be your antivirus software. McAfee and several others had this issue. Make certain your AV software (not just the definition files) is up-to-date and patched;

. As a test for possible user profile corruption, create a new user. Does the issue repeat if logged on as the new user? If not, the following tip will help transfer the older user profile data and settings to a new profile:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811151

 

[IloveCheese]

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