winlogon.exe 99% CPU

[airbourne]

I have a windows XP Pro computer that is randomly experiencing extreme performance issues. Every few minutes the computer will appear to lockup. I noticed that when this happens, it is winlogon.exe that is taking up 99% of the CPU usage.

I have scanned for spyware using ADAWAREv6 and SPYBOT-S&Dv1.3 and cleaned all that was found.

I scanned for viruses and found none.

The computer appears to be running normally except for this lockup - no strange or random error messages.

I really need help on this, so if anyone has ever heard of this issue, I would greatly appreciate the feedback.

 

[linney]

Try some of the online Virus Scans mentioned in
Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650
as a double check. Otherwise it is likely to be a long process of elimination to fix this.


To get further information about any errors look in your Event viewer.

Look in the System or Application folder. You can get to the Event Viewer via right click My Computer icon and select Manage.

To check your RAM.

http://www.memtest86.com/

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

To check your Hard Drive.

The drive manufacturer will have free diagnostic software to check your drive for problems.

You can also load the Recovery Console and run ChkDsk /r to check for problems.

HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP (Q307654)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q307/6/54.asp

To check your drivers.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

To check conflicting software.

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Some general things to try.

See if you have any services that are flagging as "Starting" but not actually running.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Windows.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp