|  | winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  | |
| | | Dale Chamberlain |  |
| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:57 am Post subject: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
After updating my Windows XP Pro machine from SP2 to SP3, I have run into a problem where winlogon.exe is consuming 50% CPU on an AMD dual core processor machine.
Normal windows shutdown does not work. I am forced to hold down on the power button to shut down the computer.
Any one else experiencing this problem? Any thoughts as to what is causing it (besides the SP3 update)? |
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| | | Thee Chicago Wolf |  |
| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 11:31 am Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
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| Quote: | After updating my Windows XP Pro machine from SP2 to SP3, I have run into a problem where winlogon.exe is consuming 50% CPU on an AMD dual core processor machine.
Normal windows shutdown does not work. I am forced to hold down on the power button to shut down the computer.
Any one else experiencing this problem? Any thoughts as to what is causing it (besides the SP3 update)?
|
Well, I've seen this occur on some machines that have had SP3 just installed on them. I let the system alone for a few minutes and eventually it returns to 0% usage. It almost seemed as if it was doing some sort of update and was using winlogon.exe in the process. The next time I rebooted the computer it did not have any high CPU utilization. Is it continuing to be at 50% even after a long duration of use or time has passed?
A couple of KB articles have been released since SP3 was released. One remains published and the other is still not yet available in the KB.
Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer and see if there's anything weird in there (Red flags, yellow flags) relating to the winlogon.exe process.
- Thee Chicago Wolf |
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| | | Dale Chamberlain |  |
| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 11:52 am Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
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I have left the machine run all day (12 hours or more) and it shows that winlogon.exe continues to consume 50% of the CPU. Most of the time when I boot up the machine, winlogon seems to behave normally. But then something later triggers it to go into the 50% consumption mode and it won't stop until I physically power off the computer. I can't even shut down normally; I have to hold down on the power button to shut it down.
I looked at the Event Viewer and it shows no red or yellow flags related to winlogon.exe. Today's session is clear of any flags, but yesterday's shows where I had to crash Windows Media Player since it wouldn't end normally. I don't know if that is related to the winlogon problem or not.
I fear I may have to reload Windows to get rid of this problem.
Dale
"Thee Chicago Wolf" wrote:
| Quote: | After updating my Windows XP Pro machine from SP2 to SP3, I have run into a problem where winlogon.exe is consuming 50% CPU on an AMD dual core processor machine.
Normal windows shutdown does not work. I am forced to hold down on the power button to shut down the computer.
Any one else experiencing this problem? Any thoughts as to what is causing it (besides the SP3 update)?
Well, I've seen this occur on some machines that have had SP3 just installed on them. I let the system alone for a few minutes and eventually it returns to 0% usage. It almost seemed as if it was doing some sort of update and was using winlogon.exe in the process. The next time I rebooted the computer it did not have any high CPU utilization. Is it continuing to be at 50% even after a long duration of use or time has passed?
A couple of KB articles have been released since SP3 was released. One remains published and the other is still not yet available in the KB.
Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer and see if there's anything weird in there (Red flags, yellow flags) relating to the winlogon.exe process.
- Thee Chicago Wolf
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| | | PA Bear [MS MVP] |  |
| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to LINK | select "Windows XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3" -- ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002 AumHa VSOP & Admin LINK DTS-L LINK
Dale Chamberlain wrote:
| Quote: | After updating my Windows XP Pro machine from SP2 to SP3, I have run into a problem where winlogon.exe is consuming 50% CPU on an AMD dual core processor machine.
Normal windows shutdown does not work. I am forced to hold down on the power button to shut down the computer.
Any one else experiencing this problem? Any thoughts as to what is causing it (besides the SP3 update)? |
|
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| | | Thee Chicago Wolf |  |
| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
| |  | |
| Quote: | I have left the machine run all day (12 hours or more) and it shows that winlogon.exe continues to consume 50% of the CPU. Most of the time when I boot up the machine, winlogon seems to behave normally. But then something later triggers it to go into the 50% consumption mode and it won't stop until I physically power off the computer. I can't even shut down normally; I have to hold down on the power button to shut it down.
I looked at the Event Viewer and it shows no red or yellow flags related to winlogon.exe. Today's session is clear of any flags, but yesterday's shows where I had to crash Windows Media Player since it wouldn't end normally. I don't know if that is related to the winlogon problem or not.
I fear I may have to reload Windows to get rid of this problem.
|
That's very suspicious behavior if winlogon.exe starts consuming CPU cycles. We can surely see what's attached to Winlogon that may or may not be causing it by downloading Process Explorer (Free, grab it here: LINK), firing it up, and looking at the Winlogon.exe process and anything attached to it.
I opened up Process Explorer on my PC and can see services.exe, 5 instances of SVChost, spoolsv, mdm, and lsass.exe. I would guess yours would look the same but my hunch is you'll see that one of the svchost.exe's is doing some kind of monkey business. Try that next and let me know what you find.
- Thee Chicago Wolf |
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| | | Dale Chamberlain |  |
| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
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Here is what Process Explorer is showing for winlogon.exe:
winlogon.exe services.exe svchost.exe obroker.exe rapimgr.exe hpdarc.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe wuauclt.exe TPSrv.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe spoolsv.exe schedul2.exe AppleMobileDeviceService.exe mDNSResponder.exe CepstralLicSrv.exe cisvc.exe cidaemon.exe cidaemon.exe DkService.exe GoogleUpdaterService.exe LSSrvc.exe MDM.EXE NBService.exe nvsvc32.exe PsCtrlS.exe apvxdwin.exe SrvLoad.exe WebProxy.exe PavBckPT.exe PAVFNSVR.EXE PavPrSrv.exe PAVSRV51.EXE AVENGINE.EXE HPZipm12.exe pskmssvc.exe PSIService.exe PSHost.exe PsImSvc.exe svchost.exe ULCDRSvr.exe nmsrvc.exe alg.exe FNPLicensingService.exe dllhost.exe msdtc.exe lsass.exe
"Thee Chicago Wolf" wrote:
| Quote: | I have left the machine run all day (12 hours or more) and it shows that winlogon.exe continues to consume 50% of the CPU. Most of the time when I boot up the machine, winlogon seems to behave normally. But then something later triggers it to go into the 50% consumption mode and it won't stop until I physically power off the computer. I can't even shut down normally; I have to hold down on the power button to shut it down.
I looked at the Event Viewer and it shows no red or yellow flags related to winlogon.exe. Today's session is clear of any flags, but yesterday's shows where I had to crash Windows Media Player since it wouldn't end normally. I don't know if that is related to the winlogon problem or not.
I fear I may have to reload Windows to get rid of this problem.
That's very suspicious behavior if winlogon.exe starts consuming CPU cycles. We can surely see what's attached to Winlogon that may or may not be causing it by downloading Process Explorer (Free, grab it here: LINK), firing it up, and looking at the Winlogon.exe process and anything attached to it.
I opened up Process Explorer on my PC and can see services.exe, 5 instances of SVChost, spoolsv, mdm, and lsass.exe. I would guess yours would look the same but my hunch is you'll see that one of the svchost.exe's is doing some kind of monkey business. Try that next and let me know what you find.
- Thee Chicago Wolf
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| | | Thee Chicago Wolf |  |
| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:08 am Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
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| Quote: | Here is what Process Explorer is showing for winlogon.exe:
winlogon.exe services.exe svchost.exe obroker.exe rapimgr.exe hpdarc.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe wuauclt.exe TPSrv.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe spoolsv.exe schedul2.exe AppleMobileDeviceService.exe mDNSResponder.exe CepstralLicSrv.exe cisvc.exe cidaemon.exe cidaemon.exe DkService.exe GoogleUpdaterService.exe LSSrvc.exe MDM.EXE NBService.exe nvsvc32.exe PsCtrlS.exe apvxdwin.exe SrvLoad.exe WebProxy.exe PavBckPT.exe PAVFNSVR.EXE PavPrSrv.exe PAVSRV51.EXE AVENGINE.EXE HPZipm12.exe pskmssvc.exe PSIService.exe PSHost.exe PsImSvc.exe svchost.exe ULCDRSvr.exe nmsrvc.exe alg.exe FNPLicensingService.exe dllhost.exe msdtc.exe lsass.exe
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All that is beneath the winlogon.exe branch as shown in Process Explorer!? That seems like a lot. In any case, when you have Process Explorer open, watch for any specific application beneath winlogon.exe that might be causing usage specifically. I don't suspect winlogon.exe itself is doing this. Keep an eye on the CPU column and see if a specific app in that list of yours is gobbling up cycles. In the column to the right of the application, you can see some specifics such Description and Company name. Note that info in your reply.
- Thee Chicago Wolf |
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| | | Dale Chamberlain |  |
| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:36 am Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
| |  | |
Yes, all of these are listed under winlogon.exe. When I was running Process Explorer, winlogon.exe itself was showing 49-50% CPU utilization, and occassionally a process under it would flash .77% utilization. I never saw any one process continually using CPU for long periods of time, except for winlogon.exe.
I've run virus scans, spyware scans and nothing was found.
However, the last 3 times I've booted the machine everything seemed to be normal. Then suddenly I get a popup "winlogon.exe - Application error The instruction at "0x011bcad4" referenced memory at "0x011bcad4". The memory could not be "written" Click on OK to terminate the program Click on CANCEL to debug the program"
Sometimes the addresses displayed are different, but in each case both the "instruction at" and the "referenced memory" addresses are the same. Of course, clicking on OK causes the system to reboot.
I'm thinking that it is time for the annual "Reload Windows" routine. Thank you Microsoft!
"Thee Chicago Wolf" wrote:
| Quote: | Here is what Process Explorer is showing for winlogon.exe:
winlogon.exe services.exe svchost.exe obroker.exe rapimgr.exe hpdarc.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe wuauclt.exe TPSrv.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe spoolsv.exe schedul2.exe AppleMobileDeviceService.exe mDNSResponder.exe CepstralLicSrv.exe cisvc.exe cidaemon.exe cidaemon.exe DkService.exe GoogleUpdaterService.exe LSSrvc.exe MDM.EXE NBService.exe nvsvc32.exe PsCtrlS.exe apvxdwin.exe SrvLoad.exe WebProxy.exe PavBckPT.exe PAVFNSVR.EXE PavPrSrv.exe PAVSRV51.EXE AVENGINE.EXE HPZipm12.exe pskmssvc.exe PSIService.exe PSHost.exe PsImSvc.exe svchost.exe ULCDRSvr.exe nmsrvc.exe alg.exe FNPLicensingService.exe dllhost.exe msdtc.exe lsass.exe
All that is beneath the winlogon.exe branch as shown in Process Explorer!? That seems like a lot. In any case, when you have Process Explorer open, watch for any specific application beneath winlogon.exe that might be causing usage specifically. I don't suspect winlogon.exe itself is doing this. Keep an eye on the CPU column and see if a specific app in that list of yours is gobbling up cycles. In the column to the right of the application, you can see some specifics such Description and Company name. Note that info in your reply.
- Thee Chicago Wolf
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| | | PA Bear [MS MVP] |  |
| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:45 am Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
| |  | |
1. Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to LINK | select "Windows XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
2. The behavior could be totally unrelated to the install of WinXP SP3.
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software LINK
Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log to an appropriate forum.
Checking for/Help with Hijackware LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK
When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2 (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to LINK LINK LINK or other appropriate forums for review by an expert in such matters, not here.**
If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop. -- ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002 AumHa VSOP & Admin LINK DTS-L LINK
Dale Chamberlain wrote:
| Quote: | Yes, all of these are listed under winlogon.exe. When I was running Process Explorer, winlogon.exe itself was showing 49-50% CPU utilization, and occassionally a process under it would flash .77% utilization. I never saw any one process continually using CPU for long periods of time, except for winlogon.exe.
I've run virus scans, spyware scans and nothing was found.
However, the last 3 times I've booted the machine everything seemed to be normal. Then suddenly I get a popup "winlogon.exe - Application error The instruction at "0x011bcad4" referenced memory at "0x011bcad4". The memory could not be "written" Click on OK to terminate the program Click on CANCEL to debug the program"
Sometimes the addresses displayed are different, but in each case both the "instruction at" and the "referenced memory" addresses are the same. Of course, clicking on OK causes the system to reboot.
I'm thinking that it is time for the annual "Reload Windows" routine. Thank you Microsoft!
"Thee Chicago Wolf" wrote:
Here is what Process Explorer is showing for winlogon.exe:
winlogon.exe services.exe svchost.exe obroker.exe rapimgr.exe hpdarc.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe wuauclt.exe TPSrv.exe svchost.exe svchost.exe spoolsv.exe schedul2.exe AppleMobileDeviceService.exe mDNSResponder.exe CepstralLicSrv.exe cisvc.exe cidaemon.exe cidaemon.exe DkService.exe GoogleUpdaterService.exe LSSrvc.exe MDM.EXE NBService.exe nvsvc32.exe PsCtrlS.exe apvxdwin.exe SrvLoad.exe WebProxy.exe PavBckPT.exe PAVFNSVR.EXE PavPrSrv.exe PAVSRV51.EXE AVENGINE.EXE HPZipm12.exe pskmssvc.exe PSIService.exe PSHost.exe PsImSvc.exe svchost.exe ULCDRSvr.exe nmsrvc.exe alg.exe FNPLicensingService.exe dllhost.exe msdtc.exe lsass.exe
All that is beneath the winlogon.exe branch as shown in Process Explorer!? That seems like a lot. In any case, when you have Process Explorer open, watch for any specific application beneath winlogon.exe that might be causing usage specifically. I don't suspect winlogon.exe itself is doing this. Keep an eye on the CPU column and see if a specific app in that list of yours is gobbling up cycles. In the column to the right of the application, you can see some specifics such Description and Company name. Note that info in your reply.
- Thee Chicago Wolf |
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| | | Thee Chicago Wolf |  |
| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:01 pm Post subject: Re: winlogon.exe consumes 50% CPU after XP Pro SP3 update |  |
| |  | |
| Quote: | Yes, all of these are listed under winlogon.exe. When I was running Process Explorer, winlogon.exe itself was showing 49-50% CPU utilization, and occassionally a process under it would flash .77% utilization. I never saw any one process continually using CPU for long periods of time, except for winlogon.exe.
I've run virus scans, spyware scans and nothing was found.
However, the last 3 times I've booted the machine everything seemed to be normal. Then suddenly I get a popup "winlogon.exe - Application error The instruction at "0x011bcad4" referenced memory at "0x011bcad4". The memory could not be "written" Click on OK to terminate the program Click on CANCEL to debug the program"
Sometimes the addresses displayed are different, but in each case both the "instruction at" and the "referenced memory" addresses are the same. Of course, clicking on OK causes the system to reboot.
I'm thinking that it is time for the annual "Reload Windows" routine. Thank you Microsoft!
|
Well, maybe you don't have to throw in the towel just yet. Now if it threw and exception, that should be in the Event Viewer and perhaps even reference some other service (EXE) or perhaps a DLL it doesn't like. Check event viewer again and see if there's anything there now.
There has been one update to winlogon.exe that was released since SP3 came out. If event viewer doesn't yield anything, visit LINK While you aren't experiencing the issue mentioned, it certainly would not hurt to get the fix and apply it to see if it remedies your issue. You never know and I'm hoping to spare you the trouble of reloading Windows.
If you want to try it, click the link "View and request hotfix downloads" at the top of the page, accept the agreement, and fill in the form. When you click submit, they send a link to the fix to the e-mail address you supply within a minute or two. It'll be a password protected file but they supply you with the password. Download, extract the file, install the patch, reboot. Let me know how it goes.
- Thee Chicago Wolf |
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