Strange application self-launching at startup (Windows)

[Crisis101]

Every time I start up Windows XP, a windowless application called "svchost" appears in the Applications tab of the Task Manager. Hundreds of duplicates of the same 42 KB file are appearing in my KaZaA and Limewire shared files folder, and this strange "svchost" file is the cause. Each of the 42 KB files has a name that would appear on many searches in the file sharing programs. For example, some have porn-related names, names of warezed programs and cracks for programs, etc. All the files are probably duplicates of this basic virus (?) and it spreads through file sharing programs.

Now, I can simply end the process whenever I start up the computer, and that solves the problem until I turn on the computer again. I would love to find a way to prevent it from even launching in the first place. Any ideas?

 

[Bglad]

svchost is a windows file that you need. Either this is not the cause, it is not really svchost but some virus that named itself as such or you have a virus or some other abnormality duplicating itself and calling itself svchost.

Read here.

 

[Crisis101]

I am positive that this is notthe required system file svchost. I said it is in the APPLICATIONS tab, not the PROCESSES tab. There are plenty of svchost apps in the processes tab, but only this virus in the Applications tab. When I end the process, the virus self-duplication ends. There are no ill effects from closing the app, so therefore it is not a required system file.

Also, the svchost virus is running under my user name, not System or Network Service.

Now, this application should be stored somewhere on my hard drive, correct? There has to be some executable file somewhere. I'm hoping I can find it without buying some anti-virus software, which I cannot afford currently.

 

Originally posted by: Crisis101
I am positive that this is notthe required system file svchost. I said it is in the APPLICATIONS tab, not the PROCESSES tab. There are plenty of svchost apps in the processes tab, but only this virus in the Applications tab. When I end the process, the virus self-duplication ends. There are no ill effects from closing the app, so therefore it is not a required system file.

Also, the svchost virus is running under my user name, not System or Network Service.

Now, this application should be stored somewhere on my hard drive, correct? There has to be some executable file somewhere. I'm hoping I can find it without buying some anti-virus software, which I cannot afford currently.

no need to buy. free anti-virus

free online virus scan

 

[hjo3]

> no need to buy. free anti-virus

Norton AntiVirus is also free for the first 13 months. And it's prettier than AVG.

 

Originally posted by: hjo3
> no need to buy. free anti-virus

Norton AntiVirus is also free for the first 13 months. And it's prettier than AVG.

I'll pretty you!

 

[Crisis101]

Originally posted by: FallenHero[br]

no need to buy. free anti-virus

free online virus scan

The virus is gone. AVG is a little buggy (you know, a couple BSOD's and unresponsive virus scanning software), but it got the job done, and it's free! Thank you!

 

[bsobel]

The virus is gone. AVG is a little buggy (you know, a couple BSOD's and unresponsive virus scanning software), but it got the job done, and it's free! Thank you!

Wow, a couple of bsod's is in the 'little' buggy category? I'd hate to see something that was really buggy

Bill

 

[Crisis101]

Originally posted by: bsobel

The virus is gone. AVG is a little buggy (you know, a couple BSOD's and unresponsive virus scanning software), but it got the job done, and it's free! Thank you!

Wow, a couple of bsod's is in the 'little' buggy category? I'd hate to see something that was really buggy

Bill

Quiet, you!

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: bsobel

The virus is gone. AVG is a little buggy (you know, a couple BSOD's and unresponsive virus scanning software), but it got the job done, and it's free! Thank you!

Wow, a couple of bsod's is in the 'little' buggy category? I'd hate to see something that was really buggy

Bill

dont you use Windows too?

 

[bacillus]

lol@ this entire thread!