Windows XP - 498MB memory usage from clean boot? WTF?

[metroplex]

I have a Dell laptop that has usually only used a total Commit charge of about 197-200 MB in the past (with Symantec Antivirus loaded).

Now, my laptop is consistently using 500MB-600MB from a cold boot. explorer.exe and svchost.exe are taking up 50MB each which isn't normal for this PC.

How do I check to see what's going on? I've already scanned the service list and do not see anything unusual.

The Laptop only has 512MB RAM so now everything is sluggish since the pagefile is already being used instead of RAM.

 

[Estrella]

First of all unless you only run word pad and IE you need a gig IMO for any modern computing. Yes, 500MB-600MB is incredibly "wrong." So run w/e detection and removal system you use for viruses or if this does not work ar takes too much time since you are already going from your current page file it is time for a OS reinstall. Most likely you need to be more careful with what you have at boot time or with promicuous computer activites, OH dirty, such as your websurfing habits. If you have to reinstall OS then back things up🙂 If you are like me you already have anything you desparately need backed up already.

 

[MrChad]

I'm assuming you've scanned for spyware? Sounds like rogue programs and/or explorer add-ons may be taking a bite out of your resources.

 

[metroplex]

It turns out Symantec Anti-Virus was the root of the problem. I always keep an eye on services being loaded and check spyware on a monthly basis. The only time I ever got a widespread LAN worm infection was from.... surfing a CHURCH website!!! LOL.

Now its back to normal. I'm running AVG and it only takes up about 40MB commit charge.
My Dell laptop only supports up to 512MB RAM. I agree that modern computing should require at least 1GB. I have 2GB at work and everything flies. I have set 4GB as a requirement for my next PC build.