helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

[Don S]

What is this program, and why does it start when ever it wants to and uses 100% of the CPU for several minutes and I can not control it.

I have looked it up on Google, but still not sure what is true or false or what can/should be done about it.

Windows XP home.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

Don

The helpsvc.exe is a core program file for Windows and is used as its name implies, Help Services. (Under Start Menu, if you run Help and Support) it will run two programs, helpctr.exe and helpsvc.exe and normally doesn't run after a restart unless you've run the above program.

So two immediate reasons come to mind.

1. Virus....very possible. Hopefully you have a real time virus scanner, and if not, you should get one, scan your system.

2. Latest Service Packs/Hotfixes for XP installed? There was a known issue that was addressed for XP assuming you're all up to date. If not, install the latest Service Packs/Updates from Windows

Another quick check for #1. Look in the C:\Windows directory.

Check the size of the file HELPSVC.EXE

Should be one of these

743,936 bytes (71% of all occurrence)
703,488 bytes
696,832 bytes
744,448 bytes
694,272 bytes

Sizes vary depending on patch levels/version of XP running.

Hope this helps.

 

[Cofe]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

From what I have read about this, it could be a nasty virus or worm that is difficult to remove.
Symantec has a fee based online virus and worm removal site.

Here is the link. http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/removaltools.jsp

 

[TahoeQ4Pilot]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

Don, have you read this MS bulletin?:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;839017

It is likely you already have your version updated, so try this:

start -> run -> net stop helpctr.exe

start -> run -> net stop helpsvr.exe

you must also then Rebuild the Help Centre service.

 

[Don S]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

Just to give you some idea of how my evening is going.
1. Can't even find C:\Windows directory or even C:\Windows
2. I have Norton AV and have had it for years. Don't like it but can't seem to get rid of either.
3. All MS/Xp updates are automatic and have been for years.
4. I Never use MS Help, but this exe file starts on it's own at least daily. That I am aware of. Usually in the mornings when I first get online.
5. Please don't tell me to get a manual, I have one, it came with the computer. That is the worst piece of gibberish (sp) I have ever tried to read. It's nothing more than nonsensical words strung in random order to closely resemble a sentence.
6. Time to get a cold beer, and watch Star Trek for a while

 

[TahoeQ4Pilot]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

Just to give you some idea of how my evening is going.
1. Can't even find C:\Windows directory or even C:\Windows

[snip]

.....

Uh, sometimes it's just better to get a helper cause....by #1 alone I suggest you are not going to be able to successfully figure this one out on your own.

Know any 20 year old college kids?

 

[dolluper]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

Right click on the bottom of the screen in an empty space and pull up your task manager ...once in task manager click on helpsvc and then hit end process

 

[Tig]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

6. Time to get a cold beer, and watch Star Trek for a while

Have Scotty run a level three diagnostic.

Lots of good thoughts here already.
Tell us a bit about your PC.
CPU speed (roughly, to judge age)
How much memory?
I have seen low memory cause the CPU to become consumed in paging to disk and bring the machine to it's knees. helpsvc misbehaving may be the task that puts it over the edge. How busy is the disk during the bog?

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

Don, Go into Control panel and then Administrative tools and then Services
Its under Help and Support in there.
Then find helpsvc and disable it for good so it doesn't start up automatically when you fire-up your compu. .

NO HE DOESN'T"T HAVE A VIRUS. !!!.

You people kill me when you don't know what something is.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: helpsvc.exe %#@&* grrrrrrr

Don, Go into Control panel and then Administrative tools and then Services
Its under Help and Support in there.
Then find helpsvc and disable it for good so it doesn't start up automatically when you fire-up your compu. .

NO HE DOESN'T"T HAVE A VIRUS. !!!.

You people kill me when you don't know what something is.

sometimes a virus can disguise itself as something else. not saying it is, but its a possibility. rarely should any program use 100% of the cpu.