Win7/64 SVCHost.exe process / DNSCache service uses 100% CPU

http://fixwin7.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/tips-to-carry-out-a-repair-installation-to-fix-windows-7/

Why do people always ignore the actual problem and just throw out meaningless catch-all “fixes” like run chkcdsk or do a repair-install? They often don’t bother to even ask any diagnostic question; they just jump to these useless catch-alls. ◔_◔

That is absolutely not a solution to the problem (it doesn’t even attempt to figure out what exactly the problem is). If it does fix the problem at all it is completely incidental and only because the repair install happens to wipe out the modified HOSTS file; it doesn’t actually fix the problem itself, just the symptom.

I wonder how many people who just running chkdsk or doing a repair-install sweep dirt under their carpets at home instead of actually vacuuming them up, let alone trying to figure out where the dirt came from and preventing it from happening again…

Not sure what relevance this has.  the implication is that there is something missing or corrupt on my OS.  There isn't anything missing or corrupt. The system passes all integrity checks with flying colors and the problem has persisted through the installation of SP1.  In addition, the link assumes I have a Windows 7 DVD, which I don't. Like nearly all notebooks, my machine came with Windows pre-installed and, unless I make some system recovery disks, I have no Windows media.  I don't think System recovery disks are the same as Windows Media - they simply give you the ability to return your notebook to the state in shich you bought it (which, is generally, not very helpful!)

Is there no one that has any direct experience with these services and can explain why they constantly run away with all remaining system resources?

Dear Answer-Person,

1. I use Microsoft Security Essentials.  It is up to date and has never found any viruses or malware.  In the past I have also downloaded specific other third party scanners and, bottom line, I have never found any malware.
2. I have this problem so often I have become somewhat of an expert on the services involved.  The svchost that is running them is the one that runs dnscache, tapisrv, Nlasvc, TermService, Lanmanworkstation, and cryptsvc. I have manually disabled all of these that can be disabled using the net stop command and kept an eye on the CPU usage.  Unfortunately I have never seen the CPU usage drop (from the high 40's) after stopping the services.  The only thing that makes the usage drop and frees up svchost from thrashing my PC is to kill the svchost.

The issue occurs most often when I am using IE.  I was using 8 then upgraded to 9, but it persists.  When the problem occurs, it locks up the IE session and open apps until you terminate the svchost.  I do this two or three times or more a day for the last 12 months.  Personally I think it is a flaw in the OS - I am using 64bit Windows and if you google svchost CPU on the web, there are HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of posts about svchost.exe consuming half or all of the CPU.  (on my PC mcbuilder ALWAYS has 50% of the CPU so there is only the remainder left for svchost to suck up.)  I have to tell you that I am resigned to no one at Microsoft ever really looking into this issue - nearly all of the threads having to do with svchost sucking up resources end with the users giving up on solving the problem.  I have seen some that got relief by disabling windows update (this is not a problem service for me), some the Plug'nplay service and some errant audio drivers.  I've also seen some that say a large HOSTS file is the culprit (not my issue.)  In fact I can diable DNSclient and it has no impact on the issue.  We should not have to be experts in the bowels of the vaunted Windows Seven operating system just to avoid constant system lockups for years on end.

BTW, as I write this, svchost is using 46% of CPU and mcbuilder the remainder.  And the processes under svchost are the exact ones listed above.

If you know of any other progress being made on this, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

HiRazomatic**,**

****Method 1:

You may perform a safety scan and check if you have any virus or malware present. Refer to the below link to perform the scan and check if this helps -

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

****Method 2:

You may perform a clean boot and check if the same issue occurs. To perform the clean boot follow the step 1 mentioned in the below article and then try checking in this clean boot state -

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

If the issue gets resolved check which non-Microsoft service is causing the problem; referring to the article and following other steps.

After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to reset the computer to start as usual:

a.     Click Start, type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.

b.     On the General tab, click the Normal Startup option, and then click OK.

c.     When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Restart.

Hope this helps.