Problem with explorer.exe

Question

Hi,

I recently bought a new PC, assembled personally, after installing and configuring windows, installed the motherboard and vga drivers, antivirus and steam with some games, I realized the following day of a strange behavior of the process "windows explorer" (explorer.exe ), basically what happens is that the process, after a short time since the restart, starts to use constantly 17-18% of the CPU and to increase the consumption of ram.

For example, after 5 minutes it is already occupying 250Mb, after 10 hours it occupies 3.5Gb, and continues to grow without ever stopping.

The problem reoccurs in the same way even after a clean boot with all services and applications started automatically disabled, same as doing a boot in safe mode.

Performed complete scans with: bitdefender antivirus pro, malwarbytes, wipersoft. No threats found and nothing has changed.

Executed memtest successfully without errors

There have never been any blue screens, freezes or crashes of any kind, even during intense gaming sessions

Info pc:

windows 10 pro 64bit updated to 26/01/2019 - version: 10.0.17763 build 17763 original and activated

cpu: Intel i7-9700k - mb: Gigabyte Z390 Aorus pro wifi-cf rev1.0 - vga: Gainward rtx 2080 phoenix GS - Ram: 2x16Gb ddr4 vengeance led 3000Mhz - primary SSD: samsung 970 evo NVMe M.2 500Gb - secondary SSD : 2x480Gb toshiba TR200 Raid 0 - PSU: thermaltake toughpower grand rgb 850W - Corsair H60 liquid cooler

here is a sample image, while the PC is not performing any operation and there are no open programs.

at the moment I do not know how to proceed, and I would like to avoid formatting and complete reinstalling windows, can you help me?

If additional information is needed I am available to provide it

Thanks, Daniel

Answer 1

Hi Greg,

thank you for your time and you answer,

I finally find the issue and solved it.

Using ProcessExplorer and looking at the thread stack or explorer.exe i discovered a thread, associated to Intel Memory optane, was in loop, eating my memory and cpu, the thread was:

iaStorAfsServiceApi.dll!OptaneRegisterListener

Despite Optane was disabled in my system, the only way to fix the problem was to uninstall the Optane pinning extension from my system, then everything went back to normal.

Have a good day

Answer 2

Thanks for reporting back to help others. We will need to watch the Intel Optane memory issues closely. Are you using it at all now?

Answer 3

Hi Erih. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

1. Update your drivers from the PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.
2. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

3. If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1809 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

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But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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