Running rundll32.exe and performance very bad.

[Macflo]

I turn on my T41 and everything is ok and fast. After a while, it becomes terribly slow.
I start windows task manager and see that rundll32.exe is keeping the cpu busy almost at 100%.
Turning off the computer I always get the small window " program running rundll32.exe....end now....cancel".
Please help with this issue.

Macflo

T41, 1.4g, mem 1.5g, hitachi 80g.

[makai]

rundll32.exe is a small executable used by many programmers. Sometimes even spyware programs use this... in fact it's rather common.

There are several ways to determine what program is responsible for the rundll, but more often than not, it depends a lot on what programs you have installed and running.

The best tool to use (other than going into the registry) is to go to Start > Run > then type in msconfig

Next go to the Startup tab and look for anything with rundll32.exe in the command description. Uncheck the entry and restart your computer.

If it's actually a program you installed yourself, then you won't be able to run that program unless the rundll32.exe is running. You may have to uninstall/reinstall the program again... perhaps it's corrupted.

If it belongs to spyware, then the best I can do is recommend the Geekstogo spyware forum>>>
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malware- ... e-f37.html

They are one of the best and I used to be an active tech there. There are many recommendations for anti-spyware removal, if in fact that is your problem.

Try msconfig first to at least try to identify the culprit.

[Macflo]

Thanks Makai, I will try this night your diagnostic and keep you posted; sounds pretty logic as the fact that something is started in the background, that's when the performance is degraded.
Macflo

[Johan]

<snip>

The best tool to use (other than going into the registry) is to go to Start > Run > then type in msconfig

<snip>

An alternative to the above suggestion: You may get the (free and very usable!) "Task-Manager like program" made by Sysinternals/Microsoft: Process Explorer. Install it, run it and place the cursor over the program (or processes) that takes up your CPU power/time, then you will see how/where this program/process was launched. MUCH more informative here than what "Task Manager" show! That's kind of the first step! Then, if you perhaps find a program not needed or wanted, and just taking up CPU power, uninstall that program. Before uninstalling any program(s), you can play with disabling programs from automatic startup using another free (and easy-to-use!) Sysinternals/Microsoft tool; the AutoRuns for Windows. This way you avoid having to first uninstall and then later perhaps re-install. The "Autotuns for Windows" is far better (in my opinion!) than "msconfig".

Perhaps it was also a good idea to run a Spyware check - get e.g. the free Spybot or simply make an on-line scan for all vira and spyware... use the free Trend Housecall.

Best regards,

Johan

[t20user]

I had this exact issue with my T41. It went away after I updated through lenovos system update. Since that updates many things at once I cannot tell exactly which service was at fault.

The other thing I have read about this sort of problem is that some viruses will name it similar to rundll32.exe by using an i instead of l for dll. You can search your machine for those variants and delete if you suspect them.

[Macflo]

Thank you so much folks!! Now the T41 is even faster than before this problem. The utilities posted by Johan are excellent. I ran those first and deactivate the corrupted process (an update from lenovo). Turned off and restart, then I ran antispy and re-boot again. Finally I ran Norton Win doctor that cleaned the remains.
Thanks again for your help.
Macflo