wuaudt.exe is really bogging down my computer

Anonymous
2010-08-03T18:57:06+00:00

Recently, when I first start my computer for the day, wuaudt.exe runs and really bogs down my computer.  In Task Manager it shows it is using a lot of memory along with one of the many svchost.exe's that are running.  I had my computer set up to notify me when updates are available.  I have investigated this problem and found about the only thing to do is disable automatic updates altogether.  I have turned off Automatic Updates, unchecked Automatic Updates under the Services tab in msconfig and in services.msc I have set Automatic Updates to manual.  This seems to keep wuaudt.exe from running.  I read in one place that Microsoft issues updates on the first and third Tuesday's of each month so I plan on doing manual updates at those times.  Does anyone know why wuaudt.exe is suddenly such a memory hog? It only seems to be a problem the first time I time turn my computer on (I turn it off when not in use to save electricity).  If I shut it off and restart it later in the day, there is not a performance problem.  I have a Dell Dimension 5100C, Windows XP Pro SP3, 512 MB RAM, Pentium 4 3.00 Ghz processor. 

 I would like to be able to be notified of critical updates when they are issued but I don't want wuaudt.exe running every day if it is going to  bog me down.  Any ideas?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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Anonymous
2010-08-22T19:22:13+00:00

Thanks for the info!  I've opted out of Microsoft Updates as you and PA Bear have suggested.  Keeping my fingers crossed that everything works normally tomorrow!

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Anonymous
2010-08-20T19:29:09+00:00

Update: Due primarily to exchanges with several MS MVPS on the behalf of users like you, Microsoft is aware of and has acknowledged the issue:

"We have gotten reports from multiple sources and consider this to be a live service issue and we are investigating it as a Priority 1."

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-05-22T06:17:25+00:00

    So, okay, you said the sole purpose was to chew @ss.  But in the interest of humanity, how about, since you are so knowledgeable and I do not mean that as a slam, an answer as to what to do to correct the situation.

    While I cannot speak about others, my system is a Windows XP SP3, 32 bit and the problem is with WUAUDT.exe and not with wuauclt.exe.

    I have read alot about this at different places and most say it is malware.  However, I have anti-virus/anti-malware/anti-everything dangerous software installed and running constantly since 2008 and have never in all of that time found any malware through any scan from any place, nor any virus or anything else that might cause a problem.  In addition, this exe file begins about 15 minutes after boot up and last for about 15+ minutes then disappears - completely!  A search of my system, after the program disappears shows zero using Windows search of my computer. searching for wuaudt.exe.  Next I intend to search using *wuaudt*.exe and see if anything pops but even if it does suddenly show up from no-where land, what next?

    Is this a valid Microsoft program or not?  IF not, as far as I am concerned, it is gone unless I can connect it to a valid program.  Let's assume that I cannot connect it to anything, then the question is, how did it get on my system with all of the protection I have?  I know at some point someone is going to ask the question so the answer is: TrendMicro Titanium subscription service that works very well, in the background, without causing a problem, which is very nice.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-01-11T19:54:50+00:00

    ...Being unemployed I am forced to still run an XP machine.

    <ouch> on so many accounts.

    Long story, short version: Since no further updates for WinXP have been released since 08 April 2014 [that alone should scare the bejesus out of you!], there's no point in leaving Automatic Updates enabled.  That should take care of WUAUClient "eating up" your metered data...

    ...but the WinXP computer (and your personal data) is still at-risk. If AVG's still supporting WinXP (probably not for much longer, if so), AVG's realtime protection is NOT a replacement for the hundreds of security updates released since April 2104 for Vista & higher but not WinXP.

    If you MUST go online, use a computer at your local library or internet café - not your WinXP computer at home. If you MUST use the WinXP computer at home, do so sparingly (e.g., 2-3 minutes, max) and be VERY CAREFUL clicking on links & opening emails (and attachments to same).

    If you have a Smartphone (or can afford a cheap one), you're better off using it for your online necessities.

    Or you might be able to afford a low-end Tablet PC (Windows or Android)?

    Hope 2016 is a much brighter year for you & yours. Your very kind words are very much appreciated!

    <canned>

    IMPORTANT! => The WinXP computer should NOT be connected to the internet or any other computers. All of your personal data (e.g., online banking & credit-card passwords) should be considered at-risk, if not already compromised.

        • Extended Support [and updates] for Windows XP ended on 08 April 2014

           http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help

        • Microsoft security research paints bleak picture for WinXP users after 08 April 2014

           http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-security-research-paints-bleak-picture-for-xp-users-7000022537/

        • Cyber threats to WinXP: Guidance for Home Users & Small Businesses

           http://blogs.technet.com/b/security/archive/2014/03/24/cyber-threats-to-windows-xp-and-guidance-for-small-businesses-and-individual-consumers.aspx

        • Java and WinXP

          https://www.java.com/en/download/faq/winxp.xml

    Office 2003 SP3: End of Extended Support

    http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=2488

    </canned>

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-01-11T00:23:44+00:00

    PA Bear -

    I have been following you for years.  You are one of the very few poster/and or MVP's I trust.  Being unemployed I am forced to still run an XP machine. Do you recommend any updates I should uninstall to get rid of wuaudt.exe and the following that are also eating up my useuage:

    avgsve.exe

    avguix.exe

    mampeng.exe

    applemobleddeviceservice.exe

    Being on XP, do you suggest I stop getting all MS updates?

    MS should be paying you.  You provide the best advice I have seen posted anywhere - including the MS site.

    Peace and good health.

    Bob

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