There are 72 processes running in my Windows 8.1 PC, are they malicious?

Anonymous
2014-03-29T11:05:48+00:00

Dear community,

The computer is new.

Im not computer literate but logic tells me 72 processes running in th e back ground is too many?

I don't wish to start turning on/off processes in case I corrupt the machine or messing with programs to deselect ...

start up has only 3 or 4 processes running so not so bad.

Any suggestions on where i can take it in London, uk to be detoxed?

Can I get Microsoft to fix it remotely?

thank you

<Thread moved to Virus and Malware forums since malware is involved>

[Original Title: I HAVE 72 PROCESSES RUNNING IN THE BACKGROUND on my windows 8.1 computer......... <Malware>]

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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Anonymous
2014-03-29T18:32:27+00:00

sarah,

CrowdInspect is only meant an an informative utility to let you know what's going on with your system.

You don't need to kill any process, but if you come across any marked with a red dot, run a good anti-malware application like the free version of Malwarebytes to check them out. Download that from here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/free/

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-29T22:31:24+00:00

    Hi,

    As mentioned by others, 72 processes is not that unusual... I currently have 55 running on the Win 7 Pro machine I am on at the moment, and I have stripped everything unnecessary.

    If your machine is a Laptop, it will have more due to some of the power saving features running...

    battery life remaining, and etc...

    My new HP Probook has over 70 also... A lot of the extra are HP Processes.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-29T20:04:07+00:00

    Hi,

    There may be nothing wrong with your system at all. However you might have some utilities

    or programs running provided by the system maker which you don't need. Be sure to check

    those out with the system maker's support and their forums (if any).

    You can check running processes with process explorer.

    ===========================================================

    Troubleshooting methods to use as needed :

    Windows hangs or Freezes

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2681286

    Ways to improve your PC's performance

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/improve-pc-performance 

    Performance & Maintenance

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/performance-maintenance-help#performance-maintenance-help=windows-8&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1

    =======================================================

    Are you using a 3rd party antivirus/antispyware/security program? If so many of those

    can cause startup and running problems. Uninstall 3rd party antivirus and use Windows

    Defender which in Windows 8/8.1 is a full antivirus product.

    Check with the System Maker Support (Motherboard Maker for custom systems), their

    on-line documentation and drivers, and ask in their forums about any known issues.

    Update the BIOS, low level chipset drivers, and the major on-board and separatedevice drivers (all of those can have a definite impact on boot speed and performance).

    Note using Win Key + X and Win Key + W (to get to Control Panel, Run, and Settings

    as needed). Win Key + D calls the desktop and the using Win Key toggles Desktop and

    Start Screen.

    Check Startup Programs.

    Right Click in the lower left hand corner - Task Manager

    Or WinKEY + X - Task Manager

    Or Right Click the Taskbar - Task Manager

    Check the StartUp tab.

    More troubleshooting :

    How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7,

    or Windows 8/8.1

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

    Other programs to help :

    Autoruns - Free - See what programs are configured to startup automatically

    when your system boots and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list

    of Registry and file locations where applications can configure auto-start settings.

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

    Process Explorer - Free - Find out what files, registry keys and other objects

    processes have open, which DLLs they have loaded, and more. This uniquely

    powerful utility will even show you who owns each process.

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

    =======================================================

    If needed : 

    Try doing a "Refresh your PC without affecting your files" (or changing your personal

    settings) or even a Restore. Be prepared to re-install the programs, Apps will remain.

    And having redundant backups of your files off of the main hard drive is always a

    good idea.

    Windows 8 includes special methods to Refresh (keep files and settings)  or a Reset

    (new install removing all).

    How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

    How to Refresh Windows 8 and 8.1

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

    How to Reset Windows 8 and 8.1

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

    Repair and Recovery (create a USB Recovery Drive and more)

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/repair-recovery-help#repair-recovery-help=windows-8&v1h=win8tab1

    ============================================

    If needed :

    Download Windows 8.1 ISO Using your Windows 8.0 Key

    http://mcakins.com/2013/10/19/download-windows-8-1-iso-using-you-windows-8-0-key/

    Download Windows 8.1 iso

    http://philipyip.wordpress.com/download-windows-8-1-iso/

    Download the Windows 8.1 ISO using a Windows 8 key and some simple trickery

    http://betanews.com/2013/10/21/download-the-windows-8-1-iso-using-a-windows-8-key-and-some-simple-trickery/

    You can also make a Recovery USB drive.

    How to Create a Recovery USB Flash Drive in Windows 8 and 8.1

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

    On Nov. 15, 2013 Windows 8.1 Back-up Media will be available for purchase. Newegg and

    others will be offering the disc,

    Windows 8.1 'Back-up Media' disc available to buy soon

    http://betanews.com/2013/11/05/windows-8-1-back-up-media-disc-available-to-buy-soon/

    Hope this helps.

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-29T18:07:16+00:00

    Okay thank you to you both.

    Im running this crowdinspect..

    its doing something.

    not really sure what i do next once its finished its business?

    not sure which ones to kill and which to leave?

    sarah :)

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-03-29T16:32:56+00:00

    Sarah,

    Download this free stand alone tool which will identify all the processes running on the machine. http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/crowdinspect-scan-running-processes-over-virustotal-wot/#more-168665

    But I concur with RalphEllis: 72 running processes are not unusual for 8.1

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