Explorer.exe*32 causing my CPU to Run at 50% Plus

**doctorhardware** · 9 Sep 2009, 01:09 PM

I have 5 IE windows opened at once and the highest the CPU usage is up to 20% but the percentage goes up and down. One thing I have my update set to notify me when there are updates and I can select the ones that I want to download.

**MilesAhead** · 9 Sep 2009, 02:21 PM

Get an automatic program killer and add iexplore.exe to the autokill list. Then use another browser until there's a fix for the fix. If MS fix messed it up, you won't be the only one talking about it. Just give it some time.

After Firefoxing for awhile you might not want to go back.

btw I'm not big on installing MS fixes unless I absolutely have to. So I'm not sure if there's a "roll back" to undo the fix other than restore point. Seems like it should keep enough info to roll it back.

**dr_ml422** · 9 Sep 2009, 02:46 PM

Hi gonwk. I learned the hard way and even now w/IE 8 will only use it if have to. Forget about killing IE or disabling it. Idk if Miles has had any issues doing that, but after I disabled IE8 on my 7 64 it went bozonkers and I had to restore back which 7 asked and I did. I'm learning the new OS. Otherwise I'd kill System Restore also. While this doesn't really answer how to cure your issue it at least might make you realise that IE will always have issues.

A clean install w/all the updates and service packs integrated would be the way to go if you took time to backup your settings/software.

**MilesAhead** · 10 Sep 2009, 02:32 AM

Gonwk you should get some kind of image backup so that you only use restore points as a convenience. Try the free Macrium Reflect and see if it works on your system. If not, then $50 or so isn't all that much to pay. In fact they just updated and the boot CD has more drivers for newer drives.

I stay away from MS fixes as much as possible. The expression "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is right more often than wrong. Once I get the system working well, I make sure I have more than one image backup.

btw-one of the nice things about having the Windows 7 Ultimate is instead of using an automatic killer, I can just use the Policy Editor and set it to never launch Internet Explorer no matter what!! Unfortunately Home Premium editions don't have it. You have to improvise. Any automatic kill app should work though.

btw2-I don't set IE to autokill because it's broken, but because too many malwares are configured as IE helper objects. I had one delete my C: partition. No thank you. I'll stay with Firefox or Opera.

**dr_ml422** · 10 Sep 2009, 02:55 AM

Or just go to WD's site and get the free Acronis True Image along w/their diagnostic tool. It'll both check your drives for any damage and also strip them clean to prepare for the image backup or clone which I feel is way better. Just pnp.

I did that whole IE never launch bit and like I said, I think M$ is fos because afterwards I had to do a restore to when it actually was launching. I don't use it anyway, but I'd like to not have it running period. Unfortunately my experience was not great, and as Miles pointed out since all is fine otherwise then I'll jus leave it alone and keep using FF.

If any of you using Ultimate have a sure way w/no repurcussions of disabling IE no matter what then I'll take a look at it.

**MilesAhead** · 10 Sep 2009, 05:08 AM

Local Security Policy => Software Restriction Policies => Additional Rules

See the screen shot. I don't allow mobsync, wmp or IE. Nothing bad has happened yet.

Attached Files

policy.jpg (116.6 KB, 986 views)

**MilesAhead** · 10 Sep 2009, 05:24 AM

btw it looks like Macrium updated the free version:

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

btw afa which image backup to use, if you have plain vanilla Sata controller then likely you have a lot of choices. It's more limited if you have some kind of Raid controller, esp. since, as on my HP system, the same controller also controls the optical drive. When you boot a rescue CD, if it doesn't support the disk driver, then all you have are the BIOS compatibility boot mode, or maybe you can adjust a setting in the BIOS. But it's better if there's either native support or it lets you install the driver via the CD image(WinPE.) Make sure the restore will see your HD. It's too late to check it once you need it. 9 hour restores that should take 45 minutes are no fun.

**MilesAhead** · 10 Sep 2009, 05:43 AM

btw on the Macrium, the one thing they won't give you on the free version or the trial download is WinPE due to license restrictions. But if the Linux rescue CD works, you shouldn't need it. Mainly you would need it to load in the windows Raid driver or some other driver that's not supported by the Linux bootable rescue CD. On my system the Linux CD worked fine. The new free version should have that updated Linux CD I would think.

**drfsupercenter** · 11 Sep 2009, 12:26 AM

LOL, MilesAhead, in Windows 7 you can actually chose to disable IE, kinda like uninstalling it.

I didn't, though, as it's convenient if a friend wants to use my computer, rather than having them mess up my open Firefox tabs, to just open IE for them.

**MilesAhead** · 11 Sep 2009, 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by drfsupercenter

LOL, MilesAhead, in Windows 7 you can actually chose to disable IE, kinda like uninstalling it.

I didn't, though, as it's convenient if a friend wants to use my computer, rather than having them mess up my open Firefox tabs, to just open IE for them.

Yeah, on computers there is often more than one way to do something. This is convenient and easy to undo if the need arises.

**gonwk** · 14 Sep 2009, 10:47 AM

Hi folks,

Guys ... Miles, Doc, dr_ml ... Sorry that I have not posted my FIX any sooner, been super busy with family emergencies.

As a reminder I am running Vista Home Premium, SP1, 64-Bit, and IE7.

The problem is really with EXPLORER.EXE of the Windows and not the Internet Explorer. Because when you right-click on the Explorer.exe when is running at 50% plus ... and tell it to take you to the Source of the File ... you will see that is the Windows Explorer and not the IE.

In Vista if you do a Search in Help Section and look for "Fix a Corrupted User Profile" ... it will walk you step-by-step ... how to fix your problem. I followed it and since then my problem has been fixed ... no more 50% CPU usage and I have had like 6 or 7 Explorer Windows open at the same time ... No Problem!

But now I need help from you the Experts before I do something dumb and wipe my laptop and be forced into doing a "Clean" install which then I will loose some of my Freebies proggies.

HERE is my new problem ... when I was following the Fix from Corrupted User Profile ... I Named my New Users Names G1, G2, G3 ... here is what my problem is my User Name and User Profile Name do NOT match each other ... as follows ... G being my Name and the 1. corresponds to 1. and so forth ...

User Name
1. G
2. G-1
3. G-2

User Profile Name
1. G-2
2. G-3
3. G-1

Q: How can I make my "User Name" be the Same as my "User Profile Name" as it was when my laptop was FRESH!?!?

Thanks,

G!

**dr_ml422** · 14 Sep 2009, 10:27 PM

Do you think even though you may have fixed the isue that using IE 7 is causing all sorts of havoc? Did your Home Vista come w/IE 7 installed or you reverted back to it after uninstalling IE8? I only ask because no matter what any one else says or might have experienced, IE is a pita, and if you installed/uninstalled IE at some point you're bound to have issues period.

Otn, I would try to backup any freebies you really feel keeping asaygt for future troubles. I don't know why you haven't tried cloning your hdd from the get go so you could just pnp the clone in case of some problem. I gave you the link to free Acronis True Image.

Any suggestion I didn't take here usually I paid dearly for it. You might have to do a clean install anyway. My experience w/fixes is that they really don't 100% fix anything, especially when it comes to M$ and computers period.

ie; I just had to put in my cloned XP Home drive because I dl'd a proggie to try and when I saw it was useless and removed it, I went into the registry and wow, there was virtually over a hundred /dll's still there. No way pops. I just pnp'd the clone and wiped the drive clean. Finito. Problem solved. Not fixed.

Good to hear from you gonwk.

**gonwk** · 15 Sep 2009, 02:18 AM

Hi folks,

I just edited my Title ... from IExplorer to Explorer.exe ... I might have by mistake reported that IExplorer.exe was the culprit when I was reading it off of the "Task Manager" ... you know as the eyes get OLDER ... might have read it wrong ...

dr_ml, the TRUE, REAL cause of my problem was in facgt "Windows Explorer.exe" ... you know the one that you open up with Start > Right-Click > Explore button.

BTW, I have never moved from my Original IE7 (32-Bit) version that it came with my Laptop. Also, I am still running Vista Home Prem., 64-Bit, SP1 as it came with my laptop ... Patched with Windows Updates as they become available ... still hesitant about SP2.

Thanks,

G!

**dr_ml422** · 15 Sep 2009, 02:47 AM

Ok well now it's a lil clearer. so you have IE 7 and it's explorer that gave you issues. Anything you read in SP2 that might change or for lack of a better word fix that? If any reassurance, when d-day comes for 7 64 on Oct 22nd, if you'd like you could update to SP2, before that and after backing up anything you want to see how it fairs. You're prolly receiving a free upgrade to 7 64 which will require you to save your stuff anyway so it really won't matter what you do at that point.

A clean install might just be inevitable anyway. Invest in a docking station and any size hdd you want is my suggestion. If it's good enough for myself, doc, Miles, and soup it's not a bad idea no matter what. You know how it is in the computer world. adjustments and new hardware are inevitable, and best to make them ahead of time for future proofing. You're going to have to pay 4 w/e at some point, so why not get it outta the way. It's only a suggestion. Lots of clearances going on on everything so 4 a few bucks you'll be straight.

Also don't be fooled my friend. You never know what MS is throwing at us through the net. They don't want one to use IE 7. They're wanting IE 8 to be the new toy. So call me paranoid, or w/e but I feel anything these guys come up with can affect the whole PC in general.

Like I posted b4. I had disabled IE8 as suggested and my system wouldn't boot until I put it back on. Guess what? Right afterwards it sent me right to The How To Geek's website where I learned how to disable it. Now you tell me if that wasn't a field operation.

Explorer.exe*32 causing my CPU to Run at 50% Plus

Explorer.exe*32 causing my CPU to Run at 50% Plus

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