msmsgs.exe????

[BASPro]

Just a min ago i was looking at my cpu temp and found to be 60c and all i was doing was surfing the web.Then i looked at processes running and found this msmsgs.exe running .Im pretty sure it is msn messenger (is that the same as messenger in any way listed in services in comp.management cause i have that disabled.Many,many times when i go to shut off my pc it brings up 'msmsgs.exe not responding 'but its never even started(to my knowledge???)I only use it on occasion to talk w parents or friends,but thats rare.I didnt even think it should be running?BTW msmsgs.exe was using 51% cpu(and i have a 3.4g lga775)!!!!Is msn messenger anything to do w windows software,seems like i read somewhere about windows messenger being a security risk?Do i have them confused or are they one and the same?I guess i would like to keep msn messenger unless it is a prob.even though i am pissed that its even running when i havent started it and it isnt in my startup list?This is prob something i should know,but never really worried about till now,maybe i should have,any suggestions?If i need to delete it all together let me know and ill just get aim or something,Thanks!

[Sempron]

I think your best bet is to download the latest version of MSN Messenger, whihc comes up as msmsgr.exe I think. Download it, installi it and run it just like you were going to use it as your main IM'er. Once you've done that 'Run' -> msconfig -> check the startup tab first for msmsgs then check the services for msmsgs or messenger. Both can be unclicked in both tabs.

See if this helps, I know someone else will come to help with another suggestion.

[BASPro]

Thanks sempron,but i do have the latest version installed and my antivirus is all the is checked in my selective startup tab?

[Sempron]

Im not too sure what you have done to try to remove this pest, so I apologize if my suggestions have already been thought of by you.

You could also try opening Windows Components. Down at the bottom MSN Messenger should be there and you should be able to unclick it.

[pop pop]

Assuming you typed that correctly, you may very likely have a worm. Read everything here before doing anything.

Look here: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.hllw.gaobot.bb.html

And here: http://castlecops.com/startuplist-2081.html

And here (the real Messenger): http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/msnmsgr/

I would recommend that you immediately post a HijackThis log for review by Budfred and company!

[BASPro]

it is def msmsgs and i posted a hjt log previously on my desktop just to check it,prob about 2 weeks ago or less.,but that msmsgs is always running and using alot of cpu,kinda wierd?

[pop pop]

Not wierd...bad. I would post another HJT log. I would also go to Bitdefender.com and do an online virus scan. You have to use IE for that. Let it scan your system and kill whatever it finds.

[BASPro]

Im on my laptop,ill go do it now,and see what it finds.Hmmmmm....

[BASPro]

Just curious that bitedefender wants to install a active x control,what do u know about that,is it safe and is this free from spyware?

[BASPro]

2 hours later and still 50% cpu usage

[Variable]

Their online scan probably uses Active X - like a lot of online scanning applications. Without some form of application how could it scan your computer? If you think the site is bogus get on Google and search for information about the site. Always better to check things out for yourself.

[pop pop]

The site is safe--recommended on this site and used by many of us. Install the application and do the scan. Post the HJT log for good measure.

Variable is exactly right. It doesn't matter what site's online scan you use--Bitdefender, Housecall, Kapersky, Symantec--you'll have to install an ActiveX app. You can remove it after, if you want...but it's harmless.

[BASPro]

I trust ya pop,just wonder about a lot of those sites tring to install active x on ur pc,anyway ive already started the scan,about 50% done.I was searching for msmsgs.exe and found some software called security task manager,ever heard of it ?If so is it worth the 30 bucks after the 30 day free trail?

[jlreich]

With the process using 51% of the CPU, I agree it is likely you have a worm. If it was the real msmsgs.exe it would be listed in processes but not taking up any CPU time unless you are using it.

Do the online virus scan and then post that HJT log. ;)

EDIT - I wouldn't purchase any spyware program until you check with Budfred. There are many programs out there that are no good, and/or they actually install spyware on your computer.

[BASPro]

Just finished says no problems were found

[pop pop]

That's good. I would post the log anyway. Never heard of that program you found and I wouldn't buy it. If you want a good FREE app for looking at and finding out all kinds of real-time info on what's running under the hood, download ProcessExplorer. Get it off of MajorGeeks or Google it and go to the home web site.

Ah heck ... here's the home site: http://www.sysinternals.com/

oops...same site but here's the exact page for the download: http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html

[BASPro]

Its on its way.

[BASPro]

I posted it in applications and security