Windows 7: 100+ Explorer.exe Processes Running

For starters this is my first post, so hello. I'm glad to see there's such a large Windows 7 forum. I've been enjoying everything so far.



I have an

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
CPU: Intel I7 920
RAM: 12GB DDR3 1600 RAM
GFX: ATI 4890



After a few days of up time I notice a bit of lag, when I look at my processes Explorer.exe is running 100+ times.



There's only 6 applications (including background) running + 5 gadgets. A few gadgets are system monitors and the RAM load is at 5GB (38%) and one of the cores is just sitting at ~90.



Any ideas on what could be causing this. It's good after a restart but after a while it starts back up.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Welcome!
While researching your problem, I came across this thread. Hope it helps.
~Jonathan

Hmm, not really logical, unless you got 100+ folders open?

True...
Okay, nevermind my post.

What AV are you running?

AVG Free.

I just ran Malwarebytes and found 'zbot' trojan... not good but I don't think that was the culprit.

Hmm, how long has this "mass explorer production" been going for?

AVG has been known to cause problems. Try uninstalling it and installing Microsoft Security Essentials.

Uber - I just started noticing them this week.

Jonathan_King - Thank you. How do you all like MSE?

Nod32
Malwarebytes
Superantispyware