Windows 7: Memory & System Handle count constantly increasing

Hi all,

I've upgraded my PC and reinstalled the OS; spec shown below. The only difference is that now, my OS is on an SSD drive (OCZ Petrol).

However, I note that my memory usage is constantly increasing; even with only background apps running, I was up to 7GB. When I check Task Manager, I see that the "System" process's "Handles" count is constantly increasing. As I speak, it's almost at 1,000,000; last night I saw it get up to 4,000,000.



Any help at troubleshooting this appreciated,

P.

If it's "SYSTEM", that would indicate something running in kernel mode. Obviously that would mean the Windows kernel itself and it's supporting files, kernel-mode (boot-critical) drivers (like chipset/RAID drivers), and filesystem filter drivers (antivirus/antimalware, 3rd party firewall, etc). Given that Windows on it's own doesn't do this, we can probably safely rule out the Windows kernel and it's drivers. That leaves us with what's left installed on the box - perhaps we can start with that. What (if anything) do you have installed for firewall, antivirus/antimalware, etc. on the computer?

RESOLVED

I think I sorted this one out. It was either 1 of 2 things:

1. The 60GB SSD was plugged into a SATA 2 port. I plugged it into a SATA 3 one.
2. My CDROM drive was plugged into power securely, but the SATA cable wasnt'. I double checked this.

P.