Many instances of netcfg grabbing processor resource.

Newb here so bear with me, please.
Maybe the wrong subforum but nothing seems appropriate.

Came back from a couple of days away. Booted computer.
Boy! is it ever slow.

Did some digging assuming it is a browser problem since task manager shows:
(photobucket doesn't seem to load) - please see netcfg problem 23-11-14.jpg

So closed browser (chrome) and rebooted.
Uh. Oh. Still slow. Now task manager looks like this: netcfg problem no browser loaded 23-11-14.jpg
Note the number of instances of netcfg running changes constantly from one to many, I noted seven at one time.

Googling didn't reveal anything helpful. Unsure how to dig this issue out.

What Is Netcfg.exe?

Netcfg.exe is a type of EXE file associated with MSDN Disc 4616.01 developed by Microsoft for the Windows Operating System. The latest known version of Netcfg.exe is 1.0.0.0, which was produced for Windows.

What Are EXE Files?

EXE ("executable") files, such as netcfg.exe, are files that contain step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to carry out a function. When you "double-click" an EXE file, your computer automatically executes these instructions designed by a software developer (eg. Microsoft) to run a program (eg. MSDN Disc 4616.01) on your PC.

Every software application on your PC uses an executable file - your web browser, word processor, spreadsheet program, etc. - making it one of the most useful kinds of files in the Windows operating system. Without executable files like netcfg.exe, you wouldn't be able to use any programs on your PC.

Why Do I Have EXE Errors?

Because of their usefulness and ubiquity, EXE files are commonly used as a method of delivery for virus / malware infection. Often, viruses will be disguised as a benign EXE file (such as netcfg.exe) and distributed through SPAM email or malicious websites, which can then infect your computer when executed (eg. when you double-click the EXE file).

In addition, viruses can infect, replace, or corrupt existing EXE files, which can then lead to error messages when MSDN Disc 4616.01 or related programs are executed. Thus, any executable files that you download to your PC should be scanned for viruses before opening - even if you think it is from a reputable source.

When Do EXE Errors Occur?

EXE errors, such as those associated with netcfg.exe, most often occur during computer startup, program startup, or while trying to use a specific function in your program (eg. printing).

Common Netcfg.exe Error Messages

The most common netcfg.exe errors that can appear on a Windows-based computer are:

• "Netcfg.exe Application Error."
• "Netcfg.exe is not a valid Win32 application."
• "Netcfg.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."
• "Cannot find netcfg.exe."
• "Netcfg.exe not found."
• "Error starting program: netcfg.exe."
• "Netcfg.exe is not running."
• "Netcfg.exe failed."
• "Faulting Application Path: netcfg.exe

These EXE error messages can appear during program installation, while a netcfg.exe-related software program (eg. MSDN Disc 4616.01) is running, during Windows startup or shutdown, or even during the installation of the Windows operating system. Keeping track of when and where your netcfg.exe error occurs is a critical piece of information in troubleshooting the problem.

Causes of Netcfg.exe Errors

Netcfg.exe problems can be attributed to corrupt or missing files, invalid registry entries associated with Netcfg.exe, or a virus / malware infection. More specifically, these netcfg.exe errors can be caused by:

• Corrupt Windows registry keys associated with netcfg.exe / MSDN Disc 4616.01.
• Virus or malware infection that has corrupted the netcfg.exe file or related MSDN Disc 4616.01 program files.
• Another program maliciously or mistakenly deleted netcfg.exe-related files.
• Another program is in conflict with MSDN Disc 4616.01 and its shared referenced files.
• Corrupt download or incomplete installation of MSDN Disc 4616.01 software.

Based on the above, you might want to run a full scan with your anti-virus of choice and then follow up with other free malware scans like Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, ESET Online Scanner, etc.

You could also check for damaged or corrupt system files by running a System File Checker scan from an elevated command prompt (Option Two.)

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Many thanks, guys. :)

However, it looks like I had a virus or three.
I ran Malwarebytes and it came up with 16 infections
The puzzler is that Malware bytes came out with a clean scan immediately before I shut down Friday lunch time.
Then, I booted up yesterday and the problem with many netcgfs was there immediately.

I do get frequent blocks by Malwarebytes to and from port 6881, (bittorrent?), but a request over a week ago for Malwarebytes support has not yet been responded to.

Layback Bear said:

When you use bit torrent you have just opened a big door for infection to come into your system. I don't believe any security program will protect you because you have instructed your security programs to let in your system what ever the bit torrent sends you.

I accept your warning. If that is what happened then I need to be more careful in future.
Thank you for the advice.

Glad to hear things are apparently back to normal.