Windows 7: Norton Flagging Windows folders and high CPU usage

Dear Forum,

I have noticed that at times, especially when I first start up my computer - I am not too sure as this morning there was an update that I was instructed to load - the CPU usage seemed to have increased and flagged on my Norton Antivirus program.

I am just wondering with regards to such messages - I should not worry if they are using a lot of CPU and never touch them as they are part of the operation of Windows?

Thank you to anyone that looks at this silly message.



Melissa

My only observation seeing all the above screenshots is that I have never seen a PC that is crying out more for a clean install of Windows!

Ditto what Mitchell65 says....but here's my suggestion: Don't use Norton. The beauty of a clean install is that you can get rid of Norton and start afresh. Norton is notorious for hogging memory and resources. Even worse, if you try to remove it, it doesn't. Norton embeds itself into almost every nook and cranny and hangs tough.

Do yourself a favor, reformat your computer and don't use Norton. Be wary of the software you do load. Make sure it is safe. Be wary of the sites you frequent on the Internet.

Microsoft Security Essentials will do the trick nicely. It is free. It runs in the background.

I didn't think anyone still use this stuff. I use Avast Internet Security and it does the job and is only $29.00 per year which is probably a great deal less than Norton.

"It runs in the background." --- Ambimom

What do you think Norton Anti-Virus was doing? Does it run in the foreground? Sheesh!

"... this morning there was an update that I was instructed to load ..." --- Melissa

That would be good information to share, since Patch Tuesday occurred ... on Tuesday.

Norton did its job, advising the user of an other-than-normal condition. Just like the Viagra commercial warning, if the high CPU usage lasted longer than a few minutes, then there should be concern.

Curiously, why did mrt.exe kick in when one has NortonAV installed and running? Does one have more than one security program running concurrently serving the same function? I use Norton Internet Security, and mrt.exe only runs when I explicitly run the Malicious Software Removal Tool, kb890830, made available on Patch Tuesday.

If you download the Norton uninstall software that removes it completely!

Alright - I had the update that was installed - notices quite a lot of security updates.

Yes Mitchell65 - I am getting my friend coming in as I have just had neurosurgery and I am not the best. I still have the thread printed out for the Format of a disk issue. I am not too sure how to do it confidentality myself.

Will take on board what everyone has said on here.

The programs may be related to the operating Windows in a secure way. Will not delete or alter anything.

Unfortunately I have paid a lot of money for three years for Norton and people have varied opinions on the software - which I tend to agree as I think that is why I can not take my USB external disk drive safely out as that Norton has something to do with it.

Anyway - I do feel silly and useless - I will restrict my posts.