13 instances of svchost.exe

What is svchost.exe?

The file svchost.exe is the Generic Host Process for Win32 Services used for administering 16-bit-based dynamically linked library files (DLL files) including other supplementary support applications.

As operating systems became more complex Microsoft decided to run more software functionality from a dynamic link library (DLL) interface. However DLLs are unable to launch themselves and require at least one executable program, i.e. svchost.exe, is needed to bridge between the library process and the operating system.

Through the solitary file svchost.exe, the DLLs efficiently contain and dispense Win32 services as well as neatly facilitate the execution of svchost.exe’s own operations. Acting as a host, the file svchost.exe creates multiple instances of itself. The multiple executions of the file svchost.exe contribute to the stability and security of the operating system by reducing the possibility of a crashing process that causes a domino effect on its neighbor processes, thereby creating a system-wide crash in the machine.


In short, its why its been many, many years, since my computer has unexpectedly "locked up" and I was forced to power-cycle it.

Wouldn't quite call it "typical windows rubbish" as it's sorta necessary for the operation of the computer. If you're having some form of problem with Vista (other than the generic view that it's rubbish) perhaps you should post it, along with your system specs, and someone may be able to help you out. While Vista does have a lot of svchost.exe instances running (can't remember off the top of my head how many are on mine) I would be surprised if there isn't at least one type of malware out there which could disguise itself as such.

If you're in any doubt about your system run a scan on it either with the online eset scanner or with hijack this and post the report here.

amacachi wrote: »

So it's just typical windows rubbish? Thought so.

Typical windows ingenuity for the most part. There used to be in older OSs just one instance of svchost but that offered no redundancy, and if it went down usually the rest of the processes fell down with it. Its a rather core element of process management on your machine afaik.

If your McAfee is up to date you should be alright.