Windows 7 Slow PC - dllhost.exe hogging memory

[bmxfreakrider]

I have had this problem basically since I installed Win7, I dont know if something I installed triggered it. This is my school laptop so I'm not in the position to uninstall software to stop the problem, everything I have on here I use actively. Ok, so the problem

I have noticed the laptop takes an average time to boot, hits desktop, starts loading the programs and services (~30s) then it feels like the pc freezes. Basically I click something and it takes about a full minute for it to open, and the whole computer is sluggish in general. I dealt with it for 3 days and got completely fed up with it and found a temporary fix and the cause of the problem.

I opend task manager to see what was hogging the cpu, but there was nothing, sorted by memory usage, and BAM 700mb straight to dllhost.exe. I have gotten task manager open during startup and watched what it does: floats from 2-10mb usage then just skyrockets, reacking 700mb usage in just under 5 seconds. That is when the pc feels like an old PII. If I end the process the sluggishness goes away, and there are no noticeable problems from ending the process. Thinking that the process is useless, i bypassed windows file security and deleted the file, but when I did that, explorer.exe took over the memory hogging problem, promptly jumping to ~700mb usage, then shorty after erroring out. Did a system restore and got the pc functional again, just still dealing with the slowness. This laptop is pretty fast, competes with my gaming desktop in vista, so its not my hardware, it slows down when the dllhost.exe process hogs my memory.

SPECS:

Gateway MT6729
Intel Pentium Dual Core T2330 1.6ghz
2gb DDR2-667
160gb WD SATA 1.5mbps 8mb cache 5400rpm
Drivers updated through windows update

Also battery life has rapidly degraded after the install of windows 7, from 1.5hrs to just under 40min... Help?

[EDIT] btw im running 32bit [x86][/edit]

Bump?

These things dont fix themselves (i wish they did)

Bump????????????

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're experiencing issues with a process, dllhost.exe, causing your laptop to slow down significantly. This process is utilizing a large amount of memory, leading to sluggish performance. Additionally, after attempting to delete the file causing the problem, explorer.exe takes over and encounters issues, further impacting the system's functionality.

Let's address your concerns and see if we can help resolve these issues:

1. dllhost.exe High Memory Usage:
- dllhost.exe is a legitimate Windows process responsible for running COM objects. High memory usage by this process can indicate underlying issues with COM components or third-party software.
- Since ending the process alleviates the sluggishness, it's likely a specific component or software triggering this behavior. However, caution is advised when terminating system processes, as it can lead to instability or crashes.

2. Temporary Solutions:
- While ending the dllhost.exe process temporarily resolves the performance issue, it's not a permanent solution. Identifying the root cause is crucial for a lasting fix.
- System Restore helped in restoring functionality, but the issue persists.

3. Battery Life Degradation:
- The rapid decline in battery life post-Windows 7 installation could be due to various factors such as older battery health, drivers, or system settings.

4. Steps to Resolve:
- Given that you can't uninstall software, here are steps you can take:
1. Malware Check: Run a full system scan with a reliable antivirus to rule out malware causing the issue.
2. Task Scheduler: Check if any tasks trigger the dllhost.exe behavior.
3. Event Viewer: Look for error logs around the time of the issue to identify potential triggers.
4. Resource Monitor: Use Resource Monitor to delve deeper into the processes causing high memory usage.
5. Update: Ensure all Windows updates are installed to address any known issues.
6. Check Drivers: While drivers are updated via Windows Update, consider checking the manufacturer's website for driver updates specific to your laptop model.

5. Battery Life:
- Battery calibration might help recalibrate the battery meter for accurate readings. You can also review power settings to optimize battery performance.

Given the complexity of the issue, further troubleshooting may be required. If these steps don't fully resolve the problem, seeking professional assistance or contacting your school's IT support could provide more tailored solutions without compromising your essential software.