InstStub.exe installs itself multiple times in memory bringing my machine to a halt

When my machine starts to grind down to a halt, I open up Windows Task Manager (WinXP SP3) to fine that IntstStub.exe has installed itself in memory multiple times (over 20 on some occasions) and I am unable to end any of those processes.  My only resort is to reboot.  Since this is a Norton file, what is this virus-like activity and how do I stop it?  Norton Internet Security 2009 cannot find any viruses/malware on my machine.   Or is Norton the virus?

[My own correction] The file name in the Subject line was correct, but I mistyped it in the message area.  It should have read:

 

When my machine starts to grind down to a halt, I open up Windows Task Manager (WinXP SP3) to fine that InstStub.exe [now the file name is correct] has installed itself in memory multiple times (over 20 on some occasions) and I am unable to end any of those processes.  My only resort is to reboot.  Since this is a Norton file, what is this virus-like activity and how do I stop it?  Norton Internet Security 2009 cannot find any viruses/malware on my machine.   Or is Norton the virus?

Your installation of NIS2009 would appear to be corrupt.  Please clean this install and reinstall from a fresh download.  After running the Norton Removal Tool in the steps below, please delete any remaining files and folders with Norton or Symantec in the name(s) in the C:\Program Files directory.  After that proceed with the rest of the installation.  Thanks.


1) Copy your Norton key for safe keeping just in case you need it. You should not need this but it is better to have the key on hand than to need it and not have ready access to the key. You can find a copy of your currently installed key in My Documents\Symantec\Norton Internet Security_Key.txt.

2) Download the Norton Removal Tool from this link. Norton Removal Tool Choose the NIS2009 link and download the Norton Removal Tool (NRT) to your desktop. Directions are on the link page.

3) Download the latest version of NIS2009 from this link. Reinstall After Removal Choose the ‘I have Norton Internet Security 2006 or later’ link on this page. On the next page you can download the latest NIS2009 installation software. Save this file to your desktop also.

4) Disconnect from the Internet until your system needs the connection later in the process.

5) Go to START > Norton Internet Security > Uninstall and let NIS2009 uninstall itself. It will want to reboot the machine. Let it.

6) During the booting of your system, go to Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key until the Advanced Options menu is shown. Choose the Safe Mode option (no network or command prompt).

7) In Safe Mode, run the NRT tool. When the tool is finished, delete the files mentioned above and then click on the Reboot to restart your system.

8) Let Windows boot into normal mode now.

9) Install NIS2009 by double clicking the file you downloaded and saved to your desktop in step 3.

10) When the installation asks for your key or says activating your product, reconnect to the internet then (plug your cable in or turn on the wireless card). [Note: The installation may not ask for your key and activate by using the previous key on the system. Your system will still need to connect to the internet at this point so updated definitions can be downloaded.]

11) Run the Live Update process manually until Live Update reports that there are no more updates to download, NIS2009 is fully up to date.

12) Reboot your system now to insure that any components updated during step 11 are loaded properly.

13) See if your error is fixed now.

Report back here with how this works for you.
Message Edited by dbrisendine on 07-27-2009 03:14 AM

Sorry to take so long to get back to you--summer vacation got in the way.  Well, I followed your removal and reinstallation instructions exactly, but after several days of the macnine remaining on, InstStub.exe is again installed multiple times in memory (12 times), and now a new file also, maybe coincidental, maybe not, but now something called ISUSPM.exe is also installed multiple times, though fewer than the first file (only 2 times when I just counted, but I thought I saw it listed under Processes in Task Manager more times than that initially).

 

Again, any help would be appreciated.

For best results, uninstall Norton. Reboot. Run the removal tool, reboot, run the removal tool one more time. The second time it will likely take longer, and appear to hang, but be patient. Reboot once more. Make sure you download the most recent version of NIS, and install it.

Per the info at http://www.systemlookup.com/ the ISUSPM.exe you see is InstallShield Update Service related; Automatically searches for and performs any updates to the software. Note: Located in %Program Files%\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService<BR />See http://www.systemlookup.com/Startup/4961-ISUSPM_exe.html for more info.

Do you have any other security-related software also running on this machine that could be causing a conflict?

Thanks.  I will try your suggestions.  I do have Iolo's System Mechanic 7 installed, but most of it's functions have been disabled (such as its anti-virus).  I only use it occasionally, and it is not set up to do anything on its own, though some of its services are installed in memory.  I'm not sure if this could be a cause of conflict with Norton.  Something to think about, though.  Perhaps you might know of some problems with it?

 

Thanks.