Mystery of the helpsrv File

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
1

Hello again,

 

Does anyone know if NIS 2011 18.6.0.29 use the Microsoft Help Center Service file called Helpsrv file.  found in C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries\helpsrv.exe folder of windows xp pro. I seem to have notice it running every week in the background when my computer is not doing anything at all. Unplugged from the internet I should point out. Normally I don't tend to notice background tasks but this one seems to be running too many times and got me asking questions. I've uploaded the file to Virustotal and it checks out. ok. I understand it has something to do with Windows Help center and remote login, but I checked and Remote login is turned off.

 

Crazy helpsvc service

it just shows up runs in the back ground around the same time NIS is doing stuff. for about 2 mins and then disappears and never reports anything. 

 

The other strange thing about this is that it writes a lot of XML files at C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\DataColl but nothing other then that as to why this service is running.

 

Yes I have ran NIS on full scan and I scanned with other spyware programs like SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and found nothing.  

 

I am most likely over reacting but I just wanted to ask my bugging question..

2

jerrycanada-

 

i cant see your picture yet because the mobs havet approve it yet. 

 

looks like its common for helpsrv to use a lot of cpu - http://www.google.com/search?aq=1&oq=helpsrv.exe&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=helpsvc.exe+high+cpu+usage

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/839017

 

prob nto norton related. should prob post in tech outpost. 

3

I already did all that stuff, before I came here. already tried the Microsoft fix, it's written for service pack 2 and I am using service pack three and so when I go to install the patch that microsoft sends you, because you can't download it. it just tells me it's not needed. I Googled this subject tell I am blue in the face and have found other people with the problem but most of them are having the problem at start up and at 100% of the CPU. My helpsrv is only kicking in after Norton is messing around with the system running it's idle mode tasks. Norton's not out of my usual suspect line up.