Rundll32.exe does not exit

**DanR** · 2011-02-06 15:51

Running XP SP3, IE 8, latest security patches; 768 MB ram. Whenever my system response gets a bit slower or a bit more wonky than usual, I fire up Task Manager and find that the process Rundll32.exe is there, apparently doing nothing. Killing it via TM returns my system back response to "normal".

Ny understanding is that Rundll32.exe launches/runs when needed, i.e. when an app or activity needs it, it does it's thing, and then supposedly exits it's until needed again.

Any thoughts about this? It is not much of a problem, but it is an annoyance.

**CLiNT** · 2011-02-06 19:07

What is rundll32.exe And Why Is It Running?
Some decent information over at How-To Geeks.

First thing to do is a full AV/AM sweep of the system with known good and non compromised AV/AM tools.

**DanR** · 2011-02-07 11:58

I do this periodically. The only thing found is a tracking cookie or two.

**DanR** · 2011-02-07 12:22

Many thanks for the How-To Geek article! Using SysInternals' Process Explorer, the culprit is an NVidia taskbar init dll. Now I know what to persue.

Thanks, again!!!

DanR

**CLiNT** · 2011-02-08 08:45

Your welcome, I hope you can effect a repair.
C

**DanR** · 2011-02-11 19:20

Problem Solved!

I found a startup item using a dll, NVMctray.dll, to do something with Nv_TaskbarInit.

After disabling that startup item, I have now had several system startups / sessions with no further occurrences of Rundll32.exe remaining in memory.

System performance is now very consistent, i.e. no recurring mild slow downs or other stuff. A definite improvement!

DanR

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