windows cannot find "c:\recycled\SVCHOST.exe". i am getting this error whenever i am starting my OS. How to solve this error. i am using an WinXP media centre edition.

jstrike

svchost.exe is a program used by Windows but spyware and other malicious programs can use it as well.
A description of Svchost.exe in Windows XP Pro

Grab yourself a copy of CClean and see if that gets rid of the issue. If not you might have to use msconfig to try to root out the problem.

NeedKarma

If an svchost file shows up in that folder then you got yourself a problem. Update your antivirus program, reboot into Safe Mode and run a full scan.

benn11

If you don't have antivirus download AVG, update and run a full scan. It's FREE

wtfury

I agree with benn11...I've been using the free version of AVG for awhile now. Works a lot better than the major brand names with slowing you down.

P.S.
AVG picked up a virus on my laptop that McAffee didn't see. It also got rid it.

wtfury

correction to my post. Should have read "without slowing you down". Sorry for not using spell check on that one.

ChrisBedford

CClean won't do it - this is a virus issue. In fact the error is probably coming up because the virus has been cleaned, i.e. the infected file removed from where it was lurking hidden in the trash.

Chances are you will find the registry entry that is trying to start this infected file in one of two places: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run =OR= \HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon. Do a registry search from the registry root "My Computer" for "RECYCLED\SVCHOST" to be on the same side, and delete any key you find that refers to this path and filename. Worked for me!

jstrike

That's my point exactly, CCleaner is supposed to find things like old applications and entries that have no executable. The virus has been removed but there's something somewhere trying to start it up. The offending entry could be in one of several places, including a BHO. In the event it's in a BHO, CCleaner will not find it and the best bet is to try something like HijackThis to locate and remove the BHO.