Svchost.exe and Generic Host Process

So here is how in general Generic Host Process For Win32 Services error in Windows XP looks like:

It can appear along with svchost error or alone. Generic Host Process error can result in network problems, computer freeze, application issues. It has a lot of reasons and possible solutions in this article I will post some collected from the internet forums, articles as well as some unique fixes. All the knowledge was accumulated in Svchost Fix Wizard that can be downloaded by above link.

Download Fix Wizard

However, if you want to take a deeper tour to the world of Generic Host Process error here is 1 main rule:

IF YOU HAVE WINDOWS XP SP2 OR EVEN SP1 IMMEDIATELY INSTALL SERVICE PACK 3. IN 99% OF CASES GENERIC HOST PROCESS ERROR WILL GO AWAY!

Service Pack 3 can be downloaded on the page: Service Pack 3 for XP 32-bit

For those of you who have Service Pack 3 already but have this error below is a set of manual and semi-automatic ways to fix this error. Reasons can be very different thats why try all the methods and reboot so you can see an effect.

1) Registry tweaks:

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetBT\Parameters and find “TransportBindName” that will have value \Device\. Double-click on it and remove “\Device\” like in the picture:

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters and find “IsDomainMaster” that will possibly have value “TRUE” or nothing. Double-click on it and change its value to “FALSE” like in the picture:

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole and find “EnableDCOM” that will have value “Y”. Double-click on it and change it to “N” like in the picture:

2) Apply latest Microsoft hotfixes

For 32-bit version of Windows XP:

Update for Windows XP (KB894391)

For 64-bit version of Windows XP:

Update for Windows XP 64-bit Itanium Edition (KB894391)

3) Scan with Antivirus

Error can be caused by malware (like famous mshta.exe executable) you can use your antivirus with latest updates and perform a full scan. Alternatively, you can use Stronghold Antivirus that have 30-days full functional trial:

Download Stronghold Antivirus

Also, you can use free and powerful utility called Combofix that can be found here:

Combofix Download Page

Mention, that “Generic Host Process” and “Svchost” issues can be fixed using small but very effective utility called Svchost Fix Wizard:

Download Fix Wizard

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