I have a HP MediaCenter 2005 PCm7160n computer.  I bought it in 2005 but due to multiple problems had to do a Hard System Restore last year.  Then several months ago I connected it to a digital converter box and it worked okay as long as I was on channel 3.  Couldn't schedule records  but it still worked.  Then about a month later it stopped working and told me the Tuner Hardware was not installed (around April).  I assumed it was related to the digital conversion.  Then 3 weeks ago ehrecvr.exe began stalling out my CPU and running constantly at 50% or more.  In addition I am getting a messenger failure message every time I open MC.  The ehrecvr is stalling out my mouse and getting worse.

I tried reinstalling the Tuner Hardware as soon as the problem began to no avail.  I have been visiting Techie sites for the past few weeks trying to get help and was told at first this was a Codec issue.  I installed a Codec advanced pack which corrected the mouse hesitation for about 3 days and then it came back. I was also told to turn ehrecvr to manual start which also worked for a few days but it keeps resetting itself to automatic startup.  I was then told this is related to a Windows upgrade called Update Rollup 2.  I ran the fixes suggested at http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2005/12/27/507654.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage astebner and ran the 15 steps http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2006/05/22/604380.aspx which manually installs the various pieces of Update Rollup 2 for Media Center 2005.  But the steps have not fixed the problem and astebner suggested I ask for help here. 

Although I like MC I am ready to dump it because it is locking up my entire system.  If you can help me without my having to do a complete hard system recovery again and stop all Windows updates, or disable MC I would greatly appreciate it. 

Thanks Marie

Sorry forgot to mention I am running Windows XP.  Marie

Marie,

When checking your processes in task manager / process explorer, do you see something that has a real long number like "1xxxxxxxxxx version xx .NET optimizer" (".NET optimizer" being the key here)?  I had something like that happen to me after I got my Zune and got all the software loaded...this optimizer was running when it shouldn't have been and at the most inopportune times (if you read up on ASP.NET, it states that when PC is not busy it is supposed to go optimize/update/install etc.) like when I watch recorded programs and dial up the internet, causing loss of modem time, phone line drop etc, choppy picture and general frustration...and then I notice that ehrecvr.exe and this optimizer trying to hog even more, even when NOT watching tv itself.  At the time I had already reverted BACK to .NET components 1.x and all its updates, and I assume that's where this optimizer came from since I wasn't on .NET 2 or 3 versions and the Zune program loaded this "upgrade" that was actually causing grief.  What I did was uninstall all .NET items.  reboot.  reinstalled all .NET items (current version is 3.5 SP1, I'll discuss a little annoying cootie in this update later).

Also, may want to try in your MCE - Settings, General, Optimization and set it for a time your not using the PC and the PC is turned on.

Now as to the loss of the driver and the possibilites of what is really wrong if this doesn't help...got a virus/trojan?  Or, as in my Dell 8100 here, also purchased in '05, half of my Angel dual tuner (now Luminate) would randomly not work...I would know this by finding out one show did record and the event viewer in control panel told me there was no tuner available for the second show.  Upgrade the driver for the analog card.  Try another brand (I purchased the Hauppauge 1600 and USB 850 since I have no more PCIe for their 2250 unit) this way you can use the antenna direct to the card again for the ATSC, although the ATSC processing itself can take 50% of CPU time.

The cootie I mentioned, if you use any Mozilla product and install the 3.5 .NET update and you don't want Microsoft butting into your browser plugins and addons, there is a solution.  The .NET addon, ipod plugin (not sure where this came from), and the Windows Presentation Foundation plugin were all apparently causing the load of my FireFox to be twice as slow...and then I found out that Microsoft FORCED this upon you without your acknowledgement, as well as you CAN'T uninstall them.  Enough complaints has created an new Microsoft upgrade to the .NET 3.5  SP1 so you can uninstall the addon, but not the plugin.  I can tell you how to kill the plugins if you need.

tmetal1

No there is nothing that says .NET running in my processes. 

I've checked for viruses as that was my first thought and no viruses and no trojans.  I'm running Avira and it detects nothing. 

I will try upgrading the driver again but can't afford to purchase another at this time as much as I would love to be able to do so.  Downloading is difficult because I have dial up internet and it disconnects me if it takes to long and it always does.  But I will tough it out and make it happen.

I don't think I have any Mozilla products or the .NET update.

I have ehrecvr.exe running at manual and with it there although I am unable to use MediaCenter it doesn't tie up my computer either.  Which is a bonus at this point.  My only option as of this time is not to use MediaCenter which is the whole reason I purchased this computer.   

Marie

 

Please somebody help.  My system is stalling out.  My mouse has developed a severe hesitation.  Last night my system totally locked up.  I've checked for viruses, spyware, malware, etc and it finds nothing.  I would do a hard system recovery but I can't find my MS Office Program and cannot work without it.  I would buy a new computer (not HP) but have no funds at this time to do so.  Since it appears and everybody I've talked to agrees that a Windows update caused this instability then would someone please tell me how to fix it because I've tried everything every techie has told me to do with no results.  The problem appears to be getting worse.  You are my last resort.  Thanks  Marie

Messenger failed fix

KB946648 @ http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946648

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\ehshell.exe] "AllowMessengerExecHandleFailure"=dword:00000001

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following subkey in the registry:
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Application_name\

I was fine up to this point but I'm not sure what to do next???

1. Note In this step, Application_name is a placeholder for the name of the application that you want to exempt. You may have to create the Application_name subkey. To do this, follow these steps:
2. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Key.
3. Type a name for the Application subkey, and then press ENTER.

How do I know what name to use.  I don't know which application is the issue???

Note The name for the Application subkey must match the name of the executable file for the application. The name must also include the three-letter extension of the executable file for the application. For example, Microsoft Office Excel uses the following excel.exe subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\excel.exe\

1. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
2. Type AllowMessengerExecHandleFailure for the name of the DWORD, and then press ENTER.
3. Right-click AllowMessengerExecHandleFailure, and then click Modify.
4. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
5. Exit Registry Editor.

I'm at a loss.  I understand this will fix the Messenger issue but will it fix the hesitation and lockup issues as well??  Marie

Was there a lot of dust / fluff at the back of the pc including around the cables.  Heat may be causing the problems.  If you've done a clean system restore then I would disconnect all the cables from the computer take the lid/side panel off and blast the inside of the machine with compressed air.  You can buy the air in Staples or any good PC hardware store.

Mickey

Mickey

Had the system in for an internal cleaning last month when I replaced the CD burner drive.  I did a system restore but a techie had me wipe it clean prior to June 18th because of suspected malware so I can't go back further than that.  Trust me I wish I could because that would solve the problem.  All the cables are fine and again it isn't dusty. 

It acts like something is running that is hogging the computer and not letting the mouse run properly.  Whatever it is it is now effecting other programs and locking them up.  It acts like it does when there is a virus but my antivirus and spyware haven't been able to find anything.  I'm at a loss. 

I would do a hard system restore but I have to have Excel and Word and can't find my program disk and can't afford to replace the program.  I called Microsoft and they want to charge $28 for the program even though they have records that I purchased it.  I don't have the extra $30 at this time.  I don't know what to do. 

hotsaucekim:

 

It acts like something is running that is hogging the computer and not letting the mouse run properly.  Whatever it is it is now effecting other programs and locking them up.  It acts like it does when there is a virus but my antivirus and spyware haven't been able to find anything.  I'm at a loss. 

Have you looked in task manager and identified if any process is hogging the CPU?

I'd assume she does..." 3 weeks ago ehrecvr.exe began stalling out my CPU and running constantly at 50% or more". 

But Marie, go to www.sysinternals.com and download the "Process Explorer".  I have found this to be more accurate than the Task Manager and does give a different view to what is really going on.  Some things will look like it is running the exact same time, this is because of how things are catagorized and the "catagory" will show as well as what file may be running under such catagory.

I'd also like to note (sorry, this is a little long, maybe I should say documentary instead of note), depending on what virus may have attacked, some virus programs are OBLIVIOUS to what is malware and what is not, as well as how to fix the problem.  Example:  Last Feb. my daughter somehow got the family PC infected...Ol' standby McAfee Security Center 9 DOES tell my daughter about something it finds suspicious, but guess what?  It's ALREADY TOO LATE.  She did deny such and such files access to the internet, but McAfee doesn't actually RECOGNIZE the Vundo malware...scan, doesn't find anything.  I too have dial up...Vundo malware wants to dialup to the internet, intermittantly put up random useless web sites, and disables Microsoft Updates no matter what I do.  Ok, now install my favorite standby SpyBot S&D (McAfee re-install previous tells me I can't have both installed).  This recognizes that the Vundo is on my PC (kinda stupid huh, pay McAfee to protect you and use a free tool to find what McAfee can't find no matter what scan I run).  Ok, so SpyBot attempts to kill that and a few other malwares...kills the rest BUT the Vundo totally.  Search online for something that kills Vundo, find MalwareBytes.  This finds and fixes ALL kinds of problems including the Vundo...Fast forward a bit, have eventual problems with the McAfee and need to reinstall (try downloading 53 M on dial up while for no apparent reason you can download 49 M and the phone line or server dumps you!  AND top it off, McAfee is not a SMART download, it has to REDOWNLOAD AGAIN).  Wait for a CD from McAfee that never gets to me (luckily I didn't have to pay $10 for something that never showed up!) and basically go without firewall/virus protection for 3 weeks except for what SpyBot S& D protects against and what little McAfee is doing at this point.  Get CA Security Center.  First scan finds remnants of Vundo STILL on my PC.  Not the full virus from not really being protected, but other registry keys still active that MalwareBytes hasn't found in weekly scans...So Marie, take my example and be aware that your virus program may not be doing all it can do.  Just for grins, get the MalwareBytes (www.malwarebytes.org) get the SpyBot S &D (http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html) and I'm sure others would like you to download HiJackThis (this is a little advanced for the average PC user and isn't really user friendly).  Also, when installing running the SpyBot S&D, be sure to temporarily NOT USE the TEA TIMER!  I have noticed that the tea timer is getting more and more CPU "hogative", and since your already running 50% or more, you don't need to hurt yourself furthur.  I once used the SpyBot on a PC that the user was complaining about how slow it was...SpyBot S&D found 998 items <!> running on this PC (BHO, Registry keys, adware, malware, trojan, and harmful cookies) and sped the PC up after killing all these things.

Oh, BTW, my Media Center (ehshell.exe) CONSISTENTLY runs 50% or greater now that I have my Hauppauge ATSC receivers and recording 1080i during play back (I have 2 jobs and a race car hobby, playback is my friend).  I have to say, most often than not, running 50% or greater shouldn't be killing you so hard. Yes, from time to time if running to much with Media Center open can cause what you describe, but not always.  I have the Intel fastest speed before they went to DUO, Pentium (3.59MHz) processor and 2G of RAM (could it be this is 2G saving me from what problems you have??  I don't see your memory size posted.).  Example, remember in my previous post I mentioned about the server or phone line dropped me?  I had noticed later that if dialed up and running Media Center, IF Media Center hits about 70%, sure enough, the internet will disconnect as well as 55 process or more running.  For some reason, ever since putting the CA Security center on my PC, I can run 70 PROCESSES (see your normal Task Manager) where I couldn't do this before....although I will admit that since the SP3 update, boot / login to account is easily 5 minutes or more.  So when looking at the Task Manager or using the Process Explorer, WHAT ELSE is eating time from you if you haven't ran SpyBot or MalWareBytes (even without running Media Center)?