BleepingComputer.com: Generic Host Process For Win32 Services Error

Hi!

Each time I start the computer, I get an error message that says
“Generic Host Process for Win32 Services has encountered an error and needs to close"
Even so, everything looks fine - except the sound from my speakers completely stop.
I can't hear anything from the PC's speakers.
For example, I can see a movie DVD from my installed DVD ROM, but can't hear anything.

I have googled for this problem and amazed by the number of people affected.
But looks like each problem is different.
Nevertheless, I have tried some solutions offered by those affected.

* Disable automatic updates from Microsoft,
* Use 'FirewallLeakTester' to close ports 135, 137 and 445.
* Download and run Microsofts' recommended Hot fixes, Patches etc .

I get some relief but at the next boot, the error message reappears.
Another way I immediately fix the problem, is to go to Start, Run and type services.msc
and from there look for Windows Audio.
If it doesn't stay 'Started' and 'Automatic', I right click on Windows' Audio and then select
Start and the sound system thereafter works without any problem.
That is, until the PC's next reboot.

My PC is running Windows XP Pro with Microsoft's Service Pack 3.
The system, I believe, is well protected with Nod32 AntiVirus, Malwarebytes AntiMalware,
SuperAntiSpyware, Spyguard and also with Windows Defender.
All are updated regularly.
I use utilities like 'Sandboxie' and'Returnil', if I am not sure of any websites authenticity.
How I landed up with this problem is therefore, baffling!

I am not sure if this problem is Malware, Spyware, a Virus or a Worm.
Whatever it is, it's driving me nuts!
Any help in resolving this issue is gratefully appreciated.
Thanks!

Did you try a sfc / scannow?

Did you try updating your sound card driver?

When you look in the device manager, do you see a yellow exclamation point on the driver's line?

To be quite honest, I don't think malware is the issue here. You're using the best in antimalware software. I also use the exact same thing and I never have any infection. I also run online scans sometimes to be sure.

Thanks Karbo1!

I hadn't tried the sfc /scannow before but I just did after seeing your post.
The scan went thru without a hitch and produced no errors.
I checked the Device Manager and found no warnings or the yellow exclamation
point next to the any of the drivers.
As to updating the drivers I haven't done it as yet.
I would like to do it as a last resort since the sound system works fine after
doing the remedies outlined in my first post.
Regards

I have a similar problem: Generic Host Process for Win32 Services error everytime I boot up, and no sound. My onboard sound card is shown in device manager and it says it's working properly but when I open up the volume control, for example, it says : no sound device installed. nforce control panel says :nforce audio not reported. I've re-installed the sound driver but nothing changes. Also: iTunes no longer plays files, Quicken will not open, and Windows Movie Maker will not start. This all seemed to happen when my daughter was editing a movie with Movie Maker. I've done multiple scans with AdAware, Panda, Avast and found a few things but nothing major. I'm running Windows xp sp3. Any suggestions?

Uninstall the sound drivers currently installed...then install drivers from either the original CD which came with the system/motherboard...or use drivers downloaded from the appropriate website.

Device Manager cannot be relied upon to note/predict driver problems. A file can appear to be as it should...but be damaged, with the damage impacting device function.

Trying to install good drivers on top of bad ones...sometimes doesn't work.

How to update a Windows hardware driver - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-update-a-windows-hardware-driver/

It's your sound drivers which install the "sound device" or "mixer".

Louis

Thanks, sound is now working! but i still get Generic Host Process for Win32 Services errors every time I boot and movie maker and quicken still don't start. Any ideas?

Uninstall WMM and Quicken...then reinstall. Each is probably damaged.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/821690

Lots of random suggestions/comments via Google, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=G...mp;oq=&aqi=

Louis

followed instructions for removing malware on another site and Generic Host Process For Win32 Services Error is gone. Reinstalled Quicken and finally got that to work, but how do you reinstall windows movie maker? it's not in add/remove progs and is not on microsfts download page except in a service pack, I'm running sp3 already. btw most of the random suggestions/comments via Google say that this error only occurs in sp2

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloa...oviemaker2.mspx

You can try reinstalling it.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=h...mp;oq=&aqi=

Louis