Why are there duplicate entries in Task Manager, and how do I clean it out?

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Event viewer.
Multiples that look the same.
Click on either one and PROCESS DOES **NOT** CLOSE.
Try this multiple times, on both even clicking on the 'do you want to close' dialog box - still not close.
Suggestions??

firefox always has NEW WINDWOWS, it will never open another copy :) sometimes it yells at you to close the existing app first...but only when its not responding

IE7 and higher will open a new process for each additional tab that you create, as well. I think it just now makes all windows a new process, for simplicity.

As well, I use Outlook 2003 at my work and it seems to close itself entirely if you use the X button. At least, it won't continue to tie up any files it had open (like PSTs), though it takes a few seconds after the window closes before it really lets go.

IE7 does not create a new process for each tab. Neither does IE8. The rules for IE processes changed drastically between IE7 and IE8.

I don't fully understand the rules for IE8, but its definitely not a simple one to one relationship between a tab and a process. For example, Java gets its own process in IE8.

I am running IE7 on an XP machine & when I have more than one tab open it uses alot of memory, as does the numerous svchost.exe processes. I have 1.5 GB memory on the Sony Vaio, but the TaskManager frequently shows I am using 100%, or very close to it, memory making the computer unuseable. Also, when I shut it down I frequently find programs "hanging" like Outlook, MS Money, etc. Consequently, I frequently will close some programs running in the background, (systray), that I don't want to use, etc. But I still run into problems at times. I think IE6 is less memory intensive then IE7, and I am sorry I upgraded to it. Any suggestions on the 100% memory useage would be greatly appreciated!!!!

A well written article Sir. Always appriciated.

You've covered basic processes that tend to run multuple instances & a few apps that run simultanious processs. So I'm thinking Info on instances not falling within these parameters would logicly begin on the next page right? :-> I just can't seem to find the 'next page' link!

"I have done my homework, knowing that most q's have already been answered somewhere if one bothers to look! But after reading umpteen pages of info, I find nothing I'd not already covered. I've also ran ALL the 'ware/av/etc.. Hijackthis shows nothing new. Reg apps find 'nada'. I've even manually checked Registry..did I say the R word? Rats! "We know a guy once who said the word registry, and three days later he was hit by a bus." (tweakomatic)

Here's my problem: Running Xp HomeEd_sp3. When browsing w IE8, only 1 window open (tabbed browsing,). I show 2/3/4 iexplore.exe entries in Task Manager. I am accessing the web by tether with my cellular phone (samsung sch-r410 on metropcs, Free Internet, Yeah!!), which I would suspect if this were not a new problem. I updated from IE7 about a month ago but only noticed the multiple processes about 10 days ago.

Closing window (all tabs), results in only 1 process closing. Even 'end process tree' closes only the highlighted process. Each instance shows similar CPU and memory usage, handles/thread counts ALL HIGH #'S, I/O writes.. Lets just say they arn't just redundant entries.. Memory usage high yet networking tab shows no unexpl'd activity.

Anyway.. Finally resigned to asking for help, I chose to bother you. I'm hoping that your High Google Ranking is equal to your 'geeky guru-ness' (as she crumples 2 floor, head bowed)...

I read the answer you gave above about multiple IEXPLORER processes in task manager, but it happens to me even when I only have one IE open. As a matter of fact, it is happening right now and I only have this webpage open, no other windows or tabs. What could be causing it then?

Also, I have two of the following processes running at the same time in task manager: E_S4I2H1.EXE.
Why?

IE8 appears to run multiple processes even if you're viewing a single page. No idea why there are two, but E_S4I2H1.EXE is apparently a status monitor program for Epson printers.

01-Jan-2010

no no no no no. You aren't understanding the problem here. The problem is that processes loaded into memory aren't deleted after the cpu reached the processes eop pointer; or two copies are allocated into memory instead of one. For example, IE8 is run ONCE. TaskMgr shows two processes of IE8 NOT one. Example 2: (Only one copy of WORD is in mem); WORD is closed (both explictly and automated); WORD is still in memory. Explain that?
IMO it's some Windows Update BS, cuz i certainly don't remember this problem before.

No, no, no yourself. IE8 runs two processes. That's a change from IE7. Word and Outlook are also known to remain in memory unless closed exactly the right way. This is not some mysterious plot - mysterious software design, perhaps, but not as horrific as people make it out to be.

25-Feb-2010

i just put a fresh install of xp pro on my computer.ie8 when i open it brings up two iexplorer.exe's when i close ie8 they both stay running if i reopen ie8 the first two iexplorer.exe's stay running and it adds two more and continues on like this until theres about 20 of them running and no web pages will load...i can manually shut them down in the task manager but if i dont ....its a real pain in the neck lol...the problem started before3 i did the fresh install of ex which is why i took the chance,lost everything and ran killdisk and reinstalled new xp

I just read your article about programs replicating themselves in task manager. My problem is that task manager is replicating itself in that window. It makes everything run so slow that you can't do anything else. I have an E Machine with Windows XP and we're on broadband. I have the AOL special edition of McAfee and it updates 2-3 times a day. Also have a firewall thru AOL and windows and Lavasoft Adaware and Registry Patrol. Any ideas?
Nancy

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