Question : How to fix SVCHOST.EXE taking 99% of CPU

I am faced with this Windows XP Home SP3 machine.
After a minute or two following start-up, one of the SVCHOST.EXE processes consistently takes up 99% of the CPU. It runs under System Account.
Process Explorer shows that this particular instance of SVCHOST.EXE is responsible for the following services;
- DCOM Server Process Launcher (DcomLaunch)
- Terminal Services (TermService)

I have since tried
- virus scan using Symantec SEP 11 and Trend Micro. Nothing was turned up

Read elsewhere that Windows Automatic Update service could be responsible for this issue. And that disabling or removing it will resolve the problem. But that would be throwing the baby out with the bath water.
In any case, tried some suggested resetting, repairing and removal/reinstallation of Automatic Service.
But all to no avail.

Any assistance would be gratefully received and appreciated. Thanks

Answer : How to fix SVCHOST.EXE taking 99% of CPU

mah56j
If you haven't done so yet, thoroughly check for Malware using Malwarebytes.
Then take a look at this previous thread with it's list of suggestions>
"svchost.exe CPU hog":
http://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Microsoft_Operating_Systems/Windows/XP/Q_23321792.html