Known in full as F-secure scanner manager, fssm32.exe is a process file, which has been found to run on many computers invisibly. Although it’s a safe Windows process and should not be removed, it’s possible that it causes high cpu usage.
When this happens, the programs running on the computer may slow down considerably. At times, this may result in temporary stoppage of programs also referred to as a “hang”. The process has also been found to stop some programs from running on the computer altogether. It may also interfere with major components of the computer system thus severely affecting operations. At the same time it may install some programs on the computer without the owner’s knowledge. However, the problems posed as consequences of the presence of this process are also a pointer that there may be some system files that are missing or the breakdown of some scheme registry structures. This could also be an indicator that the computer’s maintenance status is not up to date.
Fssm32.exe can be responsible for driving the pace of the computer down. This it does perpetually, scanning all the files on the computer. If the machine is connected to the Internet this means that, it will be scanning every page or information one opens or downloads from the Internet. The other reason for the slow rate is the huge memory space that this process uses on the computer. In some instances, it can take up to ninety per cent of the computer resources hence affecting all the operations and tasks running thereafter.
Due to the aforementioned characteristics, computer users sometimes might think that fssm32.exe as a worm or a virus, but it isn’t. For peace of mind, antivirus applications like this one from F-Secure have been developed to counter the effects posed by malware thus helping secure the computer while at the same time ensuring that all programs and components function at an optimum level. Several antivirus experts have however come up with their own techniques of eliminating malware.
Fssm32.exe is a safe Windows process and although it might take a lot of memory or pc resources, it should not be stopped if you want to keep your system safe.
Tags: cpu usage, fssm32, fssm32.exe
fssm32.exe may be “safe” but the damn thing makes my computer UNUSABLE. I’ve had that problem on both XP and a new computer Vista. It makes my computer run less than half as fast. For instance, instead of booting up in a normal 3 minutes, it takes 15 minutes to boot up if fssm32.exe is running.
Ending it doesn’t do much because it alwasy just restarts, so I’ve gone to disabling the FSMA service then endtasking fssm32.exe so I can use my computer.
I am using 7.1 and observe this happening.
Anyone knows if this is the case for 8.0 as well?
Advice is appreciated.
Hi – go to F-Secure;s website and look for ‘hotfixes’ for your version – mine was up to 90% resource heavy and is running much better now – occasionally it gets busy for a few minutes, but NOTHING like it was doing – hope this helps – Grandpapa Duke
yes, 8.0 causes the same cpu burnout… no help yet…
I’m having almost the same problem. Fssm32 uses 90% of my CPU and groups of svchosts each 5% of CPU. What do i do?
And some kinda Ofgoeelv … I just downloaded cs 1.6 illegal steam version
I have used F-secure for two years and it seems to have done its job. Yet my pc’s fan has at times ramped up its fan speed. I am not sure if I will stay with F-secure or change it.
I have had the same fssm32.exe CPU problem several times and on two different revisions of the F-secure application, now at V9.01. The Embarq, now CenturyLink tech reps will have you uninstall and re-install the F-secure security download. This is a lengthy process, 5-20 min, but that fixes the immediate problem for a while. None of the tech reps I talked to knew of this issue. Suggest you call your security service provider to document the problem that may, through many complaints, lead to a software fix.