What is lsass.exe? 1

[hrswift]

I have 2003 DC that is really slugish. It takes forever to respond to anything. In the task manager it shows lsass.exe pegging the CPU at 90 + percent all the time. I ran the process from MS and verified that it is not a virus. What is this thing?

 

[drew1701d]

If its found in your Windows\System32 directory, then its legit, its the Local Security Authentication Server Service, its an integral part of the security operation of W2K3, if LSASS.EXE is found to be running from any other directory then its a virus!

"I'm certifiable, not certified. It just means my answers are from experience...not a book

 

[WANguy2k]

Are you running SMS?

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=311127

Other docs:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=814569

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=812428