svchost -k rpcss uses 100% cpu resources

Periodically (several times per day) the computer (Win XP Pro, SP3, 4 GB RAM, dual core processor) comes to a halt as svchost -k rpcss uses 98 - 100% cpu resources as determined by Process Explorer. I reboot, which sometimes helps, sometimes not. I unplug router, and walk away, and after a period of time (usually 15-30 minutes) it is fine for a period of time. Usually 1-3 hours - then it starts again. I can copy down the UDP ports that are active at the time if that would help.
Avast Free, OutPost Firewall 2009
It's been working well for years
Avast & Malwarebytes (each current) find no malware
All Windows updates current
Problem has been going on as described for several weeks.

 

I disabled Microsoft Update and that solved the problem
Sven

 

This post at Bleeping Computer outlines the problem. Microsoft has yet to fix the problem. DougCuk researched the problem and provides some solutions that are temporary. Read the whole thread before trying other suggestions at other sites. The solution at infoworld is outdated.

svchost.exe using 100% CPU

 

I don't have a problem like that once my computer has finally booted up, but that takes about 18 minutes. The svchost program is usually the one holding things up. Although my computer has marginal capability to run Win7, I'm seriously considering an update. My computer guru (son-in-law) doesn't think it's worth an update, but I don't thin he understands how many programs don't run very well.

Google Maps no longer displays anything except blue land, slightly different blue sea and a few major highways. At one time, I could zoom in and see our motor-home in the driveway! It was automatically updated several times and I don't think the update program checked what OS I had.

If I do update to W7, I'm hoping Microsoft will keep it alive long enough that I can afford a new computer to run Windows 24 (or whatever), provided I'm not in an oak box fertilising the grass!.