ISUSPM.exe: What It Is & How to Fix ISUSPM.exe Errors

Have you ever noticed a process called ISUSPM.exe running in your Windows Task Manager and wondered what it is? If so, you’re not alone. Many users have encountered this executable file and have had questions about its purpose and potential errors. In this article, we will explore ISUSPM.exe in detail, including its function, common errors, and how to fix them.

Windows Task Manager

What is ISUSPM.exe?

ISUSPM.exe is an executable file associated with the InstallShield Update Service Scheduler. InstallShield is a software tool used by developers to create installation packages for applications. The Update Service Scheduler, represented by ISUSPM.exe, is responsible for checking for updates and managing the installation of those updates for software that utilizes InstallShield.

When you install a program that uses InstallShield, it may include the InstallShield Update Service Scheduler as part of its package. This service runs in the background and periodically checks for updates to the installed software. If updates are available, ISUSPM.exe will prompt the user to install them.

Common Errors with ISUSPM.exe

While ISUSPM.exe is a legitimate process, it can sometimes cause errors or issues on your system. Here are some common errors associated with ISUSPM.exe:

  1. High CPU Usage: One of the most common complaints about ISUSPM.exe is that it can consume a significant amount of CPU resources, leading to system slowdowns and decreased performance.
  2. Startup Delays: Some users have reported that ISUSPM.exe causes delays during system startup, resulting in a longer boot time.
  3. Error Messages: In some cases, ISUSPM.exe may generate error messages indicating that it has encountered a problem or has stopped working.

How to Fix ISUSPM.exe Errors

If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned errors or simply want to optimize your system’s performance, here are some potential solutions:

1. Run the DISM and SFC scans

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) are built-in Windows tools that can repair corrupted or missing system files and restore the health of your computer. Both DISM and SFC scans can be run from an elevated command prompt (with administrative privileges). Here are the steps to do so:

  1. To open the Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows, type “cmd” in the search bar and then right-click on the Command Prompt result and select “Run as administrator” as shown in the image below.
    Run CMD As Administrator
  2. To run a DISM scan, type the following command and press Enterdism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth Windows 11 DISM
    This will check your Windows component store for corruption and automatically fix any problems it finds. This process may take several minutes or longer depending on your system
  3. To run an SFC scan, type in the Command Prompt the following command and press Enter:sfc /scannow
    sfc /scannow

    This will scan all protected system files and replace any corrupted or missing ones with a cached copy. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time depending on your system configuration.

  4. After both scans are completed, you should restart your computer to apply any changes. Check to see if the issue is solved.

2. Check for faulty software.

If there is a specific program that is causing this issue, try uninstalling and then reinstalling it (eg. Microsoft DirectX, Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, NET Framework) to check if it will solve the problem.

Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7
  1. First, open Windows Settings by pressing Windows+I on your keyboard. You can also right-click your Start button and select “Settings” from the list.
    Windows 11 Open Settings
  2. When Settings opens, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features”.
    Windows 11 Apps and Feature
  3. In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for the program you want to uninstall. When you find the program, click the three dots button beside it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
    Windows 11 Uninstall program

  4. In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the program.

    Windows 11 Confirm Uninstall

  1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. You can also ope the Settings app by clicking the Start button on the taskbar, then select “Settings” (gear icon).
    Windows 10: Click the Start button then click on Settings
  2. When the “Windows Settings” window opens, click on “Apps“. By default, it should open “Apps and Features” but if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
    Windows 10: Click on Apps
  3. In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for the program you want to uninstall. When you find the program, click on it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
    Windows 10: Uninstall malware from Windows
  4. In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the program.

    Windows 10: Complete the uninstall process

  1. Right-click on the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features”. This will take you directly to your list of installed programs.
    Right click on Start and select Programs and Features
  2. The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find the program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.

    Select program then click on Uninstall

  3. In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall program.
  1. Click on the “Start” button, then click on “Control Panel“.
    Windows 7 go to Control Panel
  2. When the “Control Panel” appears, click on “Uninstall a Program” from the Programs category.
    Select Uninstall program from Control Panel
  3. The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any suspicious or unknown program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
    Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
    Uninstall malware from Windows 7
  4. In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall program.

3. Scan for your computer for malware

Malware can damage your system files and registry entries and cause various errors. We will now, download and run a scan with Malwarebytes to check if you’re device is clean.

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and most used anti-malware software for Windows, and for good reasons. It is able to destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss, without costing you absolutely nothing. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.

  1. You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.

    MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS DOWNLOAD LINK
    (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
  2. When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the MBSetup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.

    Download

    You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow Malwarebytes to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the Malwarebytes installation.

    Click Yes to install Malwarebytes

  3. When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes setup wizard which will guide you through the installation process. The Malwarebytes installer will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program on, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
    Malwarebytes setup: Click on Personal Computer

    On the next screen, click “Install” to install Malwarebytes on your computer.

    Click on Install to install Malwarebytes

    When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen.

  4. Malwarebytes is now installed on your computer, to start a scan click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malicious programs.

    Click on Scan button

  5. Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.

    Malwarebytes scanning for malware

  6. When the Malwarebytes scan is finished scanning it will show a screen that displays any malware, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that it has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.

    Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine to remove malware
  7. Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
    Malwarebytes requesting to restart computer to complete the malware removal process

4. Check for updates

Make sure your operating system, drivers, and other software are up to date. If the errors started happening after an update, you can uninstall that specific update patch.

To check for Windows updates, follow the below steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu. Click the “Windows Update” tab on the left side of the screen.
    For Windows 10 users, the Windows Update menu can be found in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click the “Check for updates” button. This will initiate a scan for updates. If any updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

    Check for Windows updates

  3. If you want to check for updates for other software, you can do so by opening the software and looking for a “Check for updates” option in the menu. You can also check the software’s website for updates.

5. Disable any unnecessary startup programs

Startup programs are applications that automatically launch when you start your computer. While some of these programs may be necessary for your system to function properly, others may be unnecessary and can cause errors.

  1. Open the Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard simultaneously. Task Manager
  2. In the Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab and disable any programs that you do not need to start automatically when you turn on your computer. Keep in mind that some startup programs may be essential to the functioning of your system, so be careful not to disable any important programs. Disable Startup programs

6. Run a memory test

A faulty RAM module can cause random crashes. Run a memory test to check for any issues with your RAM. To run a memory test, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type “mdsched.exe” into the Run dialog and press Enter. This will launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
    mdsched.exe run box

  3. You will be asked whether you want to restart your PC and run the test immediately or schedule the test to run the next time you start your PC. Choose the option you prefer and click “OK”.

    Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
    If you choose to run the test immediately, your PC will restart and the test will begin. The test will run automatically and may take several minutes to complete.

    • If the test finds any errors, it will display a message indicating the type and location of the error. You may need to replace your RAM if the test finds any errors.
    • If the test completes without finding any errors, it will display a message indicating that the test has completed successfully.

7.Check your hardware

Start by inspecting your computer’s hardware components for any signs of damage or failure. Ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no loose cables. If you suspect a faulty component, consider consulting a professional or replacing it if necessary.
Next, check your RAM, hard drive, graphics card, and any other hardware components using the Windows Device Manager.

  1. To access the Device Manager, type “devmgmt.msc” into the search bar on the Start menu and select “Device Manager” from the list of results.

    Open Device Manager

  2. In the Device Manager, you can view a list of all the hardware devices connected to your computer and check for any errors or issues. If you see a yellow exclamation point next to a device, it may indicate a problem with that device. You can right-click on the device and select “Update driver” or “Troubleshoot” to try and fix any issues.

    Find Hardware Issues

8. Try a system restore.

If you have a restore point saved, you can try using it to revert your system to a previous state. This may fix the issue if it was caused by a recent change. To do a system restore follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + S to open the Search menu.
  2. Type “system restore” into the search bar and click the “Create a restore point” result.
    Restore Step 1
  3. Click the “System Restore” button.
    Restore Step 2
  4. In the System Restore window, click “Next.”
    Restore Step 3
  5. Select a restore point from the list and click “Next.” A restore point is a saved state of your system that you can use to revert your system to a previous state. Make sure to select a restore point that was created before you started experiencing problems.
  6. Click “Finish” to begin the restore process. Your PC will restart and the restore process will begin. This may take several minutes to complete. Restore Step 5
  7. When the restore is complete, your PC will restart again. You may need to adjust your settings and reinstall any software that was installed after the restore point was created.

9. Reset your PC

One of the most drastic solutions is to reset your PC to its default configuration. This can be considered the nuclear option for fixing errors because it will wipe out all the third-party software you installed on your computer. However, this option can also be effective if none of the other methods work for you.

Before you reset your PC, make sure you back up your important data and files. You can also choose to keep your personal files in the Reset this PC tool, but it is better to have a separate backup just in case something goes wrong.
To reset your PC, follow these steps:
  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I keys.
  2. Click on System and then on Recovery. Reset Windows PC Step 1
  3. Under Reset this PC section, click on Reset PC button. Reset Windows PC Step 2
  4. Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Reset Windows PC Step 3
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
After resetting your PC, you should be able to run your applications without getting any errors. However, keep in mind that this solution will also remove any custom settings and preferences you had on your computer. You will need to reinstall and configure your programs again after resetting.

Summary

ISUSPM.exe is an executable file associated with the InstallShield Update Service Scheduler. While it is a legitimate process, it can sometimes cause errors such as high CPU usage, startup delays, and error messages. To fix these errors, you can disable the InstallShield Update Service Scheduler, update or reinstall the associated software, or perform a malware scan. By following these steps, you can resolve ISUSPM.exe errors and optimize your system’s performance.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.