Why is ATH.exe using 50% of my CPU?

I had 4 processes running at 25% each.

Same problem here, on Windows 7 64-bit.

AppleMobileDeviceService.exe and ATH.exe are hogging up my CPU time and causing my fans to kick into overdrive. Seems like it started happening with the latest iTunes update (10.7.021)

Please fix this Apple.

I was experiencing the exact same problem and turning off the "sync over wi-fi" for my Ipod Touch (4thgeneration, I guess we should start being specific) did fix the problem.

However, it would be nice to be able to use it and not turn one of my CPUs into a space heater.

I had the same problem with the Firefox browser. It grabbed 50% of my CPU processing power and didn't let it go until I went and manualy shut down several "procesus" (Sorry, stuck with french language Windows 7 and I don't have the english equivalent on hand atm). I was never able to find the cause so it lead to my switching to another primary browser. I would hate to have to do that with ITunes as I am just getting used to it.

So, in short, shutting down "sync over wi-fi" works perfectly as an immediate fix.

Thanks for the solution.

That's not a fix, it's a workaround. Disabling wifi sync sets us back about 2 years and we shouldn't have to live in the dark ages.

I agree with drmcclin, that's not a fix.

Apple made a big deal out of wireless sync and it worked, more or less, when it was introduced. Now, with the last iTunes update, it's broken.

I have an iPhone and two iPod Touch's in my house. Keeping those all in sync by connecting them to the computer is not the best solution. It would be nice if Apple at least acknowledged there's a problem and they're looking into it.

I agree completely.

They have introduced a problem for Windows 7 x64 users (at least) with the most recent version of iTunes. It was previously working okay but now I have no choice but to disable wireless sync it I wish to use iTunes and in-fact use my computer.

Hopefully Apple will aknowledge and resolve the problem. It feels like it shouldn't be a huge task for them to replicate and resolve.

I'm having exactly the same problem (ath.exe using 50% + CPU constantly) - I'm also on Windows 7 64-bit.

Have also disabled Wireless Sync now in the hope that it resolves.

(Been getting lots of choppy playback in iTunes when playing music as well)

Unfortunately Apple doesn't monitor these threads closely (if at all) so unless some kind souls are prepared to raise support tickets with Apple and get it prioritised, it may well go unnoticed...

using my complimentary 90 days to bring it to their attention ....

ok setup a case for this. somebody else do it too so we can get this fixed.

I have a ticket open on this issue as well.

229521968

I heard back from iTunes Store support yestserday : " .... just to give you an update, our engineering team is working on the issue you have reported. We will follow up with you as soon as further information is available. ..."

I agree. I misspoke

I meant that it was a "immediate fix" in the way that it "fixed" what didn't work, albeit temporarily, and made it so i could resume my work with normal cpu usage. "workaround" actually described it better.

Thanks to those who oppenned support tikets.

I'm not familiar with Apple customer support, does "working on the issue" mean that they are actually actively looking for a permanent fix, or is it their way of saying "yeah, we know. Don't call us, we'll call you"?

I am also having issues with the ath.exe process running away; basically brought my machine to its knees. I believe this started with a very recent upgrade to iTunes 10.7.0.21. I have disabled wireless sync to both of my iPhone devices and that seems to have resolved the issue for now. I did confirm that when I disabled wireless sync on my wife's iPhone, I watched the ath.exe process end realtime, so I can confirm that the process is related to wireless sync. I am going to downrev to the previous iTunes release until this issue is resolved. I will report back if the issue persists on the downrev version as a data point.

Thanks DagDog, please keep us informed if there's any more updates from Apple.

Also having same problem. Why do we praise Apple so much if they don't do the most basic good business of acknowledging mistakes and commiting to fix them. No one would get upset if they were just a little humble and honest.

I have the same issues and apple keeps telling me to re install iTunes which is no solution at all.

So read the discussions Apple!!! It is a shame that with iThunes 10 devices crash. I had to get the latest backup back on my iPhone because synchronising on wifi stopped suddenly and iTunes stopped responding.

Another big user of the CPU is Apple mobile device service

I solved this to click on accesoires, cmd, right click --> administrator

type in the command: netsh winsock reset

enter

restart the pc and the application takes not much cpu anymore