We review files commonly found on (mainly Windows) computers. Many users find these files and become concerned that they may be a virus or other forms of malware such as spyware or trojans.
We look at the following types of files:
Executable .exe Files
These executable files are working programs used by the computer to perform tasks.
They are used by the Windows operating system and any legitimate software used by users. But they are also the way used by hackers to run viruses and other malware.
Some examples:
The file printfilterpipelinesvc.exe, is the part of Microsoft Windows which enables XPS printer driver functionality. The full details are below: File Name: printfilterpipelinesvc.exe File Extension: EXE file extension Description: Print…
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, GrooveMonitor.exe, is an executable file, part of the now defunct Microsoft Office Groove software from the 2000s. This application allowed users to collaborate on Office documents…
wbengine.exe is an executable file developed by Microsoft as part of Windows Back Up & Restore functionality. It runs the Block Level Backup Engine. The full details are below: File…
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, fsavailux.exe is an executable file. It’s usually about 6656 bytes in size, but the version you have may differ. The full details are below: File Name:…
Securityhealthservice.exe runs the Windows Security Health Center, part of the Microsoft Windows Defender security system. But is this file safe? The full details are below: File Name: SecurityHealthService.exe File Extension:…
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, TabTip.exe, is an executable file which runs the Tablet PC Input Panel which that converts handwriting to text in Windows. The full details are below: File…
Developed by Mamesick, chdman.exe, is an executable file used by the MAMEUIFX32 arcade game emulation software. It allows users to play vintage style arcade games. In Mamesick’s own words: MAME’s…
Net.exe, is an executable file developed by Microsoft Corporation, that runs the Microsoft Windows Networking Process. But is it safe? We investigate. The full details are below: File Name: net.exe…
Fixmapi.exe, is an executable file developed by Microsoft Corporation, that runs the FIXMAPI 1.0 MAPI Repair Tool Windows Process. But is it safe? We investigate. The full details are below:…
OfficeHubTaskHost.exe was developed by Cerulean Studios for Microsoft Office 2016. It is an executable file used in Office’s Hub Task Host process. The full details are below: File Name: OfficeHubTaskHost.exe…
onenotem.exe, is an executable file that runs the Microsoft Office OneNote Quick Launcher. The full details are below: File Name: ONENOTEM.EXE File Extension: EXE file extension Description: Microsoft Office OneNote…
vsserv.exe is the executable file that runs the BitDefender internet security software package. But is it safe? How can it be removed? We investigate… The full details are below: File…
netsh.exe, is an executable file which runs the network command shell (Netsh) utility, part of the Windows Operating system. Here’s what Microsoft says about Netsh: Netsh is a command-line scripting…
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, bootmgr.exe, is an executable file that runs the Windows Boot Manager. This assists your computer to start ( “boot” up). The full details are below: File…
The file sihost.exe runs the Windows Shell Experience Host used by the Windows graphical interface to manage things like the desktop icon layout and the Start Menu. The full details…
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, SpeechModelDownload.exe, is an executable file. It’s part of Windows’ Cortana speech functionality. The full details are below: File Name: SpeechModelDownload.exe File Extension: EXE file extension Description:…
WWAHost.exe is the file that hosts and executes a Windows Store app using JavaScript via the Microsoft WWA Host process. The full details of the file are below: File Name:…
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, sndrec32.exe, is an executable file, introduced in Windows XP to run the Microsoft Windows Sound Recorder – which enabled users to record .wav files. Although it…
Osppsvc.exe is an executable file, developed by Microsoft to run the Office Software Protection Platform Service. This manages the licensing and permissions of the Microsoft Office Suite of productions (Excel,…
The executable file known as MusNotifyIcon.exe is part of the Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System and usually safe. Here we investigate the file, and in particular when it might not…
Developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated, reader-sl.exe, is an executable file. It’s usually safe but may be used to hide malware such as viruses and Trojans. The full details are below:…
The cefsharp.browsersubprocess.exe executable file allows a developer to embed the Chromium web browser into C# or VB.Net programs using the Chromium Executable Framework (CEF). It is usually safe, but can…
What Is ctfmon.exe? ctfmon.exe is a Microsoft Windows exe file that runs the Alternative User Input and Office Language bar. These allow computer input by speech, handwriting recognition or tablet…
What Is mom.exe? mom.exe is an exe file, part of AMD’s Catalyst Control Center. This is the performance management software for computers using AMD chips; mom.exe is the part that monitors the…
dsmain.exe is an executable file used in Qihoo’s 360 Total Software suite, used to guard against viruses and other malware. But is it itself safe? What Is dsmain.exe? EXE files such as…
Should you remove the msascuil.exe file? Is it a type of spyware, virus, trojan, or is a legitimate file that serves an important role in your computer? We investigate. The…
jaureg.exe is an executable file that comes as part of the Java(TM) Platform SE Auto Updater 2.0. It was manufactured by Sun Microsystems, Inc., which was acquired by Oracle in…
The wicainventory.exe file is usually safe and does not harm computers. However, some people may find it over-utilizing their CPUs and slowing down their machines.
tieringengineservice.exe is part of a special European edition of Windows 10 made to comply with EU law. Find out more here…
If you have the latest version of the Windows 10 Operating System, you might have encountered cofire.exe. This executable file is called the Corrupted File Recovery Client and can be…
Feedback.exe is part of the now-discontinued Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro, software that provided a secure firewall to protect systems from hacker attacks. This is not a critical part of Windows…
CMigrate.exe is an executable file that has been developed by Microsoft Corporation as a part of its Office 365 Home Premium edition. Users who find CMigrate.exe on their PCs or…
WinKavApp.exe is adware software written by Boxer. All internet users are prone to come across malicious adware. The advertisements will hit you out of nowhere. And although most of them…
The ngentask.exe file is part of the Microsoft .NET Framework. Does your computer run on the Microsoft Operating System? Then you have the Microsoft .NET Framework, and therefore the ngentask.exe…
Like many executable files on this site, rwinsta.exe is indispensable for the proper operation of the Windows Operating System. But also, as with many other .exe files, PC users can…
The filesyncconfig.exe file is part of the Microsoft OneDrive software program. It’s safe on its own and usually doesn’t present any threat to your PC hardware or software. However, as…
Today we’re talking about the dmclient.exe file. We’re bringing you all you need to know about this executable file. Many of you have been asking us, “Is dmclient.exe a virus?”…
The accelerometerst.exe file is part of the Mobile Data Protection System, designed by HP, and is usually safe. Here we investigate further… Accelerometerst.exe Explored Should you remove the accelerometerst.exe file…
GyStation.exe, sometimes called Gyazo or Gyazo Station, is a mainly innocuous fun executable file enabling you to send funny GIFs to your friends. But it does have some worrying tracking…
Service Host, like the name suggests, hosts Microsoft services and will load all the DLLs files of program by itself. Click here to learn more
What Is rundll32.exe? Is it safe? How to remove rundll32.exe if it’s a virus, spyware or a trojan.
Should you remove the unsecapp.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We take a look – see our recommendation here.
Should you remove the atieclxx.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it safe? We investigate.
Should you remove the qtwebengineprocess.exe file from your computer? Is this file a virus, a trojan, or a type of spyware? Or could it be a legitimate file? We investigate
IAStorlcon.exe is an executable file used by Intel to manage storage devices in your computer set up. It is usually entirely safe and should not be removed.
tiworker.exe , also called the Windows Modules Installer Worker, is one of the system processes present in Microsoft Windows systems. This executable file is responsible for the installation of new…
Should you remove the mrt.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Should you remove the conhost.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Is gwe.exe safe? Below is an explanation of exactly what gwx.exe is and does. And whether you need to remove it.
Should you remove the cacaoweb.exe file from your computer? And what is it? A virus, trojan, spyware, or is it a legitimate executable file? We investigate.
.dll Files
DLL files are shared libraries of common functions used by executable files.
Rather than each Windows programs containing code for these functions, they call on the common library to access these common funtions.
This saves memory and is a more efficient use of computing power.
Here are some examples:
RGSS202E.dll is used in games developed using the RPG Maker software and is usually safe. However, out of date dll files, or files masquerading as safe dlls, should be fixed…
What Is vcomp140.dll? vcomp140.dll is a DLL file, part of the “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2015”, a Microsoft product. Sometimes the error ‘vcomp140.dll Is Missing’ is received, especially when…
What Is AVChrome.dll? AVChrome.dll is a DLL file associated with the AVG Anti Virus software package. Sometimes the error ‘AVChrome.dll Is Missing’ is received, especially when trying to run this…
What Is Libcef.dll? Libcef.dll is a DLL file associated with the Chromium Embedded Framework. It is used to embed the open-source Chromium web browser into another application. Who Wrote This…
What Is LogiLDA.dll? LogiLDA.dll is a DLL file associated with the Logitech Download Assistant, usually downloaded when installing a Logitech piece of hardware, such as a mouse, webcam, or keyboard,…
Guides & Reviews
We also have guides on everything to do with the cybersecurity world, including:
The Best Malware Removal Tools. Reviews of the top 5 tools to remove trojans, spyware , viruses and other malware from your computer.
Learn how to show hidden files in Windows 10. As great as Windows is, it doesn’t always make it easy for you to find your files, especially hidden files. We…
What is the best online scanner? Reviews of software built to ensure the Microsoft Office and zipped files you download are safe.