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:
netsh.exe | Runs Netsh (Network Command Shell) | Is It Safe?
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…
bootmgr.exe | Windows Boot Manager | Is It Safe?
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…
sihost.exe | Manages The Windows Shell Infrastructure Host | Is it Safe?
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…
speechmodeldownload.exe | Is It Safe Or Malware? How To Remove
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 | The Microsoft WWA Host Process | Safe Or Remove?
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:…
sndrec32.exe | The Microsoft Windows Sound Recorder. Safe?
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 | The Office Software Protection Platform Service | Safe?
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,…
MusNotifyIcon.exe | Is It Safe? | How To Remove.
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…
reader-sl.exe | Adobe Reader File | Is It Safe? How To Remove
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:…
cefsharp.browsersubprocess.exe | Is It Safe? | How To Fix?
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…
ctfmon.exe | Controls The Alternative User Input And Office Language Bar
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…
mom.exe | Part of AMD’s Catalyst Control Center
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 | Part Of The 360 Total Software Anti Virus Suite
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…
msascuil.exe | Microsoft Antivirus Security Center User Interface Logo. Is It A Virus?
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 | Part of Java (TM) Platform SE Auto Updater
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…
wicainventory.exe | Windows Install Compatibility Advisor Inventory Tool
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 | Part Of Microsoft Windows
tieringengineservice.exe is part of a special European edition of Windows 10 made to comply with EU law. Find out more here…
cofire.exe | Part Of Windows 10 Operating System
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 | Part Of Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro
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 | Part Of Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium Edition
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 | Adware. How to Remove This Malware
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…
Ngentask.exe: Going Behind the Scenes
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…
rwinsta.exe | Part Of Windows Reset Session Utility
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…
filesyncconfig.exe: 5 Options To Fix Common Errors
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…
What is Dmclient.exe? Does It Cause Errors? Is It Safe?
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?”…
Accelerometerst.exe | Part Of The Mobile Data Protection System
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 | Gyazo Station Issues Explored
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…
svchost.exe | Service Host | Is It Safe?
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
rundll32.exe | Used To Run DLL Files | Safe?
What Is rundll32.exe? Is it safe? How to remove rundll32.exe if it’s a virus, spyware or a trojan.
unsecapp.exe | Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Infrastructure
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.
atieclxx.exe | Part of AMD External Events
Should you remove the atieclxx.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it safe? We investigate.
qtwebengineprocess.exe | Part Of QT’s Cross Platform Software Framework | Safe?
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
IAStorIcon.exe | Intel Array Storage Technology Icon Service
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 | The Windows Modules Installer Worker
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…
mrt.exe | The Microsoft Removal Tool | Is It Safe? How To Remove
Should you remove the mrt.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Conhost.Exe | Console Windows Host
Should you remove the conhost.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Gwx.exe | Part Of Microsoft’s Windows 10 Marketing
Is gwe.exe safe? Below is an explanation of exactly what gwx.exe is and does. And whether you need to remove it.
cacaoweb.exe | Adware Or Legitimate?
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.
Appvshnotify.exe | Part Of Microsoft’s Vitualization Platform
Should you remove the appvshnotify.exe file from your computer? Is this file a trojan, virus, or spyware? Is this file legitimate? We investigate.
MsMpEng.exe | Microsoft Windows Defender Antispyware
Should you remove the MsMpEng.exe file? Is the file spyware, a virus or trojan? Or could it be a legitimate file? Stay with us as we investigate.
HxTsr.exe: Part Of Microsoft’s Windows 10
Should you remove the HxTsr.exe from your computer? Is this file a virus? Trojan, Spyware, or is it a legitimate executable file? Keep reading as we investigate. What is HxTsr.exe?…
Playstv.exe: Is This Plays.TV File Safe?
Should you remove the Playstv.exe from your computer? Is this file, developed by Plays.tv, safe? We investigate. If you opened your Task Manager and decided to have a look at…
Pnkbstra.exe | The PunkBuster Service Component
Should you remove the pnkbstra.exe from your computer? And what is it? Is it a trojan, virus, spyware, or is it a legitimate file? Join us as we investigate!
Agcinvokerutility.exe | Is This agcinvokerutility Adobe File Safe?
gcinvokerutility.exe, aka the GC Invoker Utility, is a product of Adobe Systems, Inc. and if it’s in your computer system–Click here to learn more
sedlauncher.exe: What it is and How it affects Windows Update Services
SedLauncher.exe is a crucial component of Windows 10 updates, but its high CPU and RAM usage can be taxing. Click here to learn more about this .exe file.
Aswidsagenta.exe | Part Of AVAST’s Identity Protection
The aswidsagenta.exe file is part of the Identity ProtectionEelement offered by Avast. If you are one of the many users of the Avast Complex protection system, you know that one…
acmon.exe | What Is This ASUS File? Is It Safe?
The acmon.exe file is a software component of ASUS Splendid Video by ATK (ASUSTeK Computer Inc.). It is usually entirely safe and should not be removed.
RAVBg64.exe | The Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
The RAVBg64.exe file runs the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver which works your computer’s speakers and headphones. It is usually entirely safe and should not be removed. You opened your…
compattelrunner.exe | Compatibility Appraiser Telemetry Runner
Should you remove the compattelrunner.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Instup.exe | Is This AVAST File Safe?
Should you remove the instup.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We take a look – see our recommendation here.
.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 Missing’ Error? Ruby Game Scripting System Fix
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…
vcomp140.dll Is Missing Error? Fix This Microsoft Visual Studio Issue
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…
‘AVChrome.dll Is Missing’ Error? AVG Anti-Virus Fix
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…
‘Libcef.dll Is Missing’ Error? Chromium Embedded Framework Fix
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…
‘LogiLDA.dll Is Missing’ Error? How To Fix.
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:
Best Malware Removal Tools Reviews
The Best Malware Removal Tools. Reviews of the top 5 tools to remove trojans, spyware , viruses and other malware from your computer.
How to Show Hidden Files In Windows 10
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…
Best Online File Scanners
What is the best online scanner? Reviews of software built to ensure the Microsoft Office and zipped files you download are safe.