Trojan/Donut.e Malware
Is Trojan/Donut.e causing issues on your device? You’re in the right place — we’ll explain what it is, how it spreads, and how to remove it completely.
Trojan/Donut.e is a dangerous malware threat that disguises itself as an Adobe Reader installer to trick users. Its main role is to break into your system silently and pull in additional malicious files in the background. In simple terms, it’s a downloader Trojan that works as a delivery tool for other infections, making your device more vulnerable without your knowledge.
This type of malware often comes bundled with shady programs. If you’ve installed freeware from untrustworthy sites or grabbed files without checking them, that’s a likely infection source. Another common tactic is phishing campaigns — fake emails with dangerous attachments that install the Trojan as soon as you open them.
Trojan/Donut.e Summary
| Type | Trojan Horse / Malware |
| Brief Description | Fake setup malware that can perform various malicious activities on the system. |
| Symptoms | Your computer could become very slow and even freeze from time to time; excessive CPU usage is also possible. |
| Distribution Technique | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may promote it. |
| Detection Tool |
See if the System is impacted by Trojan/Donut.e
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Trojan/Donut.e Loader – Why Is It on My System?
If your antivirus flagged Trojan/Donut.e Loader, it usually means the infection is already running in the background. This Trojan hides behind fake installers, counterfeit updates, or cracked software to sneak into systems.
It often spreads through pirated programs, malicious advertising, or suspicious download portals. Since it is built to stay unnoticed, most users won’t detect it until damage has already been done.
Key Features and Risks of Trojan/Donut.e Malware
Spreading Harmful Programs
The Trojan acts as a “gateway” for other infections such as spyware, ransomware, or keyloggers. It abuses weak points in your system and quietly downloads extra malware. Infection paths include phishing messages, unsafe websites, bundled freeware, and drive-by downloads.
System Vulnerabilities
To remain hidden, Trojan/Donut.e alters system settings and registry keys. It uses advanced evasion tricks to slip past regular antivirus scans, which makes early detection difficult.
Stealing Personal Data
One of its major dangers is data theft. This malware can log keystrokes, capture login details, or steal banking information. Cybercriminals can then use this information for fraud, account takeovers, or resell it on underground markets. Victims often realize too late, after identity or financial damage has occurred.
Remote Control by Hackers
The Trojan links to a command-and-control server, giving attackers remote access to your computer. Hackers ca_
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing Trojan/Donut.e.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for Trojan/Donut.e with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Trojan/Donut.e on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Trojan/Donut.e there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by Trojan/Donut.e on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Trojan/Donut.e FAQ
What Does Trojan/Donut.e Trojan Do?
The Trojan/Donut.e Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like Trojan/Donut.e, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can Trojan/Donut.e Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can Trojan/Donut.e Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the Trojan/Donut.e Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Trojan/Donut.e how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on Trojan/Donut.e?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the Trojan/Donut.e threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.