This article has been created to explain in detail what is the Rundll32.exe virus and how you can fully erase it from your computer without damaging Windows.
Rundll32.exe is the official name of the command-line utility of Windows. The main purpose of those files is to restrict you to call functions from any given DLL. This is the main reason why malware authors often use these programs or create a fake process of them in order to hide the malicious virus files of the infection they are trying to push onto victims’ computers. This article provides more information on how to detect if Rundll.exe or Rundll32.exe to be clean, corrupted or malicious and how to remove a virus from your PC without damaging these key Windows modules.
Threat Summary
| Name | Rundll32 Virus |
| Type | Spyware or Other Malware |
| Short Description | May be taken advantage by malicious DLL modules to perform their malicious activities. May imitate the real Rundll Windows modules. |
| Symptoms | The symptomps vary on the type of malware infecting your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Malicious files, scripts or URLs. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Rundll32 Virus. |
Rundll32.exe Malware – Distribution
Rundll32.exe is often misused by programs that are directly malicious to your computer. These programs inlcude:
- Trojans.
- Keyloggers.
- Viruses.
- Ransomware.
- Botnets.
- DDoS malware.
Usually these viruses tend to be copied onto victims’ computers either automatically via other malware previously infecting it or manually by getting the user to open the malicious file him or herself.
If manually, the crooks often target victims with messages that contain either malicious web links or malicious files embedded in them. They often use e-mails that are sent, pretending to come from legitimate companies from the likes of PayPal, eBay, Amazon and other companies. The e-mails appear like the image underneath shows:
But this is not the main method via which viruses, like rundll32.exe are spread. The malware may also be replicated via different types of executable files, such as:
- Fake Setups of software.
- Portable programs.
- Fake cracks, patches and other types of executables.
- Key generators and other license activators.
Rundll32.exe Virus – How Does It Work
Any given virus that interacts with the RunDLL processes may drop it’s malicious files undetected on your PC first. The files are often from different file types and they may be located in the commonly targeted Windows directories by malware:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Once this has been done, the malware may begin it’s malicious activities on your computer. The virus may either spawn a fake Rundll32 process or it may execute DLL files as an administrator by corrupting your main Rundll files. This is known as privilege escalation and Is something that grants the virus privileges to act as if it was the administrator or owner of your computer.
Be advised that the original location of the Rundll.exe and Rundll32.exe files is the following:
→ C:\Windows\System32
But this does not mean that the virus won’t create a fake file in the same directory in order to fool you that this is the actual file. The only way to detect it is to see if the file is verified by Windows. This is done by right-clicking on the file itself and clicking on Properties. Then, you will be able to see the file to be identified and verified by Windows:
If this is the case, but you still believe there is a virus on your computer, be advised that the virus may be using malicious .dll components that exploit the legitimate Rundll32.exe file and this means that you should not remove it.
Furthermore, If there is a virus, be advised that the consequences for that may be different, but they are almost always the following:
- The malware may be logging your keystrokes.
- Data may be stolen from your web browser (Passwords, .etc).
- More malware may infect your PC.
- The virus may have the ability to take screenshots and control hardware from your PC.
- Your files may be copied from your system or may be corrupted.
These are the main reasons why you should play it safe and backup your files if you see suspicious activity coming from Rundll32.exe.
Remove Rundll32.exe Viruses from Your PC
If you want to remove Rundll32.exe from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath. They have been created with the main idea to help you remove this virus either manually or automatically. If you struggle to find the root files of the Rundll32.exe virus, be advised that you should focus on removing the threat automatically. Accrding to cyber-security experts, the best and safest way to remove Rundll32.exe is to run a scan on your machine, using an advanced anti-malware software. Such program will effectively make sure that the Rundll32.exe virus is removed and your PC stays protected against any infections that might appear in the future too.
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 Rundll32 Virus.
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 Rundll32 Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Rundll32 Virus 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 Rundll32 Virus 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 Rundll32 Virus 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.
Rundll32 Virus FAQ
What Does Rundll32 Virus Trojan Do?
The Rundll32 Virus 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 Rundll32 Virus, 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 Rundll32 Virus 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 Rundll32 Virus 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 Rundll32 Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rundll32 Virus 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 Rundll32 Virus?
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 Rundll32 Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
No es un virus, es un proceso que se ejecuta cuando falta algún archivo DLL en tu pc. Y es legitimo de Windows. Dejen de desinformar.