CompatTelRunner.exe – WHAT IS IT + How to Remove It

What is CompatTelRunner.exe process? Is CompatTelRunner.exe a virus or is it legitimate file? Why CompatTelRunner.exe is running at 100% CPU?

The CompatTelRunner.exe malware is a dangerous virus which imitates the legitimate Windows process which is otherwise as Windows Compatibility Telemetry. This is a Windows service which is an essential part of the operating system. It is used to send performance and usage data to Microsoft when a network connection is available.

Many viruses can pose as this process and lead to various malware actions including the following:

• Data Theft — The virus can be used in order to steal files from the compromised computers.
• Malware Delivery — The infections can be used in order to deploy other threats to the affected machines: miners, Trojans and etc.
• System Changes — Many viruses can be used in order to modify the operating system. This can affect both the settings in general and certain user preferences. The consequences can include data loss and unexpected errors.
• Botnet Recruitment — The victim systems can be recruited to a worldwide network of hosts that can be used by the criminals to carry out complex DDOS attacks.

Depending on the local conditions and hacker configuration various other modules can be loaded. Whenever an infection has been made we suggest that the victims remove it as fast as possible in order to protect themselves from extended damage.

Threat Summary

Name	CompatTelRunner.exe
Type	Generic malware.
Short Description	Poses as the legitimate Windows process.
Symptoms	The CompatTelRunner.exe process will be running in the background and will execute various malware actions..
Distribution Method	Via malicious websites, malicious e-mails as well as other methods of replication.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss CompatTelRunner.exe.

CompatTelRunner.exe Malware – Infection

In order to infect computers, the CompatTelRunner.exe does not target any computer in particular, but rather spreads via massive distribution tools, like spam bots that send web links online on forums or chats or files uploaded for free download online. Such files are often:

• Fake setups of a program you may be looking for.
• Key generators.
• Software license activators.

In addition to simply being uploaded passively online, the CompatTelRunner.exe may also contain various different types of files or infection scripts on URLs that can be spread via malicious spam e-mails that may be sent to you via spam bots, configured to make the spam e-mails appear very realistic and trustworthy.

CompatTelRunner.exe Malware – More Information

As soon as the CompatTelRunner.exe malware has infected your computer, the virus may connect to a remote host and download it’s malicious payload. The payload may consist of more than one file and the files may be of the following file types:

→ .exe, .dll, .tmp, .bat, .vbs, .wsf, .js

As soon as the malicious files of CompatTelRunner.exe have been downloaded, the virus may set a registry entry in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys of Windows which may result in the malware running automatically on Windows boot. The sub-keys have the following locations:

→ 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

Remove CompatTelRunner.exe from Your Computer

In order to make sure that the CompatTelRunner.exe is completely gone from your computer system, it is strongly advisable that you follow the removal instructions, which we have prepared for CompatTelRunner.exe down below. They are divided in manual removal instructions and automatic removal ones. If you lack experience in removing malware, like the CompatTelRunner.exe, which creates a lot of objects on your PC, experts recommend removing this malware, by using a specific malware removal software. Such will not only remove the CompatTelRunner.exe completely and automatically, but will also make sure that your GPU is safe from intrusive mining injectors in the future as well.

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Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.

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Preparation before removing CompatTelRunner.exe.

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 CompatTelRunner.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

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2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

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3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

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4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 2: Clean any registries, created by CompatTelRunner.exe 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 CompatTelRunner.exe there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

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1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

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3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it. 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 CompatTelRunner.exe 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.

CompatTelRunner.exe FAQ

What Does CompatTelRunner.exe Trojan Do?

The CompatTelRunner.exe 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 CompatTelRunner.exe, 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 CompatTelRunner.exe 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 CompatTelRunner.exe 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 CompatTelRunner.exe Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CompatTelRunner.exe 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 CompatTelRunner.exe?

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 CompatTelRunner.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.

To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.