| Name | Win32/Parite |
| Type | Non-essential Windows Process, .exe |
| Short Description | WinRAR.exe is not a malicious process but it can be exploited by malware and viruses. |
| Symptoms | All portable EXE and SCR files on local and shared network drives can be infected. |
| Distribution Method | Pirated software, infected pages, social engineering, etc. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Win32/Parite |
In some cases, executable files can be dangerous to the system. Security research indicates that the WinRAR.exe has been infected by malware. Analysis by HerdProtect shows that 45 out of 68 AV solutions detect a virus in the process. Therefore, users that have WinRAR.exe running in the TaskManager may want to take actions to determine whether their systems are compromised or not.
WinRAR.exe File Description and Location
WinRAR.exe belongs to the well-known file archiver and compressor utility for Windows. The program is used widely and is often preferred over other archivers on the market. However, latest security analysis reveals that malware exploits the primary executable of the program.
File.net specifies that the executable is not essential to the Windows operating system and can cause problems. The .exe is typically located in a subfolder of C:\Program Files. The file may have different variants in size. Some experts believe that if the file is located in C:\Windows\System32 folder, it may be quite dangerous. The risk level for this location is above 90%. Furthermore, in the context of malware, WinRAR.exe can hide and monitor applications.
If WinRAR.exe is situated in the Windows Temp folder, its risk level is estimated at 74%. If WinRAR.exe is discovered in a subfolder of the user’s profile folder, the danger rate is above 60%.
Security Warning
Malware can mask itself as WinRAR.exe, especially when located in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Various types of threats can be exploiting the process.
Moreover, as written in the beginning, recent AV research reveals that WinRAR.exe is infected by a virus known as Win32/Parite. Actually, it is a family of polymorphic file infectors that target computers running Microsoft Windows. As explained by Microsoft Malware Protection Center, The virus attacks .exe and .scr files on the local file system and writeable network shares. Then, the infected executable files perform operations that cause other .exe and .scr files to become infected.
Here is a list of variable detection names:
- BitdefenderWin32.Parite.B
- ESET NOD32 – Win32/Parite.B virus
- F-Secure – Win32.Parite.B
- Kaspersky – Virus.Win32.Parite
- McAfee – Virus.W32/Pate.b
- Trend Micro – PE_PARITE.A
- SophosVirus – ‘W32/Parite-B’
WinRAR.exe Removal Options
The high exploitation rate of the process requires a full system scan. To determine if it is infected by a type of malware or virus, seek professional assistance.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
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Preparation before removing Win32/Parite.
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 Win32/Parite with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Win32/Parite 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 Win32/Parite 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 Win32/Parite 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.
Win32/Parite FAQ
What Does Win32/Parite Trojan Do?
The Win32/Parite 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 Win32/Parite, 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 Win32/Parite 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 Win32/Parite 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 Win32/Parite Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Win32/Parite 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 Win32/Parite?
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 Win32/Parite threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.