This article has been created to help explain what is the InstallFlashPlayer.exe and how to remove it from your computer effectively.
A new type of Trojan has been detected to be going around infecting computers. The malware is a dropper type of Trojan horse which utilizes different malicious functions to install different malware on the victim’s computer. The malware reportedly uses a fake Flash Player installation process, called InstallFlashPlayer.exe which is running active in Windows Task Manager. If you want to learn more about how to identify if InstallFlashPlayer.exe is malware or legitimate and how to remove it if malware, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | InstallFlashPlayer.exe |
| Type | Trojan.Dropper |
| Short Description | Created to connect to remote hosts and drop various different types of viruses on the victims’ computers. |
| Symptoms | You may start seeing odd behavior on your screen. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious web links or files, pretending to be legitimate programs or documents. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss InstallFlashPlayer.exe. |
InstallFlashPlayer.exe Virus – Distribution
The main method of infection used by this malware is as it’s name suggests, a fake flash player installer. Such files can land on your computer as a result of having adware or other ad-supported programs on your computer. One of the primary ways of getting victims to download the InstallFlashPlayer.exe is to convince them that their Flash Player needs an update, like the pop-up underneath shows:
Such pop-ups are often caused by an adware, running on your computer, which means that, your PC may be exposed to the following risks:
- Tracking cookies to be added to your browser in order to obtain private information and send it to third-parties.
- Monitoring your network activity and obtaining your browsing history.
- Slowing down your web browser and possibly affecting your PC’s performance.
- Generates various pop-up advertisements that may intrude your PC’s normal work.
- May highlight words from the sites you visit that lead to advertised sites.
- May change your web browser’s settings.
InstallFlashPlayer.exe –More Information
Once the InstallFlashPlayer.exe process is started and running on your PC, the Trojan may begin to act as any droper would and run actively in the background. It uses the name InstallFlashPlayer.exe to conceal it’s malicious activities, which may be to connect to remote hosts and drop malicious files on your computer. The malicious files, dropped on your computer as a result of InstallFlashPlayer.exe Trojan may be under different, often random names and may be located in the commonly targeted Windows files and folders:
The types of viruses that may be dropped by the InstallFlashPlayer.exe may be different, but one thing combines them – they are all out for your information or funds:
- [wplinkpreview url=”URLL”]Trojansthat may contain spyware elements that may track your keystrokes, obtain files, take screenshots, steal saved passwords.
- More adware infections that may keep pushing redirects.
- Ransomware viruses, like [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-gandcrab-5-0-5-ransomware/”]GandCrab or [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/hrm-files-virus-hermes-2-1-remove-restore-files/”]Hermes ransomware.
- Viruses that may perform [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/bitcoin-miner-virus-detect-remove-it/”]mining activities for cryptocurrencies, like Monero or BitCoin, which may overheat your PC.
But this is not all, because since InstallFlashPlayer.exe Trojan is malware, it may perform spyware activities on its own as well. This is the main reason why if you see this process, you should immediately shut it down and take steps towards removing it as fast as possible from your machine.
Remove InstallFlashPlayer.exe Trojan from Your PC
If you wish to remove this Trojan effectively from your Mac, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions we have created underneath. They are divided in manual as well as automatic removal methods, with the main idea of helping you choose which approach suits you best. If you lack the experience and confidence to do a manual removal, we recommend that you perform the removal process automatically with the aid of an advanced anti-malware software. Most security professionals prefer this approach due to the fact that it aims to automatically scan for all malicious files and objects and make sure that they are safely re-mediated from your PC.
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 InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.exe 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 InstallFlashPlayer.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.
InstallFlashPlayer.exe FAQ
What Does InstallFlashPlayer.exe Trojan Do?
The InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.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 InstallFlashPlayer.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.