Name | Updater.exe |
Type | May be malware or a PUP |
Short Description | Updater.exe may run unknown actions and stay active in the background. |
Symptoms | PC slowdowns, background processes. Runs on startup. |
Distribution Method | Spam mails, opening suspicious files. Installed PUPs. |
Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Updater.exe |
Many users have reported in forums seeing an unfamiliar process, going by the name of updater.exe. Experts from file.net have concluded that this process is not a natural Windows system process, and measures should be taken towards the removal of its associated files. This process is also connected with services, by the names of Ask Updater, Updater Service, updater MFC Application, Moodlogic Updater App, Rooz Updater, TopArcadeHits, DJ7s, MZgEIereRHstlRgXxc ,Launcher by Moodlogic or Software version updater. More associated programs with this process could be Positive Finds, Joltlogic, EpicPlay or Advizz, security experts report.
How Did I Get Updater.exe Running on My PC?
There are numerous ways by which you could have initiated this process to a running state on your PC. One of them is by installing suspicious PUPs. This may happen if you install unfamiliar to you software for the first time and it includes other programs as ‘extras’. Another method is if the PUP itself is one of those programs you thought was right for your expectations.
Another and less likely but riskier probability is if you opened a spam mail and downloaded a script that may have initiated updater.exe upon PC switch on. This may mean that you have a Trojan horse, Worm or another type of malware actively running on your computer, and it is important to take immediate actions either way.
What Is Updater.exe?
As mentioned, this executable is not a Windows process and may cause some issues to your machine and the information in it. It has been reported to be located in the Program Files folder or directly on the OS partition on your hard drive (which is usually C:\). Sometimes it may be concealed in the AppData folder or another unknown place. Its size may vary from 486 to 1.391 kb depending on the Windows version and the software it has been associated with. This process is not reported to be visible. For more information, experts advise checking MACHINE\Run and DEFAULT\Run for updater.exe in Registry Editor (regedit in run) as the program may run on Windows startup.
This process is classified as a dangerous one after evaluated by a special security criterias. It is believed to be associated with many programs, some of which are Ask Toolbar or Updater. Experts recommend if you have any of those located in Programs and Features to uninstall them immediately.
Proportionally to how hidden the location of the file is, the security threat level increases. It might be malware if it located in Windows directories or the AppData folder.
How To Detect And Remove Updater.exe
To identify and eradicate all files and registry values associated with updater.exe, you can check in the Windows Registry for any changed settings or locate any updater.exe files. We also reccomend to follow the step-by-step removal manual below as well. However for best results, we recommend downloading advanced malware protection program that will automatically detect anything out of the ordinary and terminate it from your computer.
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
Preparation before removing Updater.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 Updater.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Updater.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 Updater.exe there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Step 3: Find virus files created by Updater.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.
Updater.exe FAQ
What Does Updater.exe Trojan Do?
The Updater.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 Updater.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 Updater.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 Updater.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 Updater.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Updater.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 Updater.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 Updater.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.