update.exe - Process Library - PC Pitstop Libraries

PC Pitstop Libraries > Process Library > update.exe

More than one possible match was found; all matches are listed below in order of their prevalence. This only tells you what the file and the correct action might be.

To understand which possibility is actually running on your own system, perform an Overdrive test and then look at the Software|Processes tab.

Match #1

update.exe (Microsoft Update)

Percentage of recently scanned PC's with this process running: 0.19%
Average CPU use for this program: 9%
Average RAM for this program: 12 MB

PC Pitstop Analysis

update.exe - This is a generic exe file for update, used to update any Microsoft program. It should be loaded just while the process is in progress. Rebooting the system should clear this out.

Recommendation

update.exe is an essential part of Windows and required for Windows to work properly. It should never be disabled.

PC Pitstop recommends WinPatrol Plus for monitoring all of the background activity on your PC. WinPatrol Plus provides a easy to understand descriptions of over 15,000 processes and programs.

Identification

In addition to the file name, update.exe, the following version information is used to identify the file. If the file does not match this information, it may be a different file. To ensure the file is absolutely correct, run a free and comprehensive scan.

Vendor contains:	Microsoft Corporation
Product contains:	Windows

To view version information with Windows Explorer, right-click the file and click Properties, Version.

PC Pitstop Database Comparisons

Every week, we update our information about the running programs identified during the previous week's testing. update.exe (Microsoft Update) has been seen on 0.19% of systems tested at PC Pitstop. As a point of comparison, it is rare for a particular malicious program (virus or spyware) to be seen on more than one or two percent of all systems tested. The average RAM memory usage for this process was 12 MB. The average CPU load for this program was 9%.

Detailed Description and/or Removal Instructions

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/deployment/winupdte.mspx

Match #2

update.exe (PC Tools Smart Update - Spyware Doctor)

Percentage of recently scanned PC's with this process running: 0.00%
Average CPU use for this program: 0%
Average RAM for this program: 11 MB

PC Pitstop Analysis

update.exe - PC Tools Smart Update for Spyware Doctor

Recommendation

update.exe is required by third-party software or hardware and should not disabled.

PC Pitstop recommends WinPatrol Plus for monitoring all of the background activity on your PC. WinPatrol Plus provides a easy to understand descriptions of over 15,000 processes and programs.

Identification

Vendor contains:	PC Tools
Product contains:	PC Tools Smart Update

To view version information with Windows Explorer, right-click the file and click Properties, Version.

PC Pitstop Database Comparisons

Every week, we update our information about the running programs identified during the previous week's testing. update.exe (PC Tools Smart Update - Spyware Doctor) has been seen on 0.00% of systems tested at PC Pitstop. As a point of comparison, it is rare for a particular malicious program (virus or spyware) to be seen on more than one or two percent of all systems tested. The average RAM memory usage for this process was 11 MB. The average CPU load for this program was 0%.

Vendor or Distributor's Web Site

http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/

Match #3

update.exe (PWS-Hangame (McAfee))

This program has not been seen on any systems tested at PC Pitstop in the past week.

PC Pitstop Analysis

SubType: Password Stealer.

Accordint to McAfee:

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.

Recommendation

update.exeDISABLE AND REMOVE. Intrusive adware or spyware.

PC Pitstop Exterminate removes update.exe and all other forms of malware and spyware. Run a free scan and analysis to learn how to quickly and easily rid your computer of adware and spyware.

Identification

File name contains:	\System32\

To view version information with Windows Explorer, right-click the file and click Properties, Version.

PC Pitstop Database Comparisons

Every week, we update our information about the running programs identified during the previous week's testing. This program has not been seen on any systems tested at PC Pitstop in the past week.

Detailed Description and/or Removal Instructions

http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_133352.htm

Important note: A file name alone may not be enough for positive identification. PC Pitstop's Overdrive tests and spyware scan use information such as the company name, product name, or install directory. If you are unable to identify a file, ask about it in our forums after running our full tests.