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Search For Processes

Unknown
Safe
User Optional
Unwanted
Spyware / Adware
Virus

Prevalence

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

Identification

In addition to the file name, pstores.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.

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

PC Pitstop Analysis

PSTORES.EXE - Provides encrypted file storage functions to programs such as Microsoft Outlook. PSTORES is started automatically whenever a program requests protected storage functionality. It will continue to run even after all programs have stopped requesting services, but generally does not cause any load on the system when idle.

pstores.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 an easy to understand descriptions of over 15,000 processes and programs.

MD5 Hashes

MD5 hashes is the way that computers can define the uniqueness of a file. Anti malware vendors frequently use this technique to detect and clean malware. It is common for a program to have multiple MD5 hashes as the developers create newer versions of the program. For the program called pstores.exe, we have detected 2 different MD5 hashes. Click on a hash to research the hash in Google.

Try a free diagnostic now

PC Pitstop is the undisputed leader in PC diagnostics. Our running process library is culled from our database of over 100 million PC diagnostics and scans.

To find the latest driver for your computer we recommend running our Free Driver Scan.

Find out how to make your computer faster by running our Free Performance Scan.

Tips from the PitCrew

Every process running on your computer takes up CPU cycles and valuable memory. For optimal PC performance and resource utilization, you should be aware of every process on your computer. PC Pitstop designed this process library to help you know which processes are worthwhile and others that slow system performance.

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.