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Unknown
Safe
User Optional
Unwanted
Spyware / Adware
Virus

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.

You may find more information on this process by visiting Process Detail Pages.

Prevalence

Percentage of recently scanned PC's with this process running: 0.01%
Average CPU use for this program: 0%
Average RAM for this program: 4 MB

Identification

In addition to the file name, userinit.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.

Detailed Description and/or Removal Instructions

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892893

PC Pitstop Analysis

userinit.exe - This is a key process to the Windows operating system. It manages the different start up sequences on boot-up. It establishes network connections and the Windows shell. Userinit.exe is important to the stable and secure operation of your computer and should not be terminated. The correct filepath is C:\Windows\System32\Userinit.exe,. Note the comma at the end of the file path is required. Please note that userinit.exe is also listed as a trojan. This threat can go under as many as 10 different file names. It has been classified as Haxdoor.Fam, Win32.Bagle.M@mm, and Worm.Win32.Feebs.df

userinit.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 userinit.exe, we have detected more than 10 different MD5 hashes. Click on a hash to research the hash in Google.

Prevalence

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

Identification

The file name alone identifies this program.

Vendor or Distributor's Web Site

http://search.ca.com/search/ca?style=en&search_button=Search&qt=userinit.exe&col=

Detailed Description and/or Removal Instructions

http://www.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/virus.aspx?id=58501

PC Pitstop Analysis

userinit.exe - According to CA:

Win32/Satiloler.A is a backdoor trojan that allows an attacker to collect information from a user's system.

userinit.exe is a VIRUS. Stop all work until the virus is removed or you run the risk of spreading the virus to other people. Worse yet, the virus may be doing harm to your computer and your information.

userinit.exe is a virus and should be removed immediately to avoid doing further harm. PC Pitstop recommends PC Matic in these types of situations.

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 userinit.exe, we have detected more than 10 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.