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SMSS.EXE

Overview

SMSS.EXE is a malware-associated executable file. Legitimate executable files are used to launch programs in Windows. Malware-associated executable files are automatically run from registry autorun locations and the Windows startup folder to execute malicious code.

Location of SMSS.EXE and Associated Malware

Check whether SMSS.EXE is present in the following locations:

• C:\WINDOWS\system32\oobe\rule\files\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\tarantula\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\SMSS.EXE
• C:\WINDOWS\system32\usmt\check\files\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\AppPatch\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\DOBE~1\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\system32\crdwsys\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\system\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\system32\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Temp\Low\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Temp\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Skins\WindowsMediaSkin\Data\Level4\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Skins\WindowsMediaSkin\Data\Level1\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\MDSA Software\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\smss.exe
• C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Temp\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\ICROSO~1.NET\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\My Documents\YSTEM~1\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\My Documents\?asks\smss.exe
• C:\Program Files\ASKS~1\smss.exe
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Application Data\STEM~1\smss.exe

If you find SMSS.EXE in any of these locations, your computer is very likely to be infected with the following malware:

• AutoRun
• Autorun Malware
• Bancos.IFR
• Bancos.IGX
• Bangsoft
• Boxed
• Brontok
• CWS Downloader
• Dosingle
• DreamAd
• Ertfor
• Harnton
• Hatigh
• MDSA.Sentinel
• Methodbod.B
• OnLineGames
• SillyDC
• SillyFDC.Y
• TDSServ
• Vundo (Virtumondo)

Why Is It Important to Remove Malware Files?

It is imperative that you delete malware-associated files as soon as possible because they can be used - or are already being used - to inflict serious damage on your PC, including:

• Disrupting the normal functioning of the operating system or rendering it completely useless.
• Hijacking valuable private information (credit card numbers, passwords, PIN codes, etc.)
• Directing all your Web searches to the same unwanted or malicious sites.
• Dramatically slowing down your computer.
• Gaining total control of your PC to spread viruses and trojans and send out spam.

How to Remove SMSS.EXE

1. To enable deleting the SMSS.EXE file, terminate the associated process in the Task Manager as follows:
   • Right-click in the Windows taskbar (a bar that appears along the bottom of the Windows screen) and select Task Manager on the menu.
   • In the Tasks Manager window, click the Processes tab.
   • On the Processes tab, select SMSS.EXE and click End Process.
2. Using your file explorer, browse to the file using the paths listed in Location of SMSS.EXE and Associated Malware.
3. Select the file and press SHIFT+Delete on the keyboard.
4. Click Yes in the confirm deletion dialog box.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for each location listed in Location of SMSS.EXE and Associated Malware.

Delete SMSS.EXE Automatically.

Deleting Locked Files

You can delete locked files with the RemoveOnReboot utility. You can install the RemoveOnReboot utility from here.

After you delete a locked file, you need to delete all the references to the file in Windows registry.

To delete a locked file:

1. Right-click on the file and select Send To -> Remove on Next Reboot on the menu.
2. Restart your computer.

The file will be deleted on restart.

Note: In the case of complex viruses that can replicate themselves, malware files can reappear in the same locations even after you have deleted those files and restarted your computer. Exterminate It! can effectively eradicate such viruses from your computer.

To remove all registry references to a malware file:

1. On the Windows Start menu, click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit and click OK. The Registry Editor window opens.
3. On the Edit menu, select Find.
4. In the Find dialog box, type FILENAME. The name of the first found registry value referencing SMSS.EXE is highlighted in the right pane of the Registry Editor window.
5. Right-click the registry value name and select Delete on the menu.
6. Click Yes in the Confirm Value Delete dialog box.
7. To delete all other references to SMSS.EXE, repeat steps 4-6.