Wininit.exe - what is it? Virus or Regular Process

Wininit.exe - what is it? This is a safe Windows executable file that is installed by Microsoft. The program itself is not harmful. The only danger is that the name may be copied by other programs in an attempt to disguise the real virus.

Introduction

Wininit.exe (Windows Initialize) was developed by Microsoft and is the main system process created in Windows XP, 7 and Vista. The file was created to allow uninstallers to run and process commands stored in the Wininit.ini file. This allows programs to take action while the computer is still loading. On Windows 7 and Vista, it basically acts as a launch for most background applications that always work.

wininit exe what is it

The file is stored locally on your computer at: C: \ Windows \ system32 \ wininit.exe. If you find that it is stored in any other place, it is most likely a virus that disguises itself using the regular name of the process as the file name.

Wininit.exe - what is it and is it possible to disable this process?

You cannot disable it; it is a critical system process that Windows requires to work. Completing this process will result in a critical system error that will require you to restart your computer.

On new computer hardware, the service poses no threat whatsoever, but on older PCs there is a potential problem of renaming the virus as masking malicious copies.

wininit exe what is this process

Many users are wondering: Wininit.EXE - what is this process? In the Microsoft Windows operating system there are several “mini-programs” that help the main function of the OS and without which the functioning of the PC will be seriously complicated. This is just one of those "mini-programs" that helps the operating system to start.

Definition

Wininit.EXE is the main process that is present in every OS session. Its task is to start the startup of Windows applications in Wininit.exe and some of the main background services, such as Service Central Manager (SCM), Local Security Management System (LSASS) and Local Session Manager (LSM.EXE). This is an important background program that should never stop through Task Manager.

Storage

So, we already know, Wininit.exe - what it is, and now find out where the file is located. The data is located in the System32 subfolder of the Windows main folder located on the C \: drive. The service does not have a visible user window, works completely on the background of Windows and is able to register computer input data, as well as manage other programs.

wininit exe startup application windows

Viral disguise

Viruses and malware sometimes call themselves Wininit EXE, and it is very dangerous. These files will prevent the operating system from starting and block the PC. Fake files disguised as Wininit EXE are hidden in the System32 system files. There are various security programs and antiviruses that can check the operation of the service and destroy viruses that hide during the Windows startup process.

An example of a service error: "Wininit.exe cannot be started from within Windows." You will receive this message when your system is infected with a virus. The Win32.Weird and Bymer viruses are known as malicious activities disguised as this process.

Wininit.INI File

Wininit.ini is an information file processed by Wininit EXE. It contains destination paths and file names for the .dll system extension and other data that control the OS. If you have problems downloading drivers and the main processes of the OS, use the "System Restore" function, which will return your computer to its previous state with an older copy of Wininit.INI.

Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/C29135/


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