dllhost.exe

[CBMatt]

I've heard various things about dllhost.exe and it's causing me a bit of confusion.  Basically, I want to know if it's a concern at all because I'd hate to have this on my computer if it's actually a virus or spyware of some sort.  It's never come up in my virus scans as malware, but I'd still appreciate knowing if there's any threat or if there are any signs to look for or anything.
 
I'm also having a heck of a time trying to figure out what this new ~f39a36.tmp file is in my running processes is.  I'm hoping it has to do with Black & White (which I've started playing) somehow.

[Calum]

Quote from iutilities.com about dllhost.exe -

dllhost.exe is a process belonging to Microsoft Windows Operating System. The dllhost.exe file manages DLL based applications. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.

So it sounds like it's not a virus.
Do you have problems running games?
As for your other problem, read this.
It may enlighten you a little as to what the process is and why it's there.
Hope this helps.

[oddjob]

Hi CBMatt, Calum

CBMatt ... like Calum says the dllhost.exe is VITAL to the sucessful operation of your system. Don't disturb it.

The other file ~f39a36.tmp is nothing to worry about and is only temporary in nature. I agree it will most likely run when you load something like Black & White.

However, if you want to make sure all temporary files etc. are removed, or you just want to give your computer a good "spring clean", use AVG AntiSpyware for free.

Download Ewido/AVG Anti Spyware from here ….

http://www.ewido.net/en/

It has a fully working 30 day trial period.

Install it and update it to the latest definitions.

Do NOT use it yet.


Now boot to safe mode. Here’s a “how to” if you’re not sure ..

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406


When in safe mode run a full system scan with AVGAS and let it fix what it wants to.

[FOOTNOTE > this is a good program to use as an “on demand” scanner even after the trial period is over. Keep it updated and use it to scan your computer from time to time].



Calum ... that link you posted to daemon-tools.cc .... that site is coming up rather dubious. Site Advisor tells me that "Feedback from credible users suggests that downloads on this site may contain what some people would consider adware, spyware, or other unwanted programs" so be careful if you decide to d/l anything from there. I wouldn't.


OJ

[Calum]

Or use CCleaner to clean your temp files.
Use this guide to set it before use.
Just make sure that you set it not to clean any cookies that you want to keep, or you'll have to log into any sites that you log into, like this one, again.
The link I posted suggests that the temp file will run under certain circumstances, like when you attempt to run certain copy protected games under a virtual CD drive.
And I didn't know it was dodgy, sorry.
I wasn't going to download anything from it, but anyone thinking of it, take note.
I don't have SiteAdvisor as the one time I tried to use it it crashed my Firefox.
I'm careful anyway so I don't see a need for it (for me).
Anyway, looking at the SiteAdvisor report, all the downloads submitted came p clean according to McAfee.
So it doesn't seem to me that it's a problem anyway.

[CBMatt]

Thanks, guys.  The file's been on my computer for awhile, I believe, and I figured it was safe, but a few people on various sites had said otherwise, so I just wanted to make sure (I've been pretty cautious about malware lately).  And to me, this is the most obvious place to ask.

As for the other file...since posting, I've completely uninstalled Black & White.  I accidentally did irreversable damage to my savegame file thanks to a very poorly-coded utility program.  The whole thing was giving me a headache, so I just got rid of the darn game.  Since then, that file hasn't shown up, so I have to assume it went along with the game.  Just to be safe, I deleted the temp file and did a scan with AVG.  I think I'm in the clear.

Thanks for the insight!

[oddjob]

And I didn't know it was dodgy, sorry.

No need to apologise for anything. I was just highlighting something Site Advisor told me, that's all.

Glad it's all OK with you, CBMatt. You can still use AVG Anti Spyware anyway. It's an excellent free scanner/cleaner. Ccleaner is good too but AVG AS scans deeper.