How to Remove Mshta.exe Virus

This article can help you to remove Mshta.exe Virus. The step by step removal works for every version of Microsoft Windows.

Mshta.exe Trojan virus is actually a namesake to a legitimate system file that is located in c:\windows\system32. The real file is responsible for executing html applications, as well as helping scripts to run in Windows system. Crypto criminals love naming their malware after existing files and this fact complicates the detection of the Mshta.exe Trojan virus. The versatility of these viruses is significant. They can encrypt user’s files and make them pay a ransom for their encryption. Mshta.exe virus may also compromise personal data stored on the computer like passwords, credit card numbers, addresses, etc.

How did I get infected with?

You may get infected with the Mshta.exe Trojan virus by opening fake emails that claim to be from companies such as eBay, PayPal, Microsoft Customer Service, etc. Other way of transmission is by legitimate software, repackaged by scammers, that contain malicious software. In most cases, the victim infected their computer without their knowledge. Users must always pay attention to what programs, applications or extensions they are installing. It is also advisable to make sure that there are no checked boxes next to additional software because in most cases, they are actually malware in disguise.

Why is this dangerous?

Trojan viruses are very versatile. They can use the victim’s computer for ransomware distribution, make it mine cryptocurrency, as well as steal private data like passwords, various types of files, bank account information, browsing history, etc. Some Trojans can also completely destroy your computer system. This is way you must be careful when opening emails, especially from unknown senders. Those type of emails must be avoided at all times. Same thing goes for unknown or suspicious attachments and executable files. Chances are, they contain some sort of malicious software. Users should never risk getting their computer infected with Trojan viruses. Otherwise, their personal information may get compromised. If you don’t want that happening to you, read on to learn how to get rid of this virus and keep your computer safe from potential threats.

Manual Mshta.exe Removal Instructions

The Mshta.exe infection is specifically designed to make money to its creators one way or another. The specialists from various antivirus companies like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, ESET, etc. advise that there is no harmless virus.

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the Mshta.exe infection. Please, follow the procedures in the exact order. Please, consider to print this guide or have another computer at your disposal. You will NOT need any USB sticks or CDs.

STEP 1: Track down Mshta.exe related processes in the computer memory

STEP 2: Locate Mshta.exe startup location

STEP 3: Delete Mshta.exe traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus

STEP 1: Track down Mshta.exe related processes in the computer memory

• Open your Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Carefully review all processes and stop the suspicious ones.

• Write down the file location for later reference.

Step 2: Locate Mshta.exe startup location

Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

Clean Mshta.exe virus from the windows registry

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”

• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to: %appdata% folder and delete the malicious executable.

Clean your HOSTS file to avoid unwanted browser redirection

Navigate to %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/host

If you are hacked, there will be foreign IPs addresses connected to you at the bottom. Take a look below:

Step 4: Undo the possible damage done by Mshta.exe

This particular Virus may alter your DNS settings.

Attention! this can break your internet connection. Before you change your DNS settings to use Google Public DNS for Mshta.exe, be sure to write down the current server addresses on a piece of paper.

To fix the damage done by the virus you need to do the following.

• Click the Windows Start button to open the Start Menu, type control panel in the search box and select Control Panel in the results displayed above.
• go to Network and Internet
• then Network and Sharing Center
• then Change Adapter Settings
• Right-click on your active internet connection and click properties. Under the Networking tab, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Left click on it and then click on properties. Both options should be automatic! By default it should be set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and the second one to “Obtain DNS server address automatically!” If they are not just change them, however if you are part of a domain network you should contact your Domain Administrator to set these settings, otherwise the internet connection will break!!!

 

• Check your scheduled tasks to make sure the virus will not download itself again.

How to Permanently Remove Mshta.exe Virus (automatic) Removal Guide

Please, have in mind that once you are infected with a single virus, it compromises your whole system or network and let all doors wide open for many other infections. To make sure manual removal is successful, we recommend to use a free scanner of any professional antimalware program to identify possible virus leftovers or temporary files.