Mshta.exe Virus Removal

Can’t Remove Mshta.exe? This page includes detailed Mshta.exe Removal instructions!

The Mshta.exe process is legitimate. Your OS needs it to execute .HTA files. You can find the file saved in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If you, however, tack the process to another directory or if it causes errors, scan your device for malware. A nasty PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) uses this process as a camouflage for its malicious operations. If your computer is infected, prepare for trouble. The Mshta.exe PUP is not a full-fledged virus, but it can certainly infect your device with one. The PUP is an intrusive ad-supported program which may further corrupt your system. This utility is often used by crooks to redirect web traffic to bogus websites. The parasite enters your computer in complete silence and infects your web browser. It uses misleading and deceptive strategies to turn you from a visitor into a customer. The PUP injects various adverts on every web page you load. It generates revenue when you click on the ads. So, the more ads it injects, the bigger the chance you click. Yet, there is a problem. You won’t click on random advertisements, will you? To determine your preferences, the nasty PUP uses surveillance. It monitors your browsing-related data and bases the adverts on the collected information. This parasite, however, does not keep this information for itself. Quite the opposite, it sells it. Anyone willing to pay can get in possession of your data pack. Can you imagine what the crooks do with this data? They target potential victims with customized adverts. These people are criminals. They show you what you want to see, but when you click on their adverts, bad things happen. Do not risk your security and financial stability. The Mshta.exe PUP is too dangerous to be kept on board. Remove it the first chance you get! The sooner it is gone, the better!

How did I get infected with Mshta.exe?

The Mshta.exe PUP is not an ingenious virus. It cannot hack your computer. To enter your OS, it needs your (the user’s) approval. No permission, no admission. That’s the rule. Unfortunately, the crooks have found a way to bend it. No one said that they need to ask you openly. The Mshta.exe PUP lurks behind software bundles, torrents, fake updates, and spam emails. One second of carelessness is all it needs to succeed. Do not make its job easier. Always do your due diligence. Be especially careful when you are about to install a new program. Take your time. Do not rush through the installation process. You will be surprised how often, the apps we download off the web come bundled with additional software. If you use “next-next-finish” installation method, you are very likely to end up with more application than you anticipated. Opt for the Advanced/Custom option in the Setup Wizard. Under it, you will be presented with a list of all extras that are about to be installed. Make sure you know what you are giving your permission to. Read the Terms and Conditions/End User License Agreement (EULA). If you don’t have the time to do so, use an online EULA analyzer to scan the document. Deselect all suspicious apps. Install only the ones that you want and trust!

Why is Mshta.exe dangerous?

The Mshta.exe PUP can ruin your browsing experience in seconds. This intruder terrorizes its victims with advertisements. It injects various adverts on every web page you load, redirects your web traffic to sponsored platforms, and even pauses your online videos for commercial breaks. When you get used to it, it becomes more aggressive and surprises you with something new. Unfortunately, this intensive adverting takes a toll on your device. The hijacker causes your machine to underperform. It is also behind your slow and unstable Internet connection. Yet, these issues are barely scratching the tip of the iceberg. What happens behind your back is far more worrisome. The hijacker jeopardizes your security. It spies on you and threatens to reveal the collected data. Anyone can access the information. What is worse, anyone can use it against you. A capable advertiser needs very little to successfully target you with customized ad campaigns. But what if the advertiser has bad intentions? Numerous crooks use the Mshta.exe hijacker to lure potential victims into online schemes. Bear this in mind the next time you see an irresistible offer. With the hijacker on board, it is more likely to be false or misleading than a legitimate one. There is also a good chance for the ad to be malicious. One click is all it takes for a virus to be downloaded! Do not risk your computer’s health. Remove the hijacker ASAP!

How Can I Remove Mshta.exe?

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.

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of Mshta.exe.exe and kill it

• Open your windows registry editor by typing”regedit” in the windows search box

Navigate to (Depending on your OS version)

[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: Mshta.exe

Simultaneously press the Windows Logo Button and then “R” to open the Run Command

Type “Appwiz.cpl”

Locate the Mshta.exe program and click on uninstall/change. To facilitate the search you can sort the programs by date. Review the most recent installed programs first. In general you should remove all unknown programs.

Navigate to C:/Program Files and delete Mshta.exe folder. Double check with any antimalware program for any leftovers. Keep your software up-to date!