How to Remove Launcher.exe Malware

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

There’s a legitimate executable file that goes by the name Launcher.exe. In fact, there’s more than one. It’s quite the popular name for software developers. And, they use it often to name files. However, cyber criminals have taken notice to that, and have come to exploit it. They’ve created a malicious Trojan menace with the Launcher.exe name. You’re dealing with an untrustworthy, unreliable and hazardous cyber threat. As soon as you become aware of its presence on your PC, act against it. It’s not a tool, you can ignore. Don’t underestimate the danger, it poses. To do so, is a colossal mistake. Trojans make for atrocious online companions. They invade your system via slyness and finesse, then wreak havoc, and mess it up. The more you allow them to remain, the bigger the mess. That’s why, experts advise towards their prompt removal. Don’t extend the tool’s stay beyond the point of discovery. The faster you remove it from your PC, the better. So, don’t delay its deletion, but act ASAP.

How did I get infected with?

Trojans turn to trickery to invade. And, so did the Launcher.exe threat. The most common invasive method is via spam emails. You get an email, one day, that claims to come from a reputable source. Like, a well-known company. Amazon, DHL, PayPal. There are a lot of options. You open the email, and it reads that you must “verify data” or “confirm a purchase.” And, to do so, you have to click on a link, or download an attachment. If you do that, you end up with a cyber menace, like Launcher.exe. Examine everything you receive. Don’t give into naivety and haste. Don’t rush, and skip doing due diligence. Vigilance helps you to spot trickery. Always keep that in mind. Even a little extra attention can help you catch an infection in the act of attempting invasion. And, prevent its success. Other common methods, include the use of freeware, fake updates, corrupted links. The Trojan has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. It’s up to you to be cautious enough, and look past them. These infections prey on your carelessness. Don’t provide it. Do the opposite, and be extra thorough. It goes a long way.

Why is this dangerous?

Launcher.exe causes quite the damage to your system. It eats up space and resources, as well as increase CPU usage. The tool meddles with Registry files, and reshuffles settings. It launches malicious processes. And, may even delete or severely corrupt some of your files. Programs that used to run fine, may refuse to open altogether. All because of the Trojan’s influences. It also restricts your Internet access. Or, it can block it entirely. And, when you do manage to browse the web, you face a whirl of interference and annoyance. The infection bombards you with intrusion. You get redirected to suspicious sites, and flooded with advertisements. All that continuous intrusions causes frequent system crashes. And, turns lagging into a daily occurrence. The Launcher.exe infection also pulls down your PC’s defenses, making you vulnerable to outside threats. It can disable your anti-virus program, and firewall. And, make it easier for malware to invade. Not only that, but it also places your private information in jeopardy. It follows instructions to spy on you from the moment it invades. And, it does. The Trojan tracks your online activities, and records everything you do. After it determines it has collected enough data, it proceeds to send it. Yes, it exposes the stolen data to the cyber criminals behind it. Do you think that ends well for you? Strangers with agendas getting a hold of your private information? Don’t allow that. Get rid of the nasty Launcher.exe menace the first chance you get.

Manual Launcher.exe Removal Instructions

The Launcher.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 Launcher.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 Launcher.exe related processes in the computer memory

STEP 2: Locate Launcher.exe startup location

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

STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus

STEP 1: Track down Launcher.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 Launcher.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 Launcher.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 Launcher.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 Launcher.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 Launcher.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.