rundll32.exe | What It Is, Problems and Solutions

If you're a Windows user, you may have seen rundll32.exe on your system and have no idea what it is. These types of files can be dangerous if you don't know what they are and let them run on your PC. That's why we've compiled all the information you need to know about this process and how to fix any problems it might cause on your PC.

What is rundll32.exe?

If you have been on Windows for any length of time, you have seen billions of *.dll (dynamic link library) files in every application folder, which are used to store common pieces of application logic that can be accessed by multiple applications.

Since there's no way to directly launch a DLL file, the rundll32.exe application is simply used to launch the functionality stored in shared .dll files . This executable is a legitimate part of Windows and shouldn't normally pose a threat.

 

The legitimate process is usually located in \Windows\System32\rundll32.exe , but sometimes spyware uses the same filename and runs from a different directory to disguise itself. If you suspect a problem, you should always run a scan to be sure.

In short, rundll32.exe is an executable file on your computer's hard drive. This file contains machine code. If you launch the Backdoor.W32.Ranky software on your PC, the command contained in rundll32.exe will be executed. To do this, the file is loaded into main memory (RAM) and runs as a Backdoor.W32.Ranky process (also called a task).

Is rundll32.exe harmful?

This process is considered safe . It is unlikely to harm your system. The rundll32.exe file must be located in the C:\Windows\dll folder. Otherwise, it could be a Trojan horse. However, rundll32.exe is a safe process.

Can I stop or remove rundll32.exe?

Many non-system processes that are running can be stopped because they are not involved in running your operating system. rundll32.exe is used by 'Backdoor.W32.Ranky'. To stop rundll32.exe permanently, uninstall 'Backdoor.W32.Ranky' from your system.

Does rundll32.exe overload the CPU?

This process is not considered CPU-intensive . However, running too many processes on your system can affect overall PC performance. To reduce system overhead, you can use the Microsoft System Configuration Utility (MSConfig) or Windows Task Manager to manually find and disable processes that start at startup.

Use the Windows Resource Monitor to find out which processes and applications are writing/reading the most to the hard drive, sending the most data over the internet, or using the most memory. To access the Resource Monitor, press the Windows key + R and then type 'resmon'.

Why does rundll32.exe produce errors?

Most of the problems with rundll32 are caused by the application running the process. The safest way to fix these errors is to update or uninstall this application. Therefore, check the website for the latest Backdoor.W32.Ranky update.

Why do I have multiple instances of rundll32.exe?

Multiple copies of a process in your Task Manager can indicate the presence of a virus or Trojan . Always use up-to-date antivirus software and perform a full scan to identify these cases.

It is important to understand that many viruses and Trojans use real process or file names to disguise themselves within the system so that the user does not take into consideration that they may be a threat. This is why it is important that you always have an antivirus program installed that can help you identify what may be a threat.

How to investigate rundll32.exe?

Instead of using Task Manager, we can use Microsoft's free utility Process Explorer to find out what's going on. This has the advantage of working on all versions of Windows and is a great alternative for troubleshooting.

• Launch Process Explorer and select File \ Show details for all processes to make sure you're seeing everything.
• When you hover your mouse over rundll32.exe in the list, you will see a tooltip with details of what it actually is.
• You can also right-click the process, choose Properties, and view the Image tab to see the full path name that it is launching. You can even see the parent process, which in this case is the Windows shell (explorer.exe ), indicating that it was probably launched from a shortcut or startup item.
• By scrolling down you can see the details of the task manager file.

How to disable rundll32.exe?

If you are having problems with this process and you are not using it, you can choose to disable it. To do so, the process will depend on the version of Windows you have:

Windows 7

• Type msconfig.exe in the search or run box of the start menu
• There you should find the column Commandos
• Find rundll32.exe and uncheck the box
• This will prevent the process from starting automatically.

In some cases you won't see a startup item like this, so you'll have to do some digging to find it. In XP you might find it under Display Properties.

Windows 8 and 10

• Go to Task Manager
• There, go to the Startup tab.
• Disable the process

What to do if rundll32.exe is not behaving as it should?

Although this is a perfectly valid process, it's possible that malware has hijacked the process and is causing problems. If you continue to experience issues after following the steps above, your best course of action is to perform a full scan using an anti-malware tool.

Such programs will be able to detect any type of malicious file and will recommend you to get rid of it. This process will remove the threat without altering the actual rundll32.exe process that is valid for Windows.

Final words

As you can see, rundll32.exe is a perfectly valid process for Windows users. You can disable it if you wish, but only if you believe it's causing problems; otherwise, simply leave it alone.

If you fear that it may be a virus disguised as a system process, your best option is to use an antivirus tool. This is the best method to find out if it is really malware and to be able to remove it effectively.