Windows 7: Svchost.exe?

Well, I've read several articles and viewed many sources on this, and I couldn''t find a definitive answer.. So. When I first start up my computer, it asks if I want to run a svc.host exe. It is located in my Roaming / Microsoft/ System / Services. Many people regard this as a virus, where some say that it's just a Microsoft file. But some also say that it's a trojan under a fake name. I don't know what to do and I'm just wondering if there is any way to delete it safely without installing any software (I can, it's just not my preferred way) or any way that I can stop the window from popping up.




Thanks.

Hmm, I used the directory you posted but I couldn't find it in my system. What sort of AV do you use? If it isn't causing your system harm (because you're asked to run it or not) then I would'nt worry much about it. BUT I've never heard of svc.host.exe before. Maybe you should download Ccleaner. Just Google it. It cleans unnecessary junk from your system and removes invalid registry keys for you. It's safe, I use it all the time. It's also got a startup thing in there too, so you can choose what runs on startup. That's all the help I can give you right now, I don't know much else.

You could also use the free Malwarebytes to run an additional scan on your computer. Update the data files, then run a full scan. If it finds anything you can post the log here for additional help.

Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a free download that removes viruses and malware from your computer

The correct location for the file is C:\Windows\System32. If it is running from elswhere then it is a threat to the system. Give Malwarebytes Antimalware a run and see if it picks up on it.

Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download

Edit:
@marsmimar - sorry looks like we crossed post!

Not a problem. Just shows great minds think alike!

I actually McAfee and Norton Endpoint installed on my computer. I know Norton picks it up sometimes, but for McAfee it''s safe. people say AVG picks it up often, so I may consider downloading that. Thanks for all your help, guys and I would gladly appreciate more info.

Slightly off topic but it's best to have only one real-time scanner running. You say you have McAfee and Norton Endpoint installed and you're thinking about downloading AVG. Way too many. They can conflict with each other, put your computer in an endless security loop slowing things down, or even crashing your computer.

Going back to the svchost.exe issue. If you delete an actual Microsoft svchost.exe file, you can cripple your computer. It's not unheard of to have multiple svchost files running at the same time.

Well most of the time if it is a virus it will be SCVhost.exe all they did was change the name of the virus so it looks like a nessesary windows program.

What has been said is correct. svchost.exe is what many viruses/Trojans/worm, etc use as a name. It is also a valid Windows process, but it MUST be in the System32 folder for it to be a Windows process as Cookieman and marsmimar said, ANYwhere else its not a friend.

You might consider removing McAfee, it has been causing issues with many posters here. Download MalwareBytes as suggested, and SuperAntiSpyware, links in my sig. Update each and run a full scan with your other AV's turned off.

AVG has been found really buggy too. You may want to use Microsoft Security Essentials (again, in my sig) instead of anything else you have. The downloads suggested don't use real-time so they are OK to use with other security.

Correction: MSE does have real-time protection.

As stated, do not install more than one anti virus at once. It can cause problems such as lockups and slowdowns.

If you are still wary about the file you have mentioned then upload it to either virus total or jotti for checking.

Virustotal >> VirusTotal - Free Online Virus, Malware and URL Scanner
Jotti >> Jotti's malware scan