Solved Com Surrogate - shows up now and again in the task manager - virus?

[McSeven]

Today I noticed a Com Surrogate in task manager that shows up every so often.
Is this normal? How can I tell if this is a virus?

Would appreciate some help.
Thanks in advance.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

Same computer as the one here: http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/366755-question-about-com-surrogate.html ?

If so, the answer then would probably apply now, as well.

Cheers,

MM

 

[unrealRage]

dllhost.exe *32?
It loads thumbnails in explorer.

It's safe.

 

[McSeven]

I understand what you guys are saying, but I never noticed a Com Surrogate in the task manager when the computer is not doing anything. I'll just watch the task manager.

 

[unrealRage]

Does it uses too much CPU/RAM?
If not,you're fine.

But just for precaution run SFC /SCANNOW and check for malware.

 

[Layback Bear]

McSeven please read.

What does the COM Surrogate do and why does it always stop working? - The Old New Thing - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

 

[McSeven]

McSeven please read.

What does the COM Surrogate do and why does it always stop working? - The Old New Thing - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

I am not sure what to understand from all the posts there.

 

[McSeven]

Does it uses too much CPU/RAM?
If not,you're fine.

But just for precaution run SFC /SCANNOW and check for malware.

It is to fast to tell what ram is uses, but my system at idle has cpu at about 0 to 5 %.
I ran the SFC and it only took about 4 minutes. Nothing was reported.

 

[McSeven]

Anyone ever use SpyHunter? I tried it and it shows a virus. But you have to pay for SpyHunter to get rid of the virus. I don't trust SpyHunter, lol.

I ran Spybot, HiJackThis, Malwarebytes, Avira, Fix64, MS-Malicous, Powerliks and none show a virus or whatever.

I can I know that I am safe?

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi, @McSeven:

In addition to the advice already provided...

Malware can call itself anything and can "patch" many/most legit Windows OS files.

So, name alone really isn't enough to go on to determine what's going on with any particular file or process on your system.
While the behavior you report might be (and likely is) completely normal, there's no way to know for sure without more data (diagnostic logs, etc.)

If you are really worried about this, then you might want to either wait for one of the local malware experts here (e.g. @Jacee) to assist you, or perhaps head over to another reputable computer disinfection forum (e.g. at bleepingcomputer or forums.malwarebytes.org, etc.) for some free, expert, guided help checking the system.
Without that help and some diagnostic info, any discussion or assurances would really be largely speculation.

<just sayin'>

Cheers,
MM

 

[unrealRage]

Anyone ever use SpyHunter? I tried it and it shows a virus. But you have to pay for SpyHunter to get rid of the virus. I don't trust SpyHunter, lol.

I ran Spybot, HiJackThis, Malwarebytes, Avira, Fix64, MS-Malicous, Powerliks and none show a virus or whatever.

I can I know that I am safe?

Well you're probably safe.
It isn't using too much CPU/RAM and causing funky errors or lags so yeah,you're fine.It's a Windows process and probably not some masked malware.

 

[McSeven]

I understand @MoxieMomma, thanks.

 

[UsernameIssues]

McSeven,
You might be interested in the VirusTotal feature in Process Explorer. See this post.

 

[McSeven]

I re-installed Windows. Thanks peeps!

 

[MoxieMomma]

I re-installed Windows. Thanks peeps!

You reinstalled Windows because of a probably normal process in Task Manager?!?!

Well, I suppose that's one way to handle it.
That sure seems a bit extreme, under the circumstances.
But, at least you have a fresh Windows install now.

Glad you resolved your issue.

MM