How to remove aim error

aim.exe file information

The process AOL Instant Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger (SM) or LimeFire - By Zim belongs to the software AOL Instant Messenger or aim.exe or AIMutation or AOL Instant Messenger (SM) or LimeFire - By Zim or Mozilla Firefox or Earthlink Instant Messenger or AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) by America Online, Inc (www.aol.com) or Zimlabs.net.

Description: File aim.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" or sometimes in a subfolder of C:\ (generally C:\Program Files\AIM\). Known file sizes on Windows XP are 67160 bytes (57% of all occurrence), 61440 bytes, 67112 bytes, 66672 bytes, 16384 bytes, 23568 bytes, 53248 bytes, 57344 bytes, 9728 bytes, 14848 bytes, 25600 bytes.
The program has a visible window. The file is not a Windows system file. The program can be removed using the control panel Add\Remove programs applet. Program uses ports to connect to LAN or Internet. File aim.exe is a Verisign signed file. The file has a digital Signature. The program is loaded during the Windows boot process (see Registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices, HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders). Therefore the technical security rating is 10% dangerous, however also read the users reviews.

If aim.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows\System32 then the security rating is 85% dangerous. File size is 1323520 bytes (50% of all occurrence), 626688 bytes, 56320 bytes, 42496 bytes, 112640 bytes. There is no information about the maker of the file. Program is loaded during the Windows boot process (see Registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices, HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders). File aim.exe is not a Windows system file. The program is not visible. File aim.exe is located in the Windows folder, but it is not a Windows core file. aim.exe is able to hide itself, record inputs, monitor applications.

If aim.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows then the security rating is 84% dangerous. File size is 61440 bytes (66% of all occurrence), 61978 bytes. There is no file information. The program is not visible. aim.exe is not a Windows system file. The process uses ports to connect to LAN or Internet. The file is located in the Windows folder, but it is not a Windows core file. aim.exe is able to hide itself, monitor applications.

If aim.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Documents and Settings" then the security rating is 44% dangerous. File size is 62976 bytes.

External information from Paul Collins:

• "AIM" is not required to run at start up. AOL Instant Messenger. If connected to the internet, automatically runs up AIM. Convenience more than anything. Available via Start -> Programs

Important: Some malware camouflage themselves as aim.exe, particularly if they are located in c:\windows or c:\windows\system32 folder. Thus check the aim.exe process on your pc whether it is pest. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. It is one of the Top Download Picks of 2005 of The Washington Post and PC World.

when I shutdown my windows then error shows up like,,,aimskip.dll
  tom  

If you have aol installed it should be Ok (with a good antivirus of course), but if you got it and dont have aol installed its really dangerous, and you should delete the process.
  WilRa  

It is malicious adware,not entirely sure where i got it, im trying security task manager (free for scanning and quarantining processes) so far everything i have quarantined has stayed off : aim.exe, cAppp.exe, mc-110-12-0000190.exe, system32s, {2296428D- - - .exe, i have also looked it up elsewhere, some people say to enter windows in safe mode and delete them from the registry so they can't re-manifest themselves, i haven't tried that yet. Good luck.
  Tim   (further information)

AIM itself isn't harmful but it installs, without warning, Viewpoint Media Player that basically replaces Windows Media Player. Check you Add/Remove panel and remove viewpoint media player
  Nate Henjes   (further information)

Harmless messaging system, but can install other unwanted programs during installation if you're not careful.
   

It's killing my PC. Too dangerous! ALERT!
  Andre Portugal  

AOL Instant Messenger installs Adware WxBug.EXE and then it is nearly impossible to remove AOL Instant Messenger or WxBug.EXE.
   

It is a IM spreaded virus that mines information and slows your computer down.
  Jay S  

I cant delete it... its called aim.exe but i dunno how i got it... and makes my computer slow.. a lot slower than before ..its a worm
  Somone  

Not dangerous
    (further information)

receive message aim.exe has caused errors, and my computer shuts itself down, why I not understand
  decormore@hotmail.com  

can easly be infected to harness trojans that hide them self from firewalls
  jesse  

Aol Instant Messenger (AIM) TOTALLY HARMLESS!
  John Hays   (further information)

Instant Messenging Service (AIM = Aol Instant Messenger)
  Mike   (further information)

AOL Instant Messenger
  Oliver Dutta   (further information)

aim scanner

Security Task Manager shows all running Windows tasks including embedded hidden functions (e.g. keyboard or browser monitoring, autostart entry). A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware, keylogger or a Trojan.

Spyware Doctor detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, malware and tracking threats from your hard disk. Ideal supplement to Security Task Manager.

Registry Booster free scans, cleans, repairs and optimizes your system.

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