How to remove an mstsc error

The free file information forum can help you determine if mstsc.exe is a virus, trojan, spyware, or adware that you can remove, or a file belonging to a Windows system or an application you can trust.

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Mstsc.exe file information

The process known as Remote Desktop Connection belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System or Sistema operativo Microsoft Windows or Betriebssystem Microsoft Windows by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).

Description: mstsc.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows\System32. Known file sizes on Windows 7/XP are 677,888 bytes (40% of all occurrences), 407,552 bytes and 4 more variants.
Mstsc.exe is a Windows core system file. The program has a visible window. The file is a Microsoft signed file. The application listens for or sends data on open ports to a LAN or the Internet. Therefore the technical security rating is 0% dangerous, however also read the users reviews.

Recommended: Identify mstsc.exe related errors

Viruses with the same file name

Is mstsc.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true mstsc.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called "Remote Desktop Connection". However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection. Viruses with the same file name are for example Mal/Generic-A (detected by Sophos), and Trojan:Win32/Rodecap.A (detected by Microsoft).
To ensure that no rogue mstsc.exe is running on your PC, click here to run a Free Malware Scan.

How to recognize suspicious variants? If mstsc.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Documents and Settings", the security rating is 64% dangerous. The file size is 81,920 bytes (50% of all occurrences), 86,016 bytes, 98,304 bytes, 57,344 bytes or 77,824 bytes. There is no description of the program. The program is not visible. The file is not a Windows core file. The program starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: C:\Windows\win.ini, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run).

If mstsc.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows, the security rating is 74% dangerous. The file size is 91,136 bytes (25% of all occurrences), 93,184 bytes, 98,304 bytes or 61,440 bytes. It is a file without information about the developer of this file. The program has no visible window. The application starts upon Windows startup (see Registry key: C:\Windows\win.ini, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). It is not a Windows core file.

If mstsc.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files", the security rating is 22% dangerous. The file size is 399,872 bytes (66% of all occurrences) or 98,304 bytes.

If mstsc.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows\System32\drivers, the security rating is 72% dangerous. The file size is 81,920 bytes.

If mstsc.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows, the security rating is 98% dangerous. The file size is 89,088 bytes (50% of all occurrences) or 81,920 bytes.

Important: Some malware camouflages itself as mstsc.exe, particularly when located in the c:\windows or c:\windows\system32 folder. Therefore, you should check the mstsc.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.

Score

User Comments

I am using another computer with the Remote Desktop connection all set up and running, I terminated the process and ptute, gone.. no more connection... This file is fine in that sence, but if you didn't have Remote Desktop Enabled and setup and seen this running then I would have that Red Flag waiving high, someone could be using your computer, ONLY if you didn't set this up to begin with... My oppinion. But most cases It would only allow one connection to the Remote Desktop's computer at a time that I believe, whenever another user would try to log on, then a msg would popup if ok to logon
SuD (further information)

It's the Remote Desktop Client. You use it to connect to another computer's remote desktop.
Thomas

I love that application - helps me with my research
Magda

Client's computer has mstsc.exe setup to run at startup. Points to %USER%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows. Obvious fake. If this file is found anywhere but %windows%\System32, it should be considered very dangerous.
Pawel Tarnowski

I use mstsc on a daily basis at work to remotely work on computers. It is a core Microsoft application for remote connections. MSTSC - Microsoft Terminal Services Client. It is a useful tool when used properly. When you log into a remote computer with mstsc you must have a valid Username and Password for the computer that you are logging into, also it will log off anyone who is logged into that computer with a prompt. Therefore if you have your computer protected with password required accounts it should not be a concern that anyone can just log into your computer with mstsc.
GentleBen_49 (further information)

it showed up on my desktop with a lightbulb icon the same day I was held hostage by Think Point.
Ginger Parker

comodo (firewall) alerted that IS malicious! one of the kids' friends put on puter; the SAME person whom also spilled beer on the keyboard ... BEWARE! microsoft ended support on win 2000, so .. pretty much open on ur own risk
sun in alabama (further information)

mstsc.exe provides access to terminal server’s functions using the commandline (dos prompt)
Laila

It showed up on my desktop, with a filesize of 510KB. Trend Micro's HouseCall program flaged it as a trojan. I certainly don't remember downloading it.
Jerramy

Essential for me to monitor systems on a SERVER FARM
Joseph

I use ti every day to remotely access workstations & servers. I like it better than pcAnywhere. Simple but essential for work. Not essential for a home computer.
Ed Lipchus

Summary: Average user rating of mstsc.exe: based on 20 votes with 11 reviews.

7 users think mstsc.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. 2 users think it's probably harmless. 4 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous. 5 users suspect danger. 2 users think mstsc.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it.

Mstsc scanner

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