How to remove RecGuard error

RecGuard.exe file information

The process Recguard Application or Recguard MFC Application belongs to the software Recguard Application or RECGUARD.EXE or Recovery Software Suite or Recovery Software Suite Gateway by unknown.

Description: File RecGuard.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows (usually c:\windows\sminst\). Known file sizes on Windows XP are 212992 bytes (52% of all occurrence), 233472 bytes, 1187840 bytes, 237568 bytes, 221184 bytes, 1138688 bytes, 21504 bytes, 28172 bytes, 390616 bytes, 31650 bytes, 217088 bytes, 262144 bytes, 37388 bytes, 23564 bytes, 215520 bytes, 390614 bytes, 390624 bytes, 37230 bytes, 16897 bytes, 25600 bytes, 245760 bytes, 24588 bytes.
The program has a visible window. There is no description of the program. RecGuard.exe is not a Windows core file. Program starts upon Windows startup (see Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). RecGuard.exe is able to record inputs, monitor applications, manipulate other programs. Therefore the technical security rating is 26% dangerous, however also read the users reviews.

If RecGuard.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" then the security rating is 56% dangerous. File size is 26967 bytes (50% of all occurrence), 212992 bytes. The program has a visible window. There is no file information. The program starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). File RecGuard.exe is not a Windows system file.

External information from Paul Collins:

• "Recguard" must run at start up. On HP computers, Recguard prevents the deletion or corruption of the WinXP Recovery Partition. Without it enabled, it is possible to knock that completely out and force the customer to send the PC back to HP for a re-image, possibly at the customer's expense

Important: Some malware camouflage themselves as RecGuard.exe, particularly if they are located in c:\windows or c:\windows\system32 folder. Thus check the RecGuard.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.

Links: RecGuard.exe, RecGuard.exe

it is part of pc angel (used by gateway and hp and ..?) to protect the recovery partition...
  chris  

I have this file set to start up on my Advent laptop?!?
  Alex  

Does seem to be HP's system recovery partition protection task. In an online chat with an HP tech, I ran SFC /SCANNOW, and it did not come up with any system/windows component file errors. Looking in C/Windows/SMINST, all the INI files are associated with HP. While the absence of signature etc. seems distressing, Windows verified the file as a legitimate component.
  capnvideo  

Protects Hidden Partition from corruption on Gateways & Emachines (it's actually the same company now). If your Recguard is corrupted, or disabled, you may not be able to burn a copy of your apps & drivers, or do a system Recovery with Backup.
  Cashub  

A simple executable which is supposed to prevent users from accidentally writing to the recovery partition. It's not limited to HP products.
  N/A  

It didn't stop me from deleting my recovery partition
  Jackie  

Is a utility of HP computers
  Mudito  

It's found on most computers with a recovery partition (HP, Compaq, Gateway, eMachine, Some others)
  Steve  

File recguard.exe can be found on some Hewlett-Packard computers. It is used to protect Windows XP Recovery Partition from modifying or accidental removal. HP software depend on this partition and does not work without it. Do not delete recguard.exe executable
  No one Special  

It defaults to my msconfig Startup Options, comes with Gateway computers, but I don't know why.
  Cybot99  

HP notebook recovery partition guard
  W.  

Used by Hp
  RAYTHEMASTER  

this file must be on all HP machines, mine is a compaq but everything is basically HP, must be partnership i dont think this is a dangerous file in that case, why would the company you buy your pc from want to mess your pc up?
  steve  

I think it's there to prevent users from destroying the files kept on a seperate partition for backup purposes - most commonly on preloaded machines bought with WinXp (and some software and branding items) already installed.
  Sonny  

More comments can be found here:
    (further information)

RecGuard scanner

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