How to remove userinit error

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userinit.exe file information

The process Userinit Logon Application belongs to the software Microsoft Windows Operating System or userinit.exe or Microsoft¢ç Windows¢ç Operating System or Userinit Logon Verification or Proccess ID or userinit.exe" -vt yazb or userinit.exe or Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Operating System or Hav_online or thanhminh by Microsoft Corporation (www.microsoft.com) or ???.

Description: File userinit.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows\System32. Known file sizes on Windows XP are 24,576 bytes (67% of all occurrence), 22,016 bytes, 21,504 bytes, 26,112 bytes, 28,160 bytes, 39,115 bytes, 39,109 bytes, 39,150 bytes, 34,304 bytes, 57,344 bytes, 35,840 bytes, 41,472 bytes, 37,376 bytes, 100,864 bytes, 39,146 bytes.
The program has no visible window. userinit.exe is a trustworthy file from Microsoft. Therefore the technical security rating is 17% dangerous, however also read the users reviews.

Recommended: Identify userinit.exe related errors

If userinit.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows then the security rating is 82% dangerous. File size is 112,128 bytes (18% of all occurrence), 59,392 bytes, 59,904 bytes, 84,992 bytes, 67,160 bytes, 67,150 bytes, 82,944 bytes, 108,544 bytes, 27,178 bytes, 118,863 bytes, 120,832 bytes. There is no description of the program. The file is not a Windows system file. The program is not visible. The file is located in the Windows folder, but it is not a Windows core file. Program uses ports to connect to LAN or Internet. The program is loaded during the Windows boot process (see Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Userinit, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders, HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). userinit.exe is able to monitor applications, record inputs, hide itself.

If userinit.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows then the security rating is 30% dangerous. File size is 24,576 bytes (50% of all occurrence), 33,792 bytes, 12,800 bytes. userinit.exe is not a Windows core file.

If userinit.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" then the security rating is 12% dangerous. File size is 21,504 bytes (50% of all occurrence), 24,576 bytes.

If userinit.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Documents and Settings" then the security rating is 36% dangerous. File size is 22,016 bytes.

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

For hte people who say that it makes htem loose connection: Its because of the nature of hte program... It does nothing harmful unless one of a various types of virus attaaches itself to it... If you see hte program running longer then 5 seconds after start-up then end it immediatly and get a better anti virus.
  Ohjeez  

It's use after log in. It's also risk by virus or worm when we always on line without fire wall. Until now,my PC can't be worked.
  Irfan  

Every time I start my computer, it logs on to the internet and every time I try to cancel it just starts again. It only quits when I disable it in task manager.
  Ashley Trader  

It is indeed a Windows process that runs when you first log on. Mine disappearsfrom the process list a few seconds after logging on - if yours persists then I'd be worried.
  Kevin  

%SystemRoot%\system32\userinit.exe is part of the Windows OS and vital for startup. Some trojans will run from different directories with this process name.
  aku  

Userinit.exe started up for me after running my search utility. I was unsure if it was harmful or not but after reading the above I allowed my firewall to run it and so far things seem to be fine.
  Kirby  

Yes it is a normal Microsoft BUT it can run things you don't need. In my case it will run Script Logic which if I let that run my PC's policy will be scewed - no more control panel and other things. There is more detail of my situation but just realize userinit exe can run anything else it wants.
  David Norris  

It's a normal process of ur OS. it stays for few secondes when u LOG IN then disappear. But if it stayed longer seeing it in ur Task Manager 100% its a virus!!!
  Luck Strucky  

it is an essential for windows. sometimes kaspersky antivirus recognises it as athreat and if you delete it then you will be stuck at the logon screen and you wont be able to start your session even in the safe mode. i had to format thrice and the same happened when i deleted the file
  ron  

I suspect Event 1000 UserInit Error may coinside with monitor trouble
   

Zone Alarm picks it up after startup is complete. Denying it access at this point doesn't seem to cause any issues.
  Dave  

That it is a system file
  Uli Dinklage  

It is a windows logon app. It should terminate on its own shortly after windows has loaded. I recomend that it not be removed. Microsoft says that the file can be deleted by spywares. If you suspect this, you will have to reinstall it from a XP install CD by expanding the file that is on the CD.
  Courtney  

On w2k machine, runs as Aserinit.exe, the A beeing alt+0197 sign. Takes 100% CPU. Can be killed in the Taskmanager. I can't find a remedy. I uppose it is a trojan which renamed the userinit. Impossible to find in the registry
  Robert  

Windows system file that starts when windows boot
  butilities  

Userinit.exe in the system32 folder is necessary to log on to your computer, however it could be replaced by a userinit.exe in a different folder. Could it be used to start the virus when you log on or boot the computer?
   

Yes, This file only runs as user logs in to windows, then it self terminates. Not a threat but a necessary part of the OS.
  Greg S  

essential to log on to Windows. I deleted registry keys with Userinit.exe and had to reinstall Windows. Dont remove or terminate it.
  Been there done that  

this file, if allowed, will allow you (when logged on) to run smoothly, if disabled the Windows GUI will freeze
  network_masta  

depend from where it was execute.. originally is windows process and very important for stability and control your logon information
  devex  

If you notice this because there are a hundred + in your task manager processes, than you more than likely have a worm.
   

it is a "Essential part of Windows boot process." It is in no way a virus, and if you are having problems with it, it has to do with other system problems you may have (aka: corrupt files or a virus)
  Ava  

this file stops some crucial network services
  Farbod  

Malicious programs will use userinit.exe as a backdoor
  thY_nemesYs  

I believe there are malware programs that use this file.It started to initialize about the same time I had unauthorized dialups that I had to terminate by unplugging my modem's phone line.Two unauthorized programs were on my computer at that time....Metacrawl toolbar and Yazzle (which I stopped from auto- installing) I have had Trend Micro program block and blacklist userinit on startup, with no adverse effect on network signin or any other programs I use.
  John Lawrence  

It is User Initialisation file responsible for user login and can be hijacked by worms such as c:\recycled\svchost.exe so as to make Widows XP to logoff itself as u try to login
  Masilo Mokgalabone  

it makes my cable modem loose connection every few minutes or so
  D.  

This file blocks absolutley nothing. I have tracked it's run from boot until it shuts itself off. It does just run what is needed to logg you on PROPERLY and then terminates itself.
  Daniel at Computer Parts Unleashed. Hawkesbury ON Canada  

This file is an essential part of your OS, however it can be exploted by various viruses and malware. Make sure your antivirus is always up to date and you should be fine.
  Ruben  

Once you log in, it might run for a few seconds. After that, it seems to terminate itself. For Windows boot
  Mark  

It is an essential part of Windows OS and is safe to leave it alone unless it is hooked in the registry to run extra files which are trojans. It can hooked in the registry to run gpmiabp.exe which executes a trojan horse Win32.Qoologic. If you see in the Security Task Manager Userinit.exe,gpmiabp.exe or something added to the Userinit.exe then it is hooked through the registry to run malicious files.
  John  

This is not a dangerous file. It runs when windows is started up, then turns itself off.
  Matt  

Do not remove. Its part of the windows logon process, on Windows Server 2003, removal of this program will result in you not being able to log in to your computer at all. I have seen spyware vendors advertising this program as a trojan or spyware. I would seriously second guess what is being said in order to get people purchasing spyware.
  Codah  

Steven Hyde is right, normally it's not an issue. “The userinit.exe process is executed by windows when you log on to your computer. It will run various network and user-setup related tasks to initialise your session on the computer/network. You should leave this process running to ensure that you are logged on correctly. ***FOLLOW THE LINK*** (It's possible userinit could be a Trojan too.)”
  Jonathan Mann  

it is active on startup but then terminates itself shortly after
   

Well, its not dangerous, but some worms replace it
  kusiak  

USERINIT.EXE is part of Windows XP. Under normal circumstances, this program will run for a few seconds after you log in, and then it should disappear from the task manager.
  Zsolt  

userinit.exe is just a Windows program run at login, leave it
  Midnight Cowboy  

Do not confuse userinit.exe with usrinit.exe, one is pert of the OS, the other is bad news
  KevMar  

The userinit.exe process is executed by windows when you log on to your computer. It will run various network and user-setup related tasks to initialise your session on the computer/network. You should leave this process running to ensure that you are logged on correctly.
  Steven Hyde   (further information)

As I am using cable modem, this file blocks my internet connection. As soon as I stop the exe file from the task manager I can connect to net again...
  Emrah Erdal  

Essential part of Windows boot process.
  Fred Jones  

made my computer restart right after loading. I saw it when browsing in the TaskManager I noticed that name and removed it first thing the next boot (which was 5 seconds later). it didnt boot since.
  Niva Aldema  

password stealer
  sandeep chandu  

userinit 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.

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