How to remove userinit error

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 Microsoft? Windows? Operating System 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 24576 bytes (69% of all occurrence), 22016 bytes, 21504 bytes, 26112 bytes, 39115 bytes, 39109 bytes, 39150 bytes, 34304 bytes, 28160 bytes, 35840 bytes, 41472 bytes, 37376 bytes, 39146 bytes.
The program has no visible window. userinit.exe is a trustworthy file from Microsoft. Therefore the technical security rating is 15% dangerous, however also read the users reviews.

If userinit.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows then the security rating is 82% dangerous. File size is 59392 bytes (16% of all occurrence), 59904 bytes, 112128 bytes, 84992 bytes, 67160 bytes, 108544 bytes, 27178 bytes, 118863 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. 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 24576 bytes (50% of all occurrence), 33792 bytes, 12800 bytes. File userinit.exe is not a Windows system file.

If userinit.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" then the security rating is 12% dangerous. File size is 21504 bytes (50% of all occurrence), 24576 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.

Links: userinit.exe, userinit.exe

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  

More comments can be found here:
    (further information)

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.

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

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