The genuine Locator.exe file is a software component of Microsoft Windows Operating System by Microsoft Corporation. "Locator.exe" in "C:\Windows\System32" is the Microsoft Windows Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator service. In Windows XP and Server 2003 and earlier versions, its function was important. It maintained the database of publicly declared procedures which could be expected to be the target of RPC requests, often but not necessarily from other computers on the network via the TCP ports. From Windows Vista forward, RPC protocol still exists but the RPC Locator Service serves no actual function in it. It exists for "application compatibility" so that older applications which contain calls to it will not fail.
Locator stands for RPC Locator Service
The .exe extension on a filename indicates an executable file. Executable files may, in some cases, harm your computer. Therefore, please read below to decide for yourself whether the Locator.exe on your computer is a Trojan that you should remove, or whether it is a file belonging to the Windows operating system or to a trusted application.
Description: Locator.exe is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. Locator.exe is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 75,264 bytes (93% of all occurrences), 7,680 bytes or 9,216 bytes.
It runs as background service RpcLocator. The service manages the RPC name service database.
The program is not visible. The file is a trustworthy file from Microsoft.
Therefore the technical security rating is 8% dangerous, however you should also read the user reviews.
If Locator.exe is located in a subfolder of Windows folder for temporary files, the security rating is 40% dangerous. The file size is 262,144 bytes.
The program has a visible window. It is not a Windows system file.
Locator.exe is able to record keyboard and mouse inputs.
Locator.exe appears to be a compressed file.
Important: Some malware disguises itself as Locator.exe, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the Locator.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
gonna turn it off aars
Microsoft Locator
needed system file Jeff
I terminate this process when playing online games. Doesn't seem to have any adverse effects on system operation when it's turned off. Leadraft
Locator.exe is the remote procedure call locator service and is essential for the smooth running of Microsoft Windows. This process maintains a database of publicly declared procedures. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated. ighon
Disabling this service might cause your printer driver installations (and possibly other drivers aswell) to FAIL with an RPC error. Considering the service's minor memory requirements (2,5 megs), leave it running and save yourself the trouble later. dpanter
Replicates information across the internet as a response to a registry entry added by a remote location with Admin equivalent status to ANY program on your PC. Adds registry keys. Decreases bandwidth session capabilities. Adware/Spyware capable.
If you dont like it stop this service an disable it.Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator Any Name u want to call me
Agree with Pit, everything runs just fine without it. Reika
It redirects your browser .Beware. Very Dangerous. pop
I agree that this is a file / service for the remote procesure call built into windows, however I noticed the proccess only after installing clearwire. I removed the software but it still stays enabled. if this process is terminated, my computer runs just fine but with network utilization dropping from 15% to 3% without any network dependant apps running. This tells me it is doing something that pulls or sends information over the network. Spyware/Malware have also been known to use the same name so be cautious and research before removing but removing/deleting could be an option if suspected. Jason Inmon - archexe
Locator.exe is the remote procedure call locator service and is essential for the smooth running of Microsoft Windows. This process maintains a database of publicly declared procedures. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated. Himanshu
I turn if off on XP Home Ed. - No problems noted. Tjjjc2
locator.exe is not needed in windows 7 or later versions!!!Most of you Folks seem to think this is the RPCSS service,not the plain RPC which is only present for application compatibility in Visa and later versions of windows!!! "In Windows 2003 and earlier versions of Windows the remote procedure call(RPC)Locator service manages the name service data base.In Windows Vista and later versions,this services does not provide any function and is only present for application compatibility." Check services in Vista and 7,8 etc B.Cord Edleman Jr
This service could be used to sniff other network locations to retrieve information about different machines on your network. It is harmless in and of itself, but can be used for data collection or possibly alter configuration values on your machine. This is taken right out of the Windows 7 Service description: "In Windows 2003 and earlier versions of Windows, the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator service manages the RPC name service database. In Windows Vista and later versions of Windows, this service does not provide any functionality and is present for application compatibility." Keith
Show all user comments
Summary: Average user rating of Locator.exe:
based on 21 votes with 16 user comments.
6 users think Locator.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
One user thinks it's probably harmless.
8 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous.
3 users suspect danger.
3 users think Locator.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it.
5 users don't grade Locator.exe ("not sure about it").
Best practices for resolving Locator issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with Locator. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.
To help you analyze the Locator.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Score
User Comments
aars
Jeff
Leadraft
ighon
dpanter
chali (further information)
Any Name u want to call me
Reika
pop
Jason Inmon - archexe
Himanshu
Tjjjc2
B.Cord Edleman Jr
Keith
Summary: Average user rating of Locator.exe: based on 21 votes with 16 user comments. 6 users think Locator.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. One user thinks it's probably harmless. 8 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous. 3 users suspect danger. 3 users think Locator.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it. 5 users don't grade Locator.exe ("not sure about it").