Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Windows Task Manager with *32 designation

You might wonder why the following processes have *32 signed on it and is it safe or infected by viruses, malware, spyware, worms, or trojans?

chrome.exe *32
DSUpd.exe *32
IAStorIcon.exe *32
jusched.exe *32
Snagit32.exe *32
SnagitEditr.exe *32
SnagPriv.exe *32
STService.exe *32
Toaster.exe *32
TsHelp.exe *32

Based on all the finding made, this is normal. Assuming that you are using 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Vista you will encounter the processes have the *32 designation on the Task Manager processes file because these file are running in 32-bit mode.

For example my Computer Run on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit have these processes as shown in the image below. This is because in Windows 7 64-bit the programs files are divided into 2 which are;

1. Program Files -- 64-bit version
2. Program Files (x86) -- 32-bit version



The two folders are explained in Windows Community Forum here http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/programs-files-vs-program-files-x86/7d631676-e688-472a-a1bb-eefccfeca6d7

Those processes .exe files that are located at the Program Files (x86) are designated by *32. To prove this do right click the file on the Task Manager and click properties, there is an information to show the file location.

Conclusion: This is safe and normal processes for Windows Vista and Windows 7 64-bit version

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