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A password protected encrypted .text file restarts my Fresh Win10 install when trying to openg it

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robert 8

robert 8

PCHF Member
Nov 18, 2017
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#1
Did a fresh Win 10 x64 install with a clean GPT disk format.
Had a very important .text file saved on an external SSD full of passwords, that i'm trying to move to my HDD on the Pc.

Just by selecting the file by clicking on it I'm expected to get the "1 minute restart" message every time. Not to mention double clicking it.
"Windows ran into a problem and needs to restart, You should close this message now and save your work."
Just before auto-restarting there is a small pop-up about "taskhostw.exe".
The new OS is win10 x64 20h2 (19042,546 compact and ultra-lite) it's not the same as the old win10 version unfortunately.

​

 
#2
It may be a Trojan:

taskhostw.exe Windows process - What is it?

taskhostw.exe is not essential for Windows 10/11/7 and will often cause problems. Click here to see what taskhostw is doing, and how to remove taskhostw.exe.
www.file.net www.file.net

Check these to see if the file is genuine or not:

Here are ways that you can detect the true taskhostw.exe and malware masked as the file:​

  • The original host protocol taskhostw.exe is located in C:\windows\system32.
  • The known sizes of the file on Windows 10 are 71,848 bytes, 71,280 bytes, or 71,792 bytes.

Identifying suspicious files:​

  • Any taskhostw.exe file located in a C:\Program Files subfolder is dangerous. This is a malicious program that has no business being a Windows OS file, and it has no visible window. The malware can record mouse and keyboard inputs, monitor programs, and manipulate other applications. It usually has a file size of 1,113,088 bytes or 1,705,984 bytes.
  • If the file is located in your profile subfolder such as a folder in C:\documents and settings\username or C:\Users\username (where “username” is your user account name), then it is a virus. It will have no descriptions, will be able to monitor programs, and can cause serious harm to your computer. The usual size of this file is 1,385,980 bytes or 1,379,328 bytes.
From: https://www.fileinspect.com/blog/is-taskhostw-exe-safe/
 
#3
Bastet said:
It may be a Trojan:

taskhostw.exe Windows process - What is it?

taskhostw.exe is not essential for Windows 10/11/7 and will often cause problems. Click here to see what taskhostw is doing, and how to remove taskhostw.exe.
www.file.net www.file.net

Check these to see if the file is genuine or not:

Here are ways that you can detect the true taskhostw.exe and malware masked as the file:​

  • The original host protocol taskhostw.exe is located in C:\windows\system32.
  • The known sizes of the file on Windows 10 are 71,848 bytes, 71,280 bytes, or 71,792 bytes.

Identifying suspicious files:​

  • Any taskhostw.exe file located in a C:\Program Files subfolder is dangerous. This is a malicious program that has no business being a Windows OS file, and it has no visible window. The malware can record mouse and keyboard inputs, monitor programs, and manipulate other applications. It usually has a file size of 1,113,088 bytes or 1,705,984 bytes.
  • If the file is located in your profile subfolder such as a folder in C:\documents and settings\username or C:\Users\username (where “username” is your user account name), then it is a virus. It will have no descriptions, will be able to monitor programs, and can cause serious harm to your computer. The usual size of this file is 1,385,980 bytes or 1,379,328 bytes.
From: https://www.fileinspect.com/blog/is-taskhostw-exe-safe/
Click to expand...
thanks for the reply.
documents, program files etc. clear.
the only thing is it's size in the system32 folder, 98,304 bytes on disk and there is a "taskhostw.exe.mui" also.
 
#5
The file might be corrupt or it’s executing when you’re single clicking on it.
Are you left or right clicking on the file?
Try either right clicking & copying the file to where you want to place it or drop & drop the file (to where you want to place it). I apologise if you’re already doing this.

Is there already a file with this name under the system32 folder? If yes is there a reason why you wish to restore an older version?
 
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