What is Officeclicktorun.exe Virus? How to permanently delete it?

Possibly, you have heard something about executable program files, which run in your laptop or computer after installation – either accidentally or intentionally.Officeclicktorun.exe is among the executable program files. But unlike many other similar programs, the Officeclicktorun.exe program file installs in computers running MS Office 2013 and it manages background streaming, resource coordination and integration of various Microsoft Office Programs. It installs automatically in computers running the Microsoft office version because you need it when working with Office 2013 products such as MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Word. 

However, officeclicktorun.exe might come infected with malware or virus that might take control and damage the files you have stored in your computer. The virus might also leak your data to third parties and change your computer settings. Some people have reported that it has affected their web browsers. When infected, your web browser will start misbehaving or freeze. When your browser is infected, you should scan the computer with an effective antivirus program for any malware or virus and take immediate action if the computer is infected. 

Symptoms of officeclicktorun.exe malware

Many cyber criminals use the legitimate file name to circulate infections files that replace the original officeclicktorun.exe program and cause your system to start throwing officeclicktorun.exe errors on your screen. Some of the errors that will tell you that your computer is already infected include:

–          “Officeclicktorun.exe failed”

–          “Officeclicktorun.exe application error”

–          “Error in application path: officeclicktorun.exe”

–          Officeclicktorun.exe. “This program does not respond”

–          “Officeclicktorun.exe is not a valid Win32 application”

–          “Error when starting the program: officeclicktorun.exe” 

Apart from the error messages, you will also notice instability problems because your computer will freeze or hang up more often. The dangerous processes enable other dangerous programs to access your computer administration rights and control the infected computer. The storage of the officeclickthroug.exe varies depending on the computer system version but mostly, you will find it in c:\windows\system32 or c:\Winnt\System32 directories. In some computers, it will be in the dllcache directory. And because the process name looks genuine, the file will distinguish itself easily. 

How the error officeclicktorun.exe works

The officeclicktorun.exe viruses and malware install themselves on the marked PC in a secretive way. They will make many copies in the Windows operating system folders and alter all the records simultaneously. After that, the file will run automatically each time you start your computer. Officeclicktorun.exe changes the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run subkey so that it can start whenever you launch your computer. After it has settled, the file connects your workstation with remote hosts to complete unpleasant tasks including: 

–          Downloading arbitrary harmful files in the background

–          Receiving coded instructions from the developer

–          Getting secret computer configurations

–          Transferring cheated data on your infected computer to a remote server 

So, how does the officeclicktorun.exe virus access your computer?

Cybercriminals use many methods to circulate the officeclicktorun.exe virus on targeted computer systems. It might be through hyperlinks sent to your email or from websites, social engineering spam, grouping, peer-to-peer file-sharing networks and even file attachments. After clicking on the link, the file will exploit the security vulnerabilities of your PC and install without your knowledge. 

Other cybercriminals use spam email campaigns to circulate the malware. Spammers design the emails in a way that they forge the header to give an impression that the email is from a government organization or a shipping company. Normally, the emails will have many spelling and grammatical errors because the cybercriminals do not worry about the message they send. At times, cybercriminals will promote the officeclicktorun.exe virus as an important file for the Windows system. A quick example, you might find false messages asking to you to update your Adobe Flash Player or Java files or similar messages. 

The common problems and damages the officeclicktorun.exe virus causes

First, you have to understand that officeclicktorun.exe does not exist as an independent infection. It works to bring many other infections by exploiting the security loopholes in your computer. Therefore, after it accesses your computer system, you will identify many other performance problems, especially when the computer is connected to the internet. Some of the common problems you will notice are: 

–          Fake alerts claiming that your computer is already infected with malware

–          Messages asking you to click on unpleasant notification hyperlinks to get help

–          Website redirects to dangerous sponsored websites

–          Blocked access to legitimate programs

–          Automatic deactivation of important records and processes 

Mostly, dll files are helpful and they execute pre-defined functions without any problems. However, malicious programs such as browser hijackers and malware that consist of dll files might alter your important computer settings for no reason. Officeclicktorun.exe is among the files that will alter the computer settings and allow cybercriminals to access your workstation. 

So, how do you remove the virus after it infects your computer?

To remove the virus, open the Start menu and click on Control Panel.

1. Upgrade your MS Office

This is the permanent fix. All you need to do is upgrade your Microsoft Office to the latest product, which is MS Office 2016. Otherwise, the chances of the malware recurring will be high.

2. Use antivirus software

Use reliable antivirus software to remove the malware from your computer. To do that, install antivirus software on your computer if you do not have any. Open the application menu of the antivirus and scan your computer for any malware or virus. Follow all the recommendations, which include removing or cleaning the infected files.

3. Unregister the malicious or infected DLL

You can unregister the malicious or infected DLL files from your Windows system to avoid the problems associated with the malware. The action is not recommendable for beginner level users as it can result in many problems if completed incorrectly.

To use this method, type “cmd” without quotes in your search bar and choose Command Prompt. Locate the malicious or infected DLL file and go to its location using the CD command. Unregister the malicious DLL files. The command to unregistering the DLL file is “regsvr32/u[DLLfilename]”. Press Enter key and wait for the confirmation.

4. Remove the privileges for any malicious files

You can resolve the problem by denying the program to read and execute permissions. To remove the permissions, find the physical malicious executable file. Right-click on its name and go to Security for every entry at the top portion. Remove the privileges – that is Deny “Read & execute” permissions under every “Group or user names”. You can do that by clicking the “Edit” button. 

Conclusion

Microsoft Office Click To Run Service uses officeclicktorun.exe on the computers running MS Office 2013. All MS Office 2013 products such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint require the file to work. It helps manage resource coordination, background streaming processes and integration of Microsoft Office products integration. Some malware might distinguish as the file, so you have to be careful when installing it. Check the source directory and the name of the publisher before you confirm any installation.