Is csrss.exe a virus?

I had read that, but I still don't understand, could you explain to me?

Csrss stands for client/server run-time subsystem and is an essential subsystem that must be running at all times.
Csrss is responsible for console windows, creating and/or deleting threads, and some parts of the 16-bit virtual MS-DOS environment.

wtrmk74

It is not a virus,

However.....

some virus makers know of this, and will bind a virus to this program, or rename their virus to CSRSS.exe (so you won't think it is a virus)

You should check the particular .exe, and see whether or not it contains a virus.

If you want to know if a file, such as csrss.exe, is legitimite or not, a good hint is the "Date modified" information you can view when performing a search on the filename on your hard drive.

If you suspect a file has started trying to access the network illegally in recent days, the file may have been modified by a virus just prior to the date when this unwarranted activity started.

Be careful when you use this test!

If you recently patched your system, the "Modified date" on the file will correspond to the date a file may have been changed by the software editor in order to correct a problem.

The person writing the virus may also be aware of the date the file was last modified by the software editor and try to fool you into believing the file is legitimite. This could be done if the hacker is aware of the date the software vendor last changed the file and makes the the "Modified date" on the infected file correspond to it. A little far fetched, but possible.

There is also another way to see if it is the "authentic" CSRSS.EXE.  [Note: I am using SP4 with a whole load of other patches and updates].  

If you get the Task Manager up [CTRL+SHIFT+ESC etc.], and choose Processes, then find CSRSS.EXE.  If you then select the process (CSRSS.EXE) and choose End Process (Right Click menu or button at bottom of frame), you _should_ be presented with a dialog box that states that "This [CSRSS.EXE] is a critical system process.  Task Manager cannot end this process."  If you are presented with a box that asks whether you _want_ to end the process, it is up to you what you do (I would recommend choosing No, due to the above comments on the role of CSRSS.EXE).  If there is more than one CSRSS.EXE, then virus activity could be a possibility, and if one presents the dialog box as above when you attempt to close it, then the other one could be the virus.  

Paul.  


[Note: If you do not have SP4, then I do not know what will happen.  Be cautious, however, a restart would probably fix anything done by closing a process.]  

A few known viruses and worms attach themselves to (overwrite) windows executable services.
Here's a report by <a href="http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/tools.list.html">Symantec</a> about the virus/worm Nimda:

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.nimda.e@mm.html
It seems to copy itself as Csrss.exe in the windows folder (the good one is under system32)

I think Blaster also behaves similarly... If you have your reasons to believe there's a virus there, then you're probably right...
Keep an antivirus close to you at all times! Here's a very nice removal tool from <a href="http://www.networkassociates.com/us/index.asp">McAfee</a> that takes care of most of the latest threats: <a href="http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/">Stinger</a>

My bad with those tags!! =P

csrss.exe is a system process, but the same filename is widelly used by various keyloggers and other parasites:
Source:
http://www.2-spyware.com/file-csrss-exe.html

here's a good link to look up common task list programs. could be usefull in the future.

http://answersthatwork.com/

How do I get rid of the about:blank its seem to have taken over my IE.

csrss.exe is the main executable for the Microsoft Client/Server Runtime Server Subsystem. This process manages most graphical commands in Windows. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.

For more information go to:
http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/csrss/

i recommend using WinTask.

csrss.exe is a system executable that handles threads and some other stuff , sometimes hackers and programmers call their apps *csrss.exe* so you are unable to close it ! , check in the processes tab if you have more than once csrss.exe then you are having a virus ! , if its only one , that's the normal , but just download your latest virus definitions and scan your harddrive to make sure that there are no viruses binded to that exe.