The file hosts.exe is identified as a process related to the worm W32.Kelvir, which spreads through MSN Messenger (Windows Live Messenger), which is instant messaging client created by Microsoft. The process hosts.exe tries to terminate antiviral programs installed in the computer. The file associated with the worm W32.Kelvir is a self-extracting RAR file, which is downloaded from a link with MSN Messenger. Execution of the downloaded file starts the worm W32.Kelvir, which drops another copy of the file and a variant of W32.Spybot Worm that increases the security risk of the computer. After it has been executed, the worm Win32.Kelvir sends a message to all MSN contacts of the user from the compromised computer, and the sent message will contain the URL that will download a copy of the worm when clicked. It is recommended that users run a system scan if infection with Win32.Kelvir is suspected, and all files that are related to this worm should be deleted immediately.
How can I stop hosts.exe and should I?
Most non-system processes that are running can be stopped because they are not involved in running your operating system. hosts.exe. is used by N/A, If you shut down hosts.exe, it will likely start again at a later time either after you restart your computer or after an application start. To stop hosts.exe, permanently you need to uninstall the application that runs this process which in this case is N/A, from your system.
After uninstalling applications it is a good idea to scan you Windows registry for any left over traces of applications. Registry Reviver by ReviverSoft is a great tool for doing this.
Is this a virus or other security concern?
ReviverSoft Security Verdict
The ReviverSoft experts have not yet reviewed hosts.exe
Please review hosts.exe and send me a notification once it has been reviewed.
What is a process and how do they affect my computer?
A process usually a part of an installed application such as N/A, or your operating system that is responsible for running in functions of that application. Some application require that they have processes running all the time so they can do things such as check for updates or notify you when you get an instant message. Some poorly written applications have many processes that run that may not be required and take up valuable processing power within your computer.
Is hosts.exe known to be bad for my computer's performance?
We have not received any complaint about this process having higher than normal impact on PC performance. If you have had bad experiences with it please let us know in a comment below and we will investigate it further.
What can I do if hosts.exe is causing errors on my computer?
The first thing you should do if hosts.exe. is causing errors on your computer is to run a Windows registry scan with Registry Reviver If you are still seeing errors after this you should uninstall the program that hosts.exe, belongs to, in this case N/A