The hsf_tone.sys process is a System Driver, which makes it a Windows core system file. The process is installed in the System 32 subfolder of the Windows folder and is known also as the TonesNT file in the Conexant Soft56 software suite. Error messages that includes the process is not necessarily a malware attack but is more likely the result of a corruption of the file or the improper reinstallation of the file in another area. As it is a system driver that is responsible for the proper functioning of the OS, the file must not be removed. In fact, the robustness of the file has made it relevant, enough to be used in Windows 7. Threats associated with the process is low but when process is detected in other folders, or multiple copies of the process is present in a system, then the process is being used as a delivery system for malware.

Most non-system processes that are running can be stopped because they are not involved in running your operating system. hsf_tone.sys. is used by Conexant Soft56, If you shut down hsf_tone.sys, it will likely start again at a later time either after you restart your computer or after an application start. To stop hsf_tone.sys, permanently you need to uninstall the application that runs this process which in this case is Conexant Soft56, 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.

The ReviverSoft experts have not yet reviewed hsf_tone.sys

A process usually a part of an installed application such as Conexant Soft56, 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.

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.

The first thing you should do if hsf_tone.sys. 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 hsf_tone.sys, belongs to, in this case Conexant Soft56