"A website wants to open content using a program on your computer"

[avaistheone1]

Last edited Wed Mar 28, 2012, 12:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Name: dw20.exe
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation

Should I assume this is a legit file from Microsoft and allow it to open?

[lastlib]

1. see below:

"dw20.exe is the Application Error Reporting client included with Microsoft Office 2003, a tool that collects information automatically whenever an Office application crashes and allows users to send a report directly to Microsoft. Microsoft uses the data to address problems and enhance future versions of the applications.

This tool is an essential process and should not be removed.

This process is considered safe. It is unlikely to pose any harm to your system."

[link:http://www.processlibrary.com/directory/files/dw20/27377/|]http://www.processlibrary.com/directory/files/dw20/27377/

[ChromeFoundry]

2. Also see...

DW20.exe is an error-reporting application packed with Microsoft products such as Microsoft Office. Once installed, it collects information automatically when a Microsoft application unexpectedly quits, freeze or crashes; it then allows users to send the information to Microsoft for analysis. This report assists Microsoft in solving problems to improve future versions of the software. DW20.exe is not required for Microsoft programs to work and can be disabled and removed from startup to prevent it from running.

• Press "Ctrl," "Alt," and "Delete" together to open the Windows Task Manager. Click "Processes" to show all currently running processes on your computer.


• Scroll through and click " DW20.exe" if it is there. Click "End Process." If it is not currently running, move to the next step to disable it and remove it from startup.


• Click the Windows "Start" button and right-click "My Computer." Scroll down and click "Manage" on the pop-up menu.


• Click "Services and Applications" on the left window of the Computer Management window. Click "Services."


• Scroll through the right panel and double-click "Microsoft Application Error Reporting." Select "Disabled" on the "Startup-type" window and click "OK." Close the services window. This action will remove error reporting from startup and prevent it from running.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5166791_remove-dwexe.html

[avaistheone1]

4. Thank you Chrome.

I can move forward now.

[avaistheone1]

3. I have had a history over the last couple years of several serious threats

on my computer some of which were pretty devastating. As a result I am probably too paranoid when something like this pops up.

Thank you lastlib very much for the explanation and your help. : )

[lastlib]

5. glad I could help!!

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. Regarding...

..."As a result I am probably too paranoid when something like this pops up."

IMHO: If they really are after you, it doesn't count as paranoia.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

6. This is the executable...

...which, years ago, was called DrWatson.

[HopeHoops]

8. WARNING - the ."exe" part means it's a program,could be fine or you could be saying, "Sure fuck it!"

Since it can be safe or malicious, do a "save to disk" rather than "run it" from the popup and then scan it with your virius checker.