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CTF Loader (32 bit) (ctfmon.exe) What is this? Is it a virus or malware? (Windows 8.1)

Anonymous
2014-04-23T08:54:07+00:00

There is a process I found in my Task Manager named CTF Loader (32 bit) (ctfmon.exe) and I have just noticed it now, although in the properties of the file it says it was created last year. It's size is 10.5kb and size on disc is 12.0kb. The file is located in C:\Windows\SysWOW64. Is this supposed to be on my computer or is it a virus or some sort of malware? It says in properties that it was created on the same date and around the same time as a lot of other files in C:\Windows\SysWOW64. It's product name is Microsoft Windows Operating System. File Version: 6.3.9600.16384. Original finename: CTFMON.EXE. I have run scans with both Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and AVG AntiVirus Free Edition 2014 and both said it was safe with no threat found.

I am running Windows 8.1 on my PC.

I might add the icon for the process is a pen with a pad.

If this is a legitimate process what does it do?

Sorry if most of that information was not needed but I'm just trying to give as much information as possible. Also if anymore information is needed in order for you to help me just comment and tell me what you need!

Should I be worried about this process?

Thanks a heap for any help, it is much appreciated! 

SamoPepsi.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-02-17T16:08:55+00:00

    I'm now 35 with a Computer Engineering degree. I started toying with computers (Commodore 64/128) when I was 5, wrote my first code (in BASIC) when I was 8 and built my first PC (486DX 33MHz, 4MB RAM, 100MB HDD) when I was 12. Not impressive to the current generation of kids, but I was really into computers WAY before 90% of people out there.

    I'm hardly a renowned expert, but I have ALWAYS been a big fan of checking system processes regularly, which is how I stumbled upon this forum. With all the bloat-ware out there now (including junk baked into Win8), it is common to see Task Manager with 100+ processes and services running. Lots of them are total **** (or worse!), so you are wise if you check them out to see if some rogue keylogger is shipping out all your passwords to Russia.

    WARNING! Made-up Statistic! - Most people use 17.32% of their computer's capability, but everyone uses a different 17.32%. Lots of bloat-ware doesn't apply to most people and can be removed/disabled for those that aren't using it for optimal performance.

    Maybe if IT Professionals invested more time and resources investigating rogue processes, we may not be hearing about major data breaches every 3 months...

    200+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2015-02-10T23:10:57+00:00
    • CTF (Collaborative Translation Framework) Loader, a Microsoft Windows process relating to the ctfmon.exe file, which monitors active windows and provides text support for speech and handwriting recognition, keyboard, translation, and other technologies

    the question was what is ctfmon.exe ... that's the answer ^^^^

    your welcome ahah :)

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2015-02-18T04:58:39+00:00

    I'm now 35 with a Computer Engineering degree. I started toying with computers (Commodore 64/128) when I was 5, wrote my first code (in BASIC) when I was 8 and built my first PC (486DX 33MHz, 4MB RAM, 100MB HDD) when I was 12. Not impressive to the current generation of kids, but I was really into computers WAY before 90% of people out there.

    I'm hardly a renowned expert, but I have ALWAYS been a big fan of checking system processes regularly, which is how I stumbled upon this forum. With all the bloat-ware out there now (including junk baked into Win8), it is common to see Task Manager with 100+ processes and services running. Lots of them are total **** (or worse!), so you are wise if you check them out to see if some rogue keylogger is shipping out all your passwords to Russia.

    WARNING! Made-up Statistic! - Most people use 17.32% of their computer's capability, but everyone uses a different 17.32%. Lots of bloat-ware doesn't apply to most people and can be removed/disabled for those that aren't using it for optimal performance.

    Maybe if IT Professionals invested more time and resources investigating rogue processes, we may not be hearing about major data breaches every 3 months...

    brilliant ending..and its exactly true..

    if people don't know..they get hurt..knowledge is key..

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2014-04-23T10:35:15+00:00

    Hi Stephen Boots,

    Two reasons I am questioning this process.

    One is because I have never seen this running before, and I check my task manager regularly to check to mysterious processes running.

    Second reason is I did do Google searches and the websites I checked said that it should be located in Windows\System32 but mine is located in C:\Windows\SysWOW64.

    My computer seems to be running fine though, but once again Google searches have told me that a lot of Malware does not affect a PC's Performance because the Malware tries to stay hidden and also disguise themselves as legitimate programs. 

    I just like to make sure.

    80+ people found this answer helpful.
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