The Usp10.dll Virus

Some viruses mask themselves as legitimate files, making them more difficult to detect.

Some viruses are easy to detect, but if they appear to be legitimate they can be far more difficult for the average user to recognize. Many rely users upon antivirus software to protect them from an infection, but if an infection does get through it often disables that software completely. The Usp10.dll virus gets its name from a legitimate file, but is located in an atypical location for that type of file.

The Real Usp10.dll

This DLL file is one that is pertinent to the operation of the system. The module makes it possible for the system to format complex lines of code using API functions. Without this file in place the Windows operating system will not work correctly. The key to determining whether the Usp10.dll file you are seeing is a virus or the real thing is the place that the file is located.

Location

Location, location, location, goes the old mantra for business, and the same holds true in this and many other virus situations. The original file location is in the "C:\Windows" folder or the "C:\" drive itself. If the Usp10.dll on your computer is located in either of these two locations, do not remove it from the computer. Malware prefers to make use of hidden user file locations such as temp folders, program data or the appdata folder.

Virus Infection

One virus that utilizes a fake Usp10.dll moves the original file to another folder on the system and then points the computer to the virus file located in the "C:\Users\[Profile Name]\appdata\local\temp" folder. In order to get to this file location, you will need to click on "Folder Options" in the Control Panel and select the option to show hidden files and folders.

Malware Removal

Manual removal of the malware from the computer may require professional expertise. Home users should boot the computer into "Safe Mode with Networking." Download a system scanner from a known antivirus provider such as House Call from Trend Micro, AVP from Kaspersky or Hitman Pro to perform a system scan and clean. This may not completely remove the virus infection from the system. If issues continue to occur, contact a computer professional for assistance.

References

• Process Library: Usp10.dll
• Liutilities Usp10.dll - Usp 10 - DLL Information
• PC Threat: Virus.Polipos
• Webroot: Usp10.dll Worm