Windows 8: Review Running Processes

This section provides a tutorial example on how to review all processes that are currently running on a Windows 8 system.

You should also review all processes that are currently running on the Windows 8 system and investigate any processes that are strange to us.

1. Type in and run "task manager" in the "Search > Apps" input field. You will see the "Task Manager" screen.

2. Click on the "Processes" tab. You see a list of all processes that are currently running on the Windows 8 system. If you see any process name that you are not familiar with, then it is a possible spyware, adware or some program that you never need it. Search Internet to confirm that program is not related Windows system or any hardware functions. If confirmed, you should consider to look into its properties and find out why it is running.

For example, on my Windows 8 system, I saw "OpenOffice.org 3.2" showing up 2 times in the running process list. But I am not running OpenOffice tools at this moment. Where are 2 processes came from? I need to investigate them by review their detailed properties.

Right mouse click on the first "OpenOffice.org 3.2" and select "Properties". You will see detailed properties about this process:

Program file name: soffice.bin
Location: C:\Program Files(x86)\OpenOffice.org 3\program
Size: 10.7 MB (11,312,128 bytes)
Access: Monday, September 16, 2013, 7:28:19 AM

Right mouse click on the second "OpenOffice.org 3.2" and select "Properties". You will see detailed properties about this process:

Program file name: soffice.exe
Location: C:\Program Files(x86)\OpenOffice.org 3\program
Size: 10.7 MB (11,318,784 bytes)
Access: Monday, September 16, 2013, 7:28:19 AM

3. Review all other processes in the list.

The picture below shows you the list of all currently running processes on a Windows 8 system:

Windows 8 Review Running Processes
Windows 8 Review Running Processes

Table of Contents

 About This Windows Security Book

Windows 8: System Security Review

 Windows 8: System Version Information

 Windows 8: Create Restore Point

 Windows 8: Uninstall Unwanted Programs

 Windows 8: Disable System Services

 Windows 8: Remove Startup Programs

Windows 8: Review Running Processes

 Windows 8: Event Log Viewer

 Windows 8: Disk Folders and Files

 Windows 8: Review Personal Downloads Folders

 Windows 8: System Security Protection

 Windows 8 System Recovery

 Windows 8 Defender for Real-Time Protection

 Windows 7: System Security Review

 Windows 7: System Security Protection

 Windows 7 System Recovery

 Windows 7 Forefront Client Security

 Norton Power Eraser - Anti-Virus Scan Tool

 McAfee Virus and Malware Protection Tools

 Spybot - Spyware Blocker, Detection and Removal

 Keeping Firefox Secure

 Keeping IE (Internet Explorer) Secure

 Malware (Adware, Spyware, Trojan, Worm, and Virus)

 HijackThis - Browser Hijacker Diagnosis Tool

 IE Add-on Program Listing and Removal

 "Conduit Search" - Malware Detection and Removal

 "Tube Dimmer", "Scorpion Saver" or "Adpeak" Malware

 Malware Manual Removal Experience

 Vundo (VirtuMonde/VirtuMundo) - vtsts.dll Removal

 Trojan and Malware "Puper" Description and Removal

 VSToolbar (VSAdd-in.dll) - Description and Removal

 PWS (Password Stealer) Trojan Infection Removal

 MS08-001 Vulnerability on Windows Systems

 Antivirus System PRO

 References

 Full Version in PDF/ePUB