Member Avatar for didyouthink76

Can anyone please tell me if you have experienced a file called YAT32.exe automatically placed on your desktop? I cant seem to find any relevant information on it as to whether it is a virus or what? Please advise and what I should do.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by PhilliePhan

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A quick, practical note to sit above the thread:

The filename "YAT32.exe" does not match any widely‑reported malware family, and it’s likely a typographical match to the legitimate time‑synchronizer YATS32 (the installed executable is normally yats32.exe). pointed this out; YATS32 appears in common download archives as a time‑sync utility rather than a virus. (shouldiremoveit.com)

Triage checklist (safe, reproducible checks that help decide if the file is benign or malicious):

  • Do not double‑click or run the file. Note the full file path (Desktop vs. Program Files).
  • Inspect Properties → Digital Signatures (or use PowerShell Get‑AuthenticodeSignature) and record publisher info.
  • Compute a SHA256/MD5 hash (e.g., Get‑FileHash) and check/upload the hash or file on a multi‑engine scanner like VirusTotal for consensus.
  • Use Sysinternals Autoruns and Process Explorer to look for persistence (Run keys, Startup folder, scheduled tasks, services). Finding a startup entry or odd Scheduled Task is a strong red flag. (docs.virustotal.com)

Remediation guidance (if analysis suggests malicious behavior): quarantine with an up‑to‑date AV or a second‑opinion tool (Malwarebytes, ESET, etc.), run an offline/boot scan (Microsoft Defender Offline or equivalent), reset credentials if the system shows broader compromise, and consider a clean OS reinstall if integrity is doubtful. For benign YATS32 installs the correct removal is the normal Add/Remove Programs uninstall. (learn.microsoft.com)

Useful diagnostics to collect for further help: full file path, file size, creation/modification timestamps, SHA256 hash, VirusTotal report link or summary, and any Autoruns entries or scheduled‑task names. These items let responders verify whether the item is simply a misnamed legitimate app or something that needs full removal.

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Member Avatar for jholland1964

I would recommend that you follow the steps given here
http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread134865.html

Post back here with all the logs generated by running those programs. Be sure you follow all the instructions exactly as given.

Member Avatar for PhilliePhan

Can anyone please tell me if you have experienced a file called YAT32.exe automatically placed on your desktop?

In addition to what Judy said, I suggest uploading it for analysis at http://virusscan.jotti.org/

Let us know what you find.

-- Are you sure it's not YATS32?

Best Luck :)
PP

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