What is 7.hta? Should I remove it?

7.hta – a file that raises concerns for computer users

7.hta is a file that is associated with TeamViewer app. Some security programs detect it as potentially harmful; however, often it’s a false positive result. However, malware researchers report that the file can be associated with Amazon Assistant virus. Therefore, if your antivirus warns about potential threats of this file, you should not overlook it and check with online virus scanners or other security software.

HTA files are executables for various Windows applications to run. However, 7.hta file is not an essential component of the operating system. However, this app is used by TeamViewer in order to display promotional pop-ups or other activities. This file is typically located in this directory:

C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Temp\TeamViewer\Version9\7.hta

Computer users also reported that security program Avast detects 7.hta as harmful. The security program identifies it as IDP.Generic and blocks it on the computer. However, in most cases, this alert is a false positive, meaning that the program marks this file as malicious for any reason.

However, in order to learn if 7.hta file is malicious or not, you should update your security program and run a full system scan. Updates might fix the issue with false positives. If the alert still exists, you should switch to another security tool. If it still detects the file malicious, your computer might be actually infected.

Creators of malware often use the names of various processes to bypass Windows security and perform malicious processes in the background. Therefore, if you suspect that you might be dealing with 7.hta virus, you should take care of your computer’s security. The following symptoms identify infected machine:

• sluggish computer’s performance;
• crashing or unresponsive programs;
• delivery of various Windows errors;
• installation of unknown applications;
• deleted or encrypted files;
• an increased amount of ads, pop-ups, and banners on websites;
• browser redirects to questionable sites.

Security specialists also warn that this file can be associated with Amazon Assistant virus. So, if you noticed an increased amount of Amazon ads, shopping offers and price comparisons, you might have your computer infected by this nasty cyber parasite.

All of these signs warn that 7.hta removal is needed. However, you should not just get rid of the file manually. It might be just one component of the malicious program. If you delete only this file, it might be re-installed. You need to remove the whole cyber threat.

In order to check the security and remove 7.hta entirely, you need to use an anti-malware program and perform a system scan. Tools like FortectIntego can identify, clean and fix your device after virus infiltration.

The way how 7.hta got inside the computer

7.hta file can be associated with various programs and applications. Therefore, it can enter the system with a specific app. In some cases, such app and file are legitimate and safe. However, it can be opposite too.

Some of the programs can be potentially unwanted and can get inside without your knowledge. It might happen when you install freeware or shareware using Quick/Recommended settings. These setup does not openly disclose about third-party apps that are spreading along with the primary program.

In order to avoid installation of unwanted apps and suspicious files, you need to use Advanced/Custom settings and opt out all suggested downloads. Additionally, you have to make sure that you use reliable software download sites and read all provided documents.

Make sure that you actually need to remove 7.hta file

You should not hurry up with 7.hta removal. The file might be legitimate and needed for the specific program. Therefore, you should check the file with online virus scanners or run a full system scan with anti-malware software.

If the file is malicious or potentially dangerous, you will be able to remove 7.hta with a security program. We do not recommend eliminating it manually because malware that exploits this file needs complex removal. Hence, after the system scan, all malicious components will be wiped out from the system.