What is DSentry.exe? Should I remove it?

DSentry.exe – a part Dell protection suite against spyware

DSentry.exe is an executable file and a process that can be found running in the background computer. It is pre-installed and shipped with most Dell laptops with DVD drives. Initially, it is a component of an anti-spyware suite known as DVDsentry – it is designed to protect users from malicious behavior of certain applications that monitor users' activities via the DVD player.

If you have found this file on a Dell computer, it is likely to be genuine, although it is not required for Windows to operate correctly. Thus, you can disable or remove it if you wish to do so. It is also important to note that any executable can be malicious, as cybercriminals often hide malware behind well-known names.

Dell is a known IT company that provides users with various tech, from ready-to-use laptops to peripherals like mice of keyboards. When purchasing a laptop with a pre-installed operating system, however, it becomes apparent that there are plenty of pre-installed apps.

Some of such applications are generally considered to be bloatware that does not provide any benefit for users but rather focuses on benign functions that could be used without the program in the first place. In some worse cases, such programs slow down computers or even compromise user safety. However, DSentry.exe is one of those files that are generally not harmful or useless. It can serve you as a good security tool.

Dell decided to implement the security software from spyware when it noticed that users are being spied on by various applications designed for playing DVDs. Some discs have pre-installed software that would install automatically on a computer and report the data to a remote server without acquiring user permission.

This is precisely where DVDsentry comes in. Not only can such apps be harmful to the user but also cause software conflict if there are too many of them. This program detects DVDs and prompts the user to run the Dell installed DVD application. 

As evident, you can keep the file running if you prefer so, although you can disable it via the Task Manager to prevent an automatic startup. Check the bottom section for more detailed instructions.

As already mentioned, if you do not use a Dell computer and you have found DSentry.exe running in the background, you should get concerned as the file could be malicious. To find our, perform a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or another reputable security software. FortectIntego can also be used to remediate a damaged Windows system after malware removal.

Avoid potentially unwanted programs easily

Pre-installed bloatware can be pretty annoying and sometimes is even impossible to get rid of. However, thanks to increased regulations, such apps are becoming more secure, and they also include useful functionality. The more of risk are third-party programs that users either download themselves or are tricked into doing so.

Some adware can be particularly harmful, as it can compromise the security of a computer by showing users insecure links, promotions, or download prompts. Therefore, it is important to avoid such software at all costs – here are a few tips:

• Use powerful anti-malware software with PUP detection feature;
• Install apps from official sources when possible;
• Do not visit websites that distribute pirated programs and cracks;
• During the installation of new programs, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones;
• Decline all the offers and watch out for misplaced buttons;
• Remove ticks from pre-ticked checkboxes.

Remove DSentry.exe if it is not legitimate

Executable files run a set of commands once they are launched. There is no way for a regular user to know what type of code will be executed, considering the fact that any file can be named as anything. It is very common for cybercriminals to adopt names of legitimate files to reduce suspicion.

Therefore, it all comes down to the analysis and circumstances of the user. If you are not using a Dell laptop and suddenly see a DSentry.exe process in the background (especially if it is causing high CPU/memory usage), you should investigate immediately. The easiest way is to perform a scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or another anti-malware.

Once malicious programs are eradicated, run a scan with FortectIntego to remediate damaged Windows system files to prevent crashes, errors, and similar issues that could occur.

Note: if you want to disable this process, you should open the Task Manager, go to Startup tab and disable it there.