What is hotfix.exe? Should I remove it?

hotfix.exe is an executable file that starts a malicious process, launches certain parasite components or runs a destructive payload. Even if the hotfix.exe file does nothing suspicious, its presence indicates that your computer is infected with a particular threat.
The hotfix.exe file is installed and used by The fake Microsoft Security Essentials Alert.
The hotfix.exe file usually runs the same named process. This process silently works in background and performs harmful actions. It remains active while hotfix.exe is present in the system. Removing the file will immediately terminate a process and prevent it from running later. That is why you have to manually delete the hotfix.exe file. If you cannot erase it, consider using recommended spyware removers, which will get rid of hotfix.exe and associated parasites for you.
In some cases a presence of hotfix.exe does not mean that your system is infected. The file may actually belong to some fully legitimate applications and therefore must stay intact. If you are in doubt, please scan the hotfix.exe file using you regular spyware remover or antivirus program.