What is pup.exe? Should I remove it?
pup.exe is an executable file which primary purpose is to start a parasite or launch some of its components. Once executed, the pup.exe file runs a process that is responsible for the parasite’s payload. pup.exe is a significant part of a dangerous threat, but it can also work on its own. DO NOT execute it!
The pup.exe file is installed and used by adware Winpup. It is also related to other parasites such as adware Ebates Moe Money Maker and adware LimeShop. These threats can use pup.exe for different purposes, as the file’s functionality depends on a particular parasite it belongs to.
Sometimes a presence of pup.exe does not indicate that your computer is infected. It can be an essential system file or a file installed by harmless legitimate software and therefore may not pose any threat to your privacy and the system. Although such cases are quite rare, you should thoroughly examine pup.exe before completely deleting or leaving it in the system.