What is Sitool.exe virus? Should I remove it?

Sitool.exe is malware that primarily spreads as software cracks

The presence of the Sitool.exe file in your Windows computer means that you have been infected with a Trojan. It has plenty of functions it can execute, and its activity mostly manifests via web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, etc. It might engage in automatic redirects to malicious websites, show excessive and intrusive ads, or even download additional files or malware.

In most cases, users who are infected would have several infections on the system. Nonetheless, the most commonly associated malware with it is Adware.OxyPumper, which can be detected and removed by security software. Additional potentially unwanted programs or malware, such as PUP.Optional.BundleInstaller can also be found on the affected systems.

Once infection occurs, multiple files and folders, as well as registry entries are created by the malware. Sitool.exe itself is usually located in the following directory:

C:\USERS\USERNAME\APPDATA\ROAMING\SYSINFOTOOL\SITOOL.EXE

If your anti-malware had detected this malicious EXE file, you should immediately delete it and then perform steps to remediate your browsers and perform a repair of your damaged system files. Below you will find the instructions on how to do all that either manually or automatically.

Prevent malware infections in the future

Security is very important to all users who have a computing device, especially if it is connected to the internet. It is true that security experts are creating new advanced technologies for the protection, although cybercriminals are not that far behind. Advanced, modular malware and sophisticated distribution techniques employed by hackers do not make the job of security researchers any easier.

However, in this battle, many people can do it on a personal level. While no method would protect you from malware 100%, doing everything possible to reduce that risk is something to go forward with. Here are a few tips that could help you:

• Install sophisticated security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, and keep it running at all times. Never ignore its warnings, even if you think that it could be a false positive;
• Do not download software cracks or pirated programs. Malware like Maql or Zaps can be present on websites that distribute such installers;
• Use strong passwords for all your accounts and never reuse the same passwords for several accounts;
• Update all software located on your PC, including the operating system itself;
• When downloading software from third parties, keep in mind that it could be bundled, and additional components might be present. To avoid this, always choose Advanced settings and read the instructions carefully;
• Don't believe random pop-ups or messages that show up on random websites, especially those that claim your system is infected with viruses or that an update for software needs to be downloaded.

Finally, make sure you use all the precautions while browsing the web – avoid high-risk websites and never engage in illegal files or websites. Ad-blockers can also be very useful when it comes to malicious scripts execution prevention.

Sitool.exe removal explained

The severity of the Sitool.exe virus infection can vary greatly. For example, if you spotted suspicious browser behavior but avoided interacting with all the malicious ads or HTTP redirections, you are less likely to suffer from serious consequences. Aggressive adware, in particular, is known to show intrusive pop-ups, open new tabs or windows, and execute scripts that would reroute traffic to malicious websites.

This is why it is important to remove Sitool.exe and all its components properly. Below you will find everything you need to do just that.

Step 1. Perform a full system scan

If you have spotted a malicious executable on your system, you should immediately remove it. In fact, you have probably noticed it because security software flagged it for you. Unfortunately, some people reported that the infection kept returning, even after anti-malware eliminated the malicious files.

In such a case, we recommend you try alternative vendors. Additionally, performing a full system scan in Safe Mode can help you to bypass malware functions that bring it back. To access Safe Mode, follow these steps:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
   
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
   
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Press Restart.
10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Once in Safe Mode, run a scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another reputable security tool. This should eliminate all the malicious components from the system.

Step 2. Clean your browsers

Since the Sitool.exe virus is related to adware, it is likely to have put components into your browsers as well. You have two options here – either resetting them or cleaning them. If you choose the latter option, proceed with the following instructions:

Google Chrome

• Click on Menu and pick Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click Menu and pick Options.
• Go to Privacy & Security section.
• Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
• Click on Clear Data…
• Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content, and press Clear.

MS Edge (Chromium)

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• Select Privacy and services.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Under Time range, pick All time.
• Select Clear now.

MS Edge (legacy)

• Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.

Internet Explorer

• Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
• Under Browsing history, click Delete…
• Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Step 3. Repair damaged system components

Finally, we strongly recommend you use a system repair tool. Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software cannot do anything about it, leaving it just the way it is.

If you encounter crashes, errors, broken system components, and other issues, you might have to reinstall your Windows system. Instead, however, you don't have to do it if you employ maintenance and repair utility which works great as a complementary software to your anti-malware:

• Download FortectIntego
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.