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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.Gacutil.exe is a utility developed by Alienware Corporation with the app description "Microsoft (R) .NET Framework Global Assembly Cache Utility". This tool is used to manage the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) in the .NET Framework. The GAC is a central repository for common language runtime assemblies shared by multiple applications on the same computer. Gacutil.exe allows users to install, uninstall, and list assemblies in the GAC.
In the context of the Windows operating system, particularly within the .NET framework, an assembly is a compiled code library used for deployment, versioning, and security. Assemblies are the building blocks of .NET applications and can take the form of executable (.exe) or dynamic link library (.dll) files. They contain compiled code and metadata that the Common Language Runtime (CLR) uses for execution.
A runtime assembly refers to an assembly that is loaded and executed by the CLR during the application's runtime. The CLR locates and binds these assemblies using information such as the assembly's name, version, culture, and public key token. The process involves checking configuration files, the Global Assembly Cache (GAC), and probing specific directories to resolve and load the required assemblies.
In summary, a runtime assembly in Windows is a .NET assembly that the CLR loads and executes during an application's runtime, serving as a fundamental unit of deployment and execution in the .NET ecosystem. This specific one is related to Alenware hardware.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the gacutil.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs
A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.
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Recently Viewed Executables We’ve found Alienware Corporation should be the publisher of gacutil.exe.
How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.
The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.
Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.
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