What the hell is this file?

Factual Questions
1

After enduring the potential scare of the new worm running around I went to my Firewall program to check it out. I installed it and forgot it so to speak. As long as it starts up I rarely pay attention to it. However, just our of curiosity I looked at the Program Control and notice a program listed as “Generic Host Program”. Curious I looked at the details and the file name shows as a Microftsoft programs and a file name of C\WINDOWS\systems32\svchost.exe. but if it’s a Microsoft program why does it say “Generic”? I haven’t had any problems, other than a booting problem when I first ran MSs patch. I just want someone to tell me it’s nothing to worry about.

Thanks in advance.

Stuffy

2

Use Windows Explorer. Right-click on the file and read the details. Mine says generic, too.

FYI -

Windows 2000 - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;250320
Windpws XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314056&Product=winxp

3

While it may not be very helpful, here’s a description from the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Apparently, svchost.exe is a program that may run various services that run from dynamic link libraries. It’s labeled “generic” precisely because it’s a utility-type program that has multiple uses.

In short, not something to worry about. I’ve had to give svchost “permission” to access the outside world in ZoneAlarm - failing to do so results in programs, like Outlook, that simply refuse to operate properly!

4

Thanks again.