I found a startup entry called "yzqxc.vbs" on my computer. It has an unfamiliar, randomly generated-looking name and no typical Windows app icon. I'm not sure whether it belongs to a legitimate program or could be malicious. What is the safest way to identify it without accidentally running the script?
3 Answers
The .vbs extension means it’s a VBScript file, which can run commands when executed. That doesn’t automatically make it malware—some older software or emulators may use scripts—but a random filename in startup is worth investigating. Right-click the entry, choose the option to open its file location, and inspect the folder and file properties. Don’t double-click the script. You can also open a copy with a text editor or scan the file with a reputable malware scanner.
A vague, random-looking startup name is suspicious, but the name alone isn’t enough to conclude that it’s a virus. Check what program or folder created it and review the script contents in Notepad or another text editor. If the location is a temporary folder, user profile subfolder, or otherwise unfamiliar, upload the file to a reputable multi-engine scanner and run a full security scan. If malware is confirmed, changing passwords and performing a clean operating-system reinstall may be safer than relying only on antivirus removal.
Don’t delete it blindly until you know what depends on it. First disable the startup entry, record its file path, and investigate the script. If it clearly has no legitimate connection to software you installed, quarantine or remove it using your security software and then check for other unexpected startup items.
I do have some emulators installed, so it might be related to one of them. I’ll check the file location and inspect it without running it.