What is csc.exe and should I delete it?

The genuine csc.exe file is a legitimate software component of Microsoft .NET Framework signed by Microsoft Corporation. CSC stands for Visual C# [sharp] Command-Line Compiler.

Note: The csc.exe can also be the principal executable for Comodo System Cleaner. However, the chances of this happening are slim because the cleanup software has merged with Registry Cleaner in 2013 and became PC Tune-UP. You’ll only have a csc.exe executable belonging to Comodo System Cleaner if you haven’t updated your system in several years.

Potential security issue?

The legitimate CSC executable is a legitimate Microsoft .NET framework process, as we already established above. However, there were cases where a resourceful malware has camouflaged itself as the csc.exe process and was showing u in the Processes tab.

To make sure that’s not the case, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and locate the csc.exe process in the Processes tab. Then, right-click on it and choose Open File Location. If the revealed location is anywhere else than C:\ Windows \ Microsoft.NET \ Framework (Framework64) \\ csc.exe or C:\ Program Files \ COMODO \COMODO System-Cleaner \ CSC.exe, you’re probably dealing with a malware infection.

If you discover any other location (especially if it’s outside the Windows folder), you need to make sure that the infection is death with. There are a lot of different ways to deal with malware infections, but we recommend using Malwarebytes since it’s also good at identifying adware that might not be normally flagged by other security suites. For further instructions on using Malwarebytes to clear your system of malware, consult our in-depth article (here).

Should I remove the legitimate csc.exe?

Uninstalling the legitimate csc.exe is not advisable since the executable is needed in conjunction with a lot of default and 3rd party apps. However, if you decide to get rid of it, you’ll need to uninstall the whole Microsoft .Net Framework suite. This can be useful if the issue is caused by a bad installation of the .NET Framework or by corruption.

To get rid of the csc.exe, open a Run window (Windows key + R), type “appwiz.cpl” and hit Enter to open Programs and Features. Then, scroll down through the application list and uninstall all Microsoft .NET Framework entries, then restart your computer. After your computer boots back up, WU (Windows Update) should automatically re-install the missing .NET Framework components.

In case WU doesn’t automatically download Microsoft .NET Framework, you can download the latest version from this link (here).

How to fix “csc.exe unable to start correctly” error

If you’re getting the “csc.exe unable to start correctly” error at random times or when you’re trying to should down your computer, the following two methods might be of help. We managed to identify two potential fixes that resolved the issue for users in a similar situation. Please follow the two methods in order and skip the first one if it isn’t applicable.

Method 1: Uninstall the Bit Meter application

If you’re getting the “csc.exe unable to start correctly” error after you click the Shut Down button, this might be caused by the BitMeter application. As it turns out, the bandwidth meter applications might cause the CSC executable to throw this error whenever Windows tries to force close it.

The only way to get around this issue is to uninstall the current Bit Meter application and then visit the official website to download Bit Meter 2 – an updated version of the same app that doesn’t suffer from the same problem.

Here’s a quick guide to resolving the “csc.exe unable to start correctly” error caused by BitMeter 2:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run command. Type “appwiz.cpl” and hit Enter to open Programs and Features.
2. Scroll through the application list and uninstall the Bit Meter software.
3. If you want to continue this bandwidth monitoring software, download the updated version from this link (here).

If this hasn’t resolved your issue or you didn’t have the Bit Meter software installed, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Running a System File Checker scan

If you didn’t have the Bit Meter software installed and you’re still getting the “csc.exe unable to start correctly” error, your system might be suffering from system file corruption.

System File Checker is a Microsoft developed tool that will usually repair most instances of corruption that might be plaguing your system. Here’s a quick guide on how to initiate a System File Checker scan:

1. Click the Windows start bar (bottom-left corner) and search for cmd. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
   
2. In the elevated Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow. This will scan all protected system files and replace corrupted ones with clean versions.
   
3. Once the scan is complete, reboot your system and see if the “csc.exe unable to start correctly” error has been resolved at the next startup.