What is csrss.exe?

Question

According to google, CSRSS.exe could either be a Trojan, or an important part of Windows.

eh!

They say:

This process should be treated as suspicious if there are two instances running. Always take note of the process location when trying to determine whether or not the process is genuine or malicious.This Windows component should be located in your Windows System directory ie: something similar to C:\Windows\System32\csrss.exe

I have 2 instances that seem to be running, but both point to the same file in C:\Windows\System32

Should I be worried?

My anti-virus doesn't complain... (panda cloud)

Answer 1

On my laptop (Windows 7 Enterprise) I have 2 csrss.exe processes running. So I don't think you should worry about it.

If you want to to investigate it more I would recommend using the tool "Process Explorer":
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

Answer 2

I would download Malwarebye and Microsoft security essentials and check with them. Run full scans.

Edit: Your question asks what it is. Here is some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client/Server_Runtime_Subsystem

Answer 3

You have to differentiate csrSs.exe (system process) and csrCs.exe (a virus)