Multiple Programs - DW.EXE

We've found multiple programs with the name DW.EXE.

DW.EXE is the executable for DownloadWorks also known as Medialoads or ClipGenie. This program can install silently via an ActiveX control when you open a website.

But it is most commonly downloaded with KaZaA Media Desktop, Grokster and some other P2P file sharing services. Often, this instance of the program will appear as DW.EXE /H. This program can cause stability problems and crashes on Windows startup or immediately upon download/install. This version of DW.EXE will execute code (and generate popup ads) from various advertisers and you can be infected by executing an ActiveX component called ActiveInstall.

We'd recommend removal. This is one instance where removing this program won't make it impossible to connect to KaZaA as long as the other spyware applications installed by KaZaA are left in place.

DW.EXE is also an error reporting application from Microsoft. See the following if WinPatrol reports DW.exe as a Microsoft application.
Description and Availability of Internet Explorer Error Reporting Tool (Q276550) This program is not dangerous but it is also not required.

DE.EXE is als a program called Disk Watchman from MetaProducts. If you see the reference to MetaProducts in the program properties you're pretty safe. More info is available at http://www.metaproducts.com/mp/mpProducts_Detail.asp?id=24.

Use WinPatrol to remove or disable this program if Spyware.