Filename Fssm32.exe is a process that is of the Systray application type, and its full name is F-secure Scanner Manager or F-secure Anti virus fssm32, manufactured by the F-secure Corporation.

This process is part of the antivirus from F-secure, and when not running, threats such as Trojans and viruses may attack one's computer. For the security of one's computer, it is recommended that this process be left running. This process is not listed as a security risk.

It has been reported that fssm32.exe can use up all available memory, or make the computer slow by taking up anything up to 90% of one's CPU. In some cases, it causes computers to crash. As a legitimate process, one of the options given by software support affiliated to the manufacturer of this process, is disabling the Windows file protection and indexing service. This is because the process is scanning in real time. This means that as long as the PC is running, this process will scan files.

There are two ways to fix the problem of the process hogging the memory or CPU usage. One of them is going to the triangle for f-secure located in the tray, then click on the advanced tab. When the new window pops up, go to the tab headed 'real time scanning' and cancel it. Another fix for this problem is un-installing f-secure and then re-installing it. This has proved beneficial to some users.

The fssm32.exe file is located in the C:Program Files subfolder. This process cannot be seen, and neither is it a core file of Windows. This program has the capability of manipulating programs and monitors other applications. At times this process is located in the C:Documents and Settings subfolder, and it carries out the same core functions. Some malware disguise themselves to appear as fssm.exe, particularly when found to be located in folders c:windowssystem32 or c:windows.

As malware, fssm32.exe is known to use two file names, five paths and exhibits behaviors such as invoking dll components, and deleting other programs. The common path for this malware is %programfiles%packscuritanti-virus. A performance scan is recommended to optimize automatically the Internet settings, CPU, and memory of a PC.

Fssm32.exe can take a lot of cpu usage. When using the Internet for downloading files, receiving emails or loading external disk applications, it is wise to use an application of antivirus, so as to the lessen the risk of getting the PC infected through malicious software such as spyware, Trojan, or virus.