How To Remove Systim Malware (Systim.exe Virus Information and Removal Instructions)

By Sean Doyle · July 7, 2012 · 3 min read

What is the Systim virus (systim.exe)?

Please note this virus is called “systim.exe” and not “system.exe”.
Systim (or systim.exe.) is a variant of a Window’s Trojan which originates from China. Systim affects both computers and internet browsers.

What are symptoms of the Systim virus (systim.exe)?

System crashes
System freezes
Operating system may become unresponsive
Internet browser settings (like home page configurations) may become altered and user may be directed to another “home page” while using the internet
Sudden internet browser redirection

How to remove the Systim virus (systim.exe)

Systim is new, not many anti-malware programs can detect and remove it, nor are any directory or registry entries properly identified besides executable files.
The best solution to remove Systim from your computer is to use Anti-Malware or Malware-Removal software or to perform a recovery or restore of your computer to a date and time (recovery point) before infection.

Using Malwarebytes to remove Systim

Reboot/restart your computer
Download Malwarebytes anti-malware software
Run a “full system scan” and remove any malicious files

[Small_Button class=”lightblue”] Remove Malware [/Small_Button]

Using Malwarebytes to remove Systim on an unresponsive system

In some cases your computer and operating system may become unresponsive and will not allow you to navigate through your system properly, nor boot your desktop screen. If this is the case you will need to enter “safe mode with command prompt” to launch Window’s explorer. Instructions are below.

If you do not have a previous installation of malware removal software on your computer (Malwarebytes) you will need to enter your computer system in “safe mode with networking” in order to obtain internet access in debug mode.

How to recover or restore your computer in safe mode with command prompt

1. Restart/reboot your computer system. Unplug if necessary.

2. Enter your computer in “safe mode with command prompt”. To properly enter safe mode, after rebooting, press your computer’s “hot key” upon the boot menu. For instance, F8 – F11.

3. Once the Command Prompt appears type “explorer” and hit Enter.

4. Once Windows Explorer shows up browse to:

Win XP: C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter
Win Vista/Seven: C:\windows\system32\rstrui.exe and press Enter

5. Follow all steps to restore or recover your computer system to an earlier time and date, before infection.

Installing Malwarebytes in safe mode with networking

Navigate your intenet browser to Malwarebytes and install the malware removal sofware (free version, or paid)
The file used to install the software is titled: mbam-setup.exe / click to install
Run a “full system scan” and remove any malicious files

Tags: Malware

Sean Doyle

Sean is a tech author and security researcher with more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware analysis, analytics, and online marketing. He focuses on clear reporting, deep technical investigation, and practical guidance that helps readers stay safe in a fast-moving digital landscape. His work continues to appear in respected publications, including articles written for Private Internet Access. Through Botcrawl and his ongoing cybersecurity coverage, Sean provides trusted insights on data breaches, malware threats, and online safety for individuals and businesses worldwide.

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