If you’ve recently noticed a strange process or file labeled DarkComet RAT on your device and your computer is running slower than usual – you’ve got a Trojan infection on your hands. DarkComet RAT is sneaky – it pretends it’s regular system files to make it impossible to spot it without actively looking for it. Our research suggests DarkComet RAT mostly enters your system bundled with other software installers downloaded from unsafe sources.
Once DarkComet RAT has infiltrated your system, it basically drains your system resources to mine crypto, and to expose you to cybercriminals. Left unchecked, it can even pave the way for more malware to sneak in. Given DarkComet RAT’s nature to pretend it’s other software on your PC, and that it’s difficult to locate all of its files, we recommend you follow the guide below fully. If you don’t believe you can do this, use AV software.
We tested that SpyHunter successfully removes DarkComet RAT* and we recommend using it. It will block DarkComet RAT from reinstalling itself and it will make sure your device is clean from any malware.
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OFFERDarkComet RAT Removal Guide
About removing DarkComet RAT – here’s the deal. In most cases, you’ll need to dig deep, hunting down every little trace of it across your system. But sometimes, just sometimes, you might get lucky and only need a couple of easy steps. Always start with those – worst case? They make the next steps easier to handle.
Quick Steps to Remove DarkComet RAT
- 1.1Open the Start Menu, then locate and click on the Settings icon, which resembles a gear symbol for easy identification.
- 1.2Navigate to Apps, then adjust the sorting order by selecting Sort by: Date of installation to display recently installed programs at the top of the list.
- 1.3Scroll through the list to locate DarkComet RAT, then select it by clicking on it once before pressing the Uninstall button to proceed with removal.
- 1.4Carefully follow all uninstallation prompts, ensuring you do not unknowingly agree to leave behind any leftover components, temporary files, or related registry entries.
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1.5Afterward, look for the installation directory. You’ll often find it at
C:\UserNames\UserName\AppData\Local\Programs\, but it might also be elsewhere. - 1.6If you find the malware folder, remove it together with any leftover files that might still be in it.
Now restart your PC to see if the rogue app is gone from it. In many cases, it will still be there, but this is perfectly normal. It just means you’ll have to resort to the more advanced steps we’ve prepared next.
SUMMARY:
Before You Begin: Something to Keep in Mind
I tried making this DarkComet RAT removal guide as easy as possible, but let’s be real – some steps require at least basic troubleshooting skills. If something feels too tricky, SpyHunter 5 can take over. It’s linked on this page, ready to help. But if you’re up for it, following this guide properly should do the job.
How to Fully Get Rid of DarkComet RAT
This is the full DarkComet RAT removal guide – the one you’ll need if uninstalling it the regular way didn’t work. The key? Follow everything carefully. Skip a step, and the malware could pop right back up the next time you start your PC. Before diving in, there are two must-do prep steps to set things up properly.
1. Preparing for the DarkComet RAT Removal
- 1.1
DarkComet RAT may store some of its components in hidden locations, making them difficult to detect. To reveal them:
Open the Start Menu, type Folder Options, and select the first result that appears in the list.
Navigate to the View tab, which contains advanced settings for displaying file types and hidden system files.
Locate and enable the option Show hidden files, folders, and drives to ensure visibility of all hidden content.
Click Apply, then press OK to confirm and save these settings before closing the window.
We understand that some users prefer not to install additional software, but in this case, LockHunter can be vital for unlocking and removing files that refuse to be deleted manually. - 1.2Download and install LockHunter, a free utility designed to forcibly delete files that are typically locked or restricted by the system due to security permissions or malware intervention.
We understand if you don’t want to use third-party software and we generally try to keep our guides entirely “hands-on”. However, in this case, you may need this app to eliminate some malware files which is an essential part of the removal process.
But don’t worry, LockHunter won’t ask for money, doesn’t have ads, and doesn’t even require a registration. You can download and install it in about two minutes.
Remove DarkComet RAT Processes From the Task Manager
If DarkComet RAT is still running, it won’t go down without a fight. Open Task Manager, find its processes, and shut them down. Some might have weird names or hog resources like crazy – watch for those. Once you spot them, delete their folders too. If you don’t, you’re just playing whack-a-mole with a persistent virus.
2. How to Delete DarkComet RAT Processes in the Task Manager
- 2.1Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. If the window appears in compact mode, click More Details to expand it for a full view of active processes.
- 2.2Sort the process list by Memory usage first, then switch to CPU usage to easily identify any processes consuming an unusually high amount of system resources, which may indicate suspicious activity.
- 2.3
Right-click any process that seems suspicious or unrelated to known applications, then select Open File Location to be redirected to the directory where the program’s executable files are stored. - 2.4If any files in the directory cannot be deleted due to system restrictions, use LockHunter by right-clicking the file or folder and selecting What’s locking it? to identify and remove any restrictions.
- 2.5Once the associated files have been successfully deleted, return to Task Manager, right-click the suspicious process again, and choose End Task to fully terminate its operation.
- 2.6Repeat this process for all detected processes that are linked to DarkComet RAT, ensuring nothing remains running in the background.
We tested that SpyHunter successfully removes DarkComet RAT* and we recommend using it. It will block DarkComet RAT from reinstalling itself and it will make sure your device is clean from any malware.
Try Free For 7 Days*
Buy now15% OFF if you buy straight without trial.
Delete DarkComet RAT Virus Files
Even after stopping DarkComet RAT, there’s a good chance it left behind hidden files in different parts of your system. You’ll need to manually search these locations and wipe them out. If something won’t delete? That’s where LockHunter comes in – use it to force-remove anything stubborn. If it lingers, the malware might just respawn.
3. How to Get Rid of DarkComet RAT Files
- 3.1Go to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, locate and delete any unfamiliar files, except desktop.ini, which is a default system file. Repeat this in C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup as well.
- 3.2Navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86), checking both directories for any folders labeled DarkComet RAT or those with names that appear random, misleading, or unfamiliar. Delete any suspicious folders immediately.
- 3.3Inspect these directories for additional suspicious files that could be associated with DarkComet RAT:
C:\Users%user%\AppData\Local\
C:\Users%user%\AppData\Local\Programs\
C:\Users%user%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\
If you are uncertain whether a file should be deleted, err on the side of caution – these directories do not contain critical Windows system files, so removing a questionable item will not harm your OS. - 3.4
Finally, navigate to C:\Users*YOUR USERNAME\AppData\Local\Temp* and delete everything in the Temp folder. These are temporary files that can be safely removed without causing issues.
Get Rid of DarkComet RAT Scheduled Tasks
DarkComet RAT doesn’t just sit still – it schedules itself to restart. Yep, it creates Task Scheduler entries so it can run without you knowing. That means you need to go in, check for anything shady, and delete it. Miss even one, and it could reinstall itself the next time your computer boots. That’s how it stays alive.
4. Eliminate DarkComet RAT Scheduled Tasks
- 4.1
Open the Task Scheduler by searching for it in the Start Menu and pressing Enter to launch the application. Click Task Scheduler Library to access the list of active scheduled tasks. - 4.2Go through each task one by one, double-clicking them and navigating to the Actions tab, where you can see what commands or scripts are set to execute.
- 4.3Remove any scheduled tasks that initiate unknown executables, run hidden scripts, or download content from unrecognized online sources, as these could belong to DarkComet RAT.
- 4.4Before deleting a task, make sure to note the file path listed in the Actions tab so you can manually remove the associated file later from its directory.
Uninstall the DarkComet RAT Malware App Through the Windows Registry
Last step: clearing DarkComet RAT from the Registry. Be careful – deleting the wrong thing here can cause real damage. Only remove entries directly tied to the malware. If you’re not 100% sure, SpyHunter 5 or similar tools can help. But if you go manual, take your time. A bad registry edit can wreck your system.
5. Remove DarkComet RAT Through the Registry
- 5.1Open the Start Menu, type regedit, and run it as Administrator to access the Registry Editor, where system configurations and application data are stored.
- 5.2Click Edit, then select Find, and type DarkComet RAT to search for registry entries connected to the virus, ensuring no traces remain.
- 5.3Perform another search for DarkComet RAT, as this alias may also be associated with the same malware components.
- 5.4When a related registry key is located, right-click it in the left panel and select Delete, continuing this process until no more results remain.
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5.5After you’ve deleted all relevant entries, manually navigate to these registry keys:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\RunHKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\RunHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnceHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\SetupHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services - 5.6Carefully inspect the values in the right panel. If something looks suspicious and is unrelated to your installed programs, remove only the specific value, not the entire key.
After completing all steps, the DarkComet RAT virus should be fully removed. If you still notice issues, consider using a reputable malware removal tool for additional scanning and protection.
