InstallIQUpdater

[Euravia First]

I have noticed that "InstallIQUpdater.... " has appeared in my Windows XP Task Manager. It uses between approx 4500 and 6500K of memory at various times.

Looking in add or remove programs via control panel, I find that Install IQUpdater is indeed now in the list of programs. It states 1.02MB and Used rarely. The option exists to remove it.

I do not know how "InstallIQUpdater" came to be installed. It was not there the last time I looked a month or so ago.
I recently accepted an unsolicited on screen offer from Norton to download their Bootable Recovery Tool so I am wondering if this is connected with the appearance of "InstallIQUpdater". Since I use Norton Internet Security 2010 I assumed that accepting their offer to download a recovery tool would be harmless and might be useful in the event of future problems.

Can anyone please say whether "InstallIQUpdater" is harmless? Can anyone say whether uninstalling it [via add or remove programs or via the remove option that also appears under its name in the main list of programs accessed via start -- all programs] would be wise? I have no wish to allocate 6500K of my relatively small 500MB computer RAM in this way unless it is necessary.

I have tried to find clear and reliable information by using Google and Yahoo. I have also attempted to find information by searching the Norton site but no reference to "InstallIQUpdater" was to be found. I shall be grateful to know whether it can be safely and harmlessly removed.

[BOAC]

Let me google that for you

[Bushfiva]

It's probably the w3i installer: it's used to install some software packages, then keep them up to date. It's got a poor reputation because it can be used to foist malware on you, advertise other software, and change settings in your browser. Typically, these changes allow w3i to monitor your browser usage. All the changes are supposed to be opt in, but that tends not to happen.

Most people would, I think, uninstall the application.

BOAC, shame on you. If you're going to use LMGTFY because you believe the original poster has not done enough research before daring to post here, at least get the search request right.

[BOAC]

Indeed - shamed - but IF the OP HAD done any 'research' why did Google hit number 1 not answer the question "Can anyone please say whether "InstallIQUpdater" is harmless?"

I read

this is a malware

you need to get malwarebytes from cnet (google it)


etc etc

[Euravia First]

The OP had done research but as stated in the original post "clear and reliable" information was what was sought. The various search results I read [for InstallIQUpdater -- not for the search mentioned by BOAC] did not appear to me to offer that. Various Companies saying different things and attempting to offer their own products did not strike me to be a source of reliable and accurate information. Furthermore I would not assume that because search information comes as " hit number one " it can be taken to be right.
That is why I politely asked if a ppruner could help. Thank you for your comments BOAC and thank you Bushfiva for your helpful response.

[Euravia First]

Only just seen your post SoCal App. Thanks very much for that.