Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
lckcleaner.exe is not established as a Windows system file. One historical sample, identified as “LCKCleaner – Linha Phoenix Contmatic” from Contmatic Phoenix, was a 528 KB, 32-bit Windows GUI executable with MD5 973b9396dfeab234ad802cc406a5a43b. GridinSoft gave that exact sample a “General Threat” verdict, with its latest listed analysis dated March 25, 2022. That record does not prove that every file with this name is malicious, or that it belongs to every Contmatic installation.
Treat an unexpected copy as suspicious until you verify its complete path, digital signature, hash, parent application, startup entry and behavior. Do not launch or delete it before preserving those details. The steps below show how to identify the file, decide whether it is expected, repair a legitimate installation, and safely escalate a suspicious one.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is lckcleaner.exe?
In the available file-specific record, lckcleaner.exe is associated with LCKCleaner – Linha Phoenix Contmatic and the company Contmatic Phoenix. The record describes a 32-bit PE Windows GUI executable measuring 528 KB, first seen on July 8, 2019, with the latest exact-file analysis listed as March 25, 2022. Brazil is the strongest geography signal in that database entry, but geography is only a database observation; it does not establish where your copy came from.
There is no evidence here that lckcleaner.exe is a built-in Windows component. A filename alone is not an identity: unrelated programs can use the same name, and malware can imitate a legitimate product name. The historical record is therefore a clue for comparison, not a current safety certificate.
Popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Is lckcleaner.exe safe?
Safety depends on the particular file on your computer. A copy installed with software you intentionally obtained from Contmatic Phoenix, in an expected program directory, with a valid publisher signature and normal behavior, is a different case from an unsigned copy in a temporary, profile or startup folder that recreates itself.
The exact historical sample received a “General Threat” verdict from GridinSoft. Because that analysis is historical and tied to one hash, it cannot classify a different build or a renamed file. Make the decision from local evidence rather than the process name.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsEvidence that supports a legitimate installation
- The file is inside the known Contmatic Phoenix installation directory and the related application is installed intentionally.
- The Properties dialog shows a digital signature whose publisher matches the software you installed and whose certificate chain validates.
- The file’s size, timestamps and hash fit the installed product and are consistent across machines or a known installer.
- Autoruns shows a startup entry that points to the same expected path rather than a user-writable or temporary directory.
- Security scans are clean and Process Explorer or Process Monitor shows activity that makes sense for the parent application.
Warning signs
- The executable appears in
%Temp%, a random folder under your profile, a downloads directory or another location unrelated to the installed application. - It is unsigned, signed by an unexpected publisher, or the certificate chain is invalid or revoked.
- The file returns after deletion, creates unexplained startup entries, launches scripts, downloads files or accesses credentials without a clear application reason.
- You do not have Contmatic Phoenix software installed, or no installed program can explain the process.
- The local hash matches the historical 528 KB sample, but the surrounding context is unexplained. A hash match is important evidence, not by itself a complete incident verdict.
How do I check lckcleaner.exe without running it?
Work from the file itself, not from its displayed name in a process list. Preserve the evidence before changing anything, especially on a business computer or a machine used for financial, administrator or password-bearing accounts.
- Locate the executable. Open Task Manager with
Ctrl+Shift+Esc. If lckcleaner.exe is running, right-click it and choose the option to open its file location. Copy the complete path into a text note. Record the file size and creation or modification dates from Properties. Do not double-click the file. - Inspect the publisher signature. Right-click the file, choose Properties, and open Digital Signatures. Check the signer name, signature status and certificate details. Microsoft’s SignTool can perform the default-policy check from an elevated command prompt with
signtool verify /pa "C:pathtolckcleaner.exe". A valid signature helps establish who signed the file and whether its signed contents were altered; it does not prove that the program is appropriate for your computer or harmless. - Calculate and record a hash. Microsoft Sysinternals Sigcheck reports version information, timestamps, signature data and certificate-chain details, and can query VirusTotal by hash. Compare your local MD5 with
973b9396dfeab234ad802cc406a5a43b. A non-match only means that your file is not that exact sample; it is not a clean bill of health. - Check persistence. Use Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns to enumerate logon entries,
RunandRunOncekeys, startup folders, services and other automatic-start locations. Export or screenshot the relevant entry, including its command line and path, before disabling anything. Correlate the entry with the signer and parent application rather than disabling every unfamiliar item. - Review process behavior when necessary. Process Explorer can show the owning account, open handles and loaded modules. Process Monitor records real-time file-system, Registry and process/thread activity. These utilities supply evidence for an investigation; they are not one-click malware verdicts. Capture a short, relevant trace instead of deleting files while a process is active.
How should I compare a known Contmatic copy with an unexpected copy?
If two files named lckcleaner.exe exist, compare the attributes side by side. The path and signer usually explain more than the name.
| Check | Expected Contmatic installation | Unexpected standalone copy |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the vendor’s or parent application’s program directory | Temporary, profile, startup, download or otherwise unexplained directory |
| Signer | Publisher and valid certificate chain fit the installed product | Unsigned, invalid, revoked or mismatched signer |
| Hash and age | Matches the installed release or a known installer; timestamps fit that installation | Matches the historical threat record without an explanation, or has implausible timestamps |
| Persistence | Autoruns entry corresponds to an intentional application feature | Unexplained Run, service, startup or other automatic launch |
| Behavior | Activity is consistent with the parent program and user action | Unexplained downloads, scripting, credential access or repeated recreation |
None of these columns is conclusive in isolation. For example, a legitimate program can be unsigned, and a malicious file can carry a valid certificate obtained by an attacker. Use the combined evidence and the history of how the file appeared.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Why is lckcleaner.exe running at startup?
Startup execution normally comes from an installed application’s update, helper or licensing function, but an unwanted program can also establish persistence. Autoruns is the safest first inventory because it covers logon entries, Run and RunOnce keys, startup folders, services and other autostart locations in one view.
Trace the startup entry
- In Autoruns, search for
lckcleanerand note the exact command line, entry type, publisher and path. - Open the file’s Properties from the listed location and repeat the signature and hash checks.
- Look for a parent application that you recognize and an installation date that fits when you installed it.
- If you need to test whether startup causes an error, export the Autoruns entry first, then clear only that specific entry. Reboot and observe. Do not erase the executable before you have documented the persistence mechanism.
If the entry returns, points to a different file, or launches from a writable user directory, treat that recurrence as a stronger warning than a single unexplained process. Complete the malware-triage steps below before restoring normal account activity.
How do I fix lckcleaner.exe errors on Windows?
No reproducible error code or official Contmatic Phoenix repair procedure is established for this filename. The correct fix depends on the exact message, Windows version, file path and whether Contmatic Phoenix software is installed. Capture those facts before applying a repair.
1. Preserve the error and file evidence
Take a screenshot or copy the exact dialog text. Record whether the message appears at boot, at sign-in, when launching Contmatic software, or during shutdown. Save the full path, file size, timestamps, signature result, hash and Autoruns entry. These details prevent a repair from destroying the clues needed to distinguish a damaged installation from persistence.
2. Scan with trusted security software
Update Microsoft Defender or another trusted antimalware product, then run a full scan. If the file is detected, allow the product to quarantine it and follow its remediation instructions. An offline scan is appropriate when the file relaunches, blocks security tools or continues to return after a normal reboot.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Also popular on Amazon
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Microsoft’s security documentation describes fake PC-cleaner threats, including the TechscamLock ransomware family, and explains that such programs can be bundled with unwanted software. That information is contextual: it does not identify lckcleaner.exe as TechscamLock. A separate 2026 advisory about a signed malicious-cleaner campaign is another reason to evaluate persistence and behavior rather than trusting a familiar name or a signature alone.
3. Repair an expected Contmatic installation
If the path, signer and scan results support a legitimate Contmatic installation, use Windows’ installed-app repair or the application’s own maintenance option if one is provided. If repair is unavailable or the error persists, uninstall and reinstall the parent application from the vendor’s official source, then apply its current updates. Preserve the original error details before uninstalling so you can restore data and settings deliberately.
Do not download a replacement lckcleaner.exe from a file-sharing page, “DLL fixer” site or an unverified mirror. A replacement with the same filename can be a different program, and copying a standalone executable can leave the real dependency or registration problem unresolved.
4. Handle an unexpected or persistent copy
If the file is unsigned, resides in a temporary or user-writable directory, belongs to no installed application, or recreates its startup entry, disconnect sensitive accounts from the machine while you investigate. Finish a full or offline scan, document the persistence entry, and remove only the confirmed mechanism using a trusted security workflow. Do not sign in to banking, administrator or business systems from the suspect computer until it is assessed.
For a business, financial or high-value system, involve qualified incident-response personnel. They can preserve disk and memory evidence, determine whether credentials were exposed and decide whether a rebuild is safer than manual deletion. A simple file deletion does not establish that other components or persistence locations are gone.
Also popular on Amazon
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Can I delete lckcleaner.exe?
Do not delete it solely because the name looks unfamiliar. First determine whether it belongs to an installed Contmatic product and preserve the path, signature, hash and startup information.
- Expected and clean: leave the file in place while repairing or reinstalling the parent application. Removing one executable can break that application without fixing the underlying error.
- Confirmed detection: use the antimalware product’s quarantine or removal action rather than manually dragging the file to the Recycle Bin. Review the product’s remediation report and reboot as directed.
- Unexpected but not yet classified: isolate the machine from sensitive use, complete scans and obtain qualified analysis. Deleting first can remove evidence and leave a persistence mechanism behind.
Is lckcleaner.exe a virus or part of Contmatic?
The available evidence supports neither a universal “virus” label nor a universal Contmatic identification. One exact 528 KB sample was labeled “LCKCleaner – Linha Phoenix Contmatic,” associated with Contmatic Phoenix and given a historical “General Threat” verdict. A different file with the same name may be a newer legitimate build, a damaged copy or an unrelated program.
The safest conclusion is conditional: verify the local file and its installation context. The historical first-seen date of July 8, 2019 and latest analysis date of March 25, 2022 also mean that current local checks matter more than relying on an old database entry.
What information should you collect before asking for help?
Support or an incident responder can work much faster when the report is precise. Include:
- The complete error text and when it appears.
- Your Windows edition and version, plus whether the issue began after an update or software installation.
- The complete executable path, file size, creation and modification dates.
- Digital-signature status, signer name and certificate-chain result.
- The MD5 or other recorded hash and whether it matches
973b9396dfeab234ad802cc406a5a43b. - The parent application, installed Contmatic version if applicable, and the Autoruns entry or command line.
- Scan results, quarantine actions and whether the file or startup entry returns after reboot.
Do not email the executable or upload sensitive memory captures to an unknown service. Share files with a trusted support channel and follow its handling instructions.
Also popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
After you complete the security checks, Outbyte PC Repair is an optional shortcut for residual Windows problems such as broken system elements, invalid redirects, shared-DLL issues, crashes, cleanup and settings that increase CPU, RAM or disk load. It complements antivirus software rather than replacing it, results vary, and no tool repairs every crash; it runs on Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7 with a free trial by category for at least two days before a subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Could two files with the same lckcleaner.exe name be unrelated?
Yes. Windows does not require executable filenames to be globally unique, so separate vendors or attackers can choose the same name. The directory, signer, hash, parent application and behavior establish identity more reliably than the basename.
Recommended Free Tools
What does a “General Threat” verdict actually tell me?
It is a risk classification for the exact sample analyzed by that service, not a ruling on every file with that name. Because the listed analysis is from 2022, use it as a comparison point while relying on current local scans and signature checks for your decision.
Should I disable every unfamiliar Autoruns entry?
No. Windows and installed applications legitimately create many entries, and indiscriminate disabling can prevent security software or required services from starting. Export the configuration, investigate the specific command and path, and change one entry at a time.
What if the error disappears after deletion?
That only shows that Windows stopped trying to launch that file; it does not prove the system is clean or that the parent application is repaired. Recheck startup locations, run a full scan and confirm that no replacement file or related error appears after reboot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could two files with the same lckcleaner.exe name be unrelated?
Yes. Windows does not require executable filenames to be globally unique, so separate vendors or attackers can choose the same name. The directory, signer, hash, parent application and behavior establish identity more reliably than the basename.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhat does a “General Threat” verdict actually tell me?
It is a risk classification for the exact sample analyzed by that service, not a ruling on every file with that name. Because the listed analysis is from 2022, use it as a comparison point while relying on current local scans and signature checks for your decision.
Should I disable every unfamiliar Autoruns entry?
No. Windows and installed applications legitimately create many entries, and indiscriminate disabling can prevent security software or required services from starting. Export the configuration, investigate the specific command and path, and change one entry at a time.
What if the error disappears after deletion?
That only shows that Windows stopped trying to launch that file; it does not prove the system is clean or that the parent application is repaired. Recheck startup locations, run a full scan and confirm that no replacement file or related error appears after reboot.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
