If your system shows signs of infection, Trojan/Donut.E may already be letting other malware in. Below, you’ll find clear steps to hunt it down, remove it entirely, and prevent future intrusions.
Threat Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Type | Trojan (Gateway Trojan) |
| Detection Names | Trojan/Donut.E (heuristic detection) |
| Symptoms | Hidden apps, slowed PC, unknown processes, bundled with legit apps |
| Damage & Distribution | Delivers ransomware, credential stealers, opens backdoors |
| Danger Level | High — because it grants access to more serious threats |
| Removal Tool | SpuHunter |
How Trojan/Donut.E Installs on Systems
This Trojan often hides in plain sight, bundled with seemingly harmless applications. Once it infiltrates, it buries itself deep into your system and may drop more malicious payloads behind your back. At that point, you may only notice symptoms when it’s well entrenched.
What Data Trojan/Donut.E Tries to Steal
While Trojan/Donut.E may not steal data directly, it’s engineered to act as a delivery platform for more harmful malware—like ransomware or credential stealers. That means your files, passwords, or even crypto wallets could be at risk.
Persistence Tactics Used by Trojan/Donut.E
This Trojan doesn’t just run quietly—it fights to stay alive. It may:
- Appear in your installed apps list, camouflaged as a normal program
- Lock files and run hidden processes, making removal tricky
- Hide in system folders such as AppData or Startup
- Resurrect itself after reboot via rogue Scheduled Tasks
- Plant hidden entries in Windows Registry so it auto-starts and hides again
Manual Trojan Malware Removal Guide
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
- Restart your computer.
- Before Windows starts, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems).
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Press Enter to boot.
This prevents the Trojan from running and makes it easier to remove.
Step 2: Identify and Stop Malicious Processes
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab (or Details in Windows 10/11).
- Look for suspicious processes using high CPU or memory, or with unfamiliar names.
- Right-click on the suspicious process and select Open File Location.
- If the file is in a temporary or system folder and looks unfamiliar, it is likely malicious.
- Right-click the process and choose End Task.
- Delete the associated file in File Explorer.
Step 3: Remove Trojan-Related Files and Folders
- Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
- Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Also check these directories for unfamiliar or recently created files:
- C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Temp
- C:\Windows\Temp
- C:\Program Files (x86)
- C:\ProgramData
- C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
- Delete suspicious files or folders.
Step 4: Clean Trojan Malware from Registry
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following paths:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Look for entries launching files from suspicious locations.
- Right-click and delete any entries you don’t recognize.
Warning: Editing the registry can harm your system if done improperly. Proceed with caution.
Step 5: Reset Browser Settings
Google Chrome
- Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm.
Mozilla Firefox
- Go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
Microsoft Edge
- Go to Settings > Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their default values.
Step 6: Run a Full Windows Defender Scan
- Open Windows Security via Settings > Update & Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Choose Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now.
Step 7: Update Windows and Installed Software
- Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install all available updates.
Automatic Trojan Removal Using SpyHunter
If manually removing the Trojan seems difficult or time-consuming, using SpyHunter is the recommended method. SpyHunter is an advanced anti-malware tool that detects and eliminates Trojan infections effectively.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Use the following official link to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter
For full instructions on how to install, follow this page: Official SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click the installer to begin setup.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Step 3: Scan Your System
- Open SpyHunter.
- Click Start Scan Now.
- Let the program detect all threats, including Trojan components.
Step 4: Remove Detected Malware
- After the scan, click Fix Threats.
- SpyHunter will automatically quarantine and remove all identified malicious components.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your system to ensure all changes take effect and the threat is completely removed.
Tips to Prevent Future Trojan Infections
- Avoid downloading pirated software or opening unknown email attachments.
- Only visit trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups.
- Use a real-time antivirus solution like SpyHunter for ongoing protection.
- Keep your operating system, browsers, and software up to date.
Conclusion
Trojan/Donut.E is not just spyware—it’s a malicious platform that opens your system to far more dangerous threats. Use the removal steps above to thoroughly clean your system. If you’re unsure about manual cleanup or worried about missing something, SpyHunter is tested to remove Trojan/Donut.E effectively and keep it from coming back.
