How to Remove Malware removal: msawya.exe (Win32:Malware-gen)

Q: How can I tell if my USB drive is infected?

Common signs include missing files or folders, folders turned into shortcuts, unknown files (e.g. autorun.inf), pop-ups opening automatically, or errors when plugging in the device. Guide: https://www.usbfix.net/security/autorun-inf-virus/

Q: What should I do first to prevent reinfection?

Disable AutoPlay/Autorun in Windows, then scan both the PC and the USB drive. Guide: https://www.usbfix.net/security/enable-disable-autoplay-in-windows/

Q: How can I remove Malware removal: msawya.exe (Win32:Malware-gen) safely without losing my files?

Scan both the PC and the USB drive, remove the threat, then fix any changes (shortcuts, hidden files, settings). Download: https://www.usbfix.net/download-usbfix/

Q: If my folders became shortcuts, is it related?

Very often, yes. This symptom is typical of the USB Shortcut Virus. Guide: https://www.usbfix.net/security/usb-shortcut-virus/

Q: How can I protect myself in the future from USB infections?

Disable AutoPlay/Autorun, avoid unknown USB drives, limit USB ports when possible, and watch for suspicious behavior. More: USBGuard https://www.usbfix.net/security/usbguard-protect-usb-ports/ and BadUSB https://www.usbfix.net/badusb/

How To Remove msawya.exe Win32:Malware-gen ?

Contents

1 How To Remove msawya.exe Win32:Malware-gen ?
- 1.1 Propagation scheme :
2 How to remove msawya.exe Win32:Malware-gen ?
3 Information for : msawya.exe Win32:Malware-gen
4 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about: Malware removal: msawya.exe (Win32:Malware-gen)

This type of infection spreads through removable media like USB key, SD cards, phones, GPS, tablets ..
Any USB device containing free disk space can be contaminated. msawya.exe was detected by UsbFix, Anti-Malware Software for USB. The file was submitted to VirusTotal, a service that combines the detection of more than 40 antivirus engines.

Propagation scheme :

In (1) healthy USB support is plugged into an infected PC, where the infection is active. This will automatically create a copy of the malicious code (2) on the healthy USB support. Once the USB support healthy contaminated, it serves as a means of transport to the infection to infect a healthy PC (3). To understand this type of infection, we invite you to read these Post: USB Virus General Description and How to remove shortcut virus USB ?

How to remove msawya.exe Win32:Malware-gen ?

UsbFix helps you detect and remove common USB-borne infections (shortcut malware, autorun tricks, script-based threats) and cleans both your PC and connected removable drives.

Download and run UsbFix (Windows).
Plug in the infected USB drive(s) or external disk(s).
Click Clean and let the tool finish.
Restart the PC if UsbFix asks you to.

Not sure what you’re dealing with? See: USB Shortcut Virus · Autorun.inf · Disable Windows Script Host.

Information for : msawya.exe Win32:Malware-gen

Detection : Win32:Malware-gen
Size : 86016 bytes.
File Type : application/x-dosexec
HASH MD5 : 1593bb45100a3c8a6255592b18bfc6f0
HASH SHA1 : 2020065fd72985cfc06dab4e27312f9555650400
HASH SHA256 : 8d5f1730f03e7e7043156da38aae5d609adbf536d63b9deaa5a39ebe9226468f
VirusTotal Analys Report

This malware was submitted to VirusTotal, a service that combines engines of detections over 40 antivirus.

93% – 53 detection for 57 antivirus tested.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about: Malware removal: msawya.exe (Win32:Malware-gen)

Associated signature:

Is Malware removal: msawya.exe (Win32:Malware-gen) dangerous?

Yes, this threat can be dangerous depending on its behavior: data theft, unwanted ads, system slowdowns, or USB reinfection. The most important thing is to act quickly and avoid plugging the USB drive into multiple computers before cleaning it.

How can I tell if my USB drive is infected?

Common signs include: missing files or folders, folders turned into shortcuts, unknown files (e.g. autorun.inf), pop-ups opening automatically, or error messages when plugging in the device. Helpful guide: autorun.inf virus.

What should I do first to prevent reinfection?

Disable AutoPlay/Autorun in Windows. This is one of the most common entry points for USB-based infections. Follow this guide: Enable / Disable AutoPlay .

Why do I sometimes see scripts (.vbs / .js) related to this threat?

Some threats use scripts (VBS/JS) to relaunch automatically, spread via USB, or download additional malware. To reduce this risk, you can disable Windows Script Host: Disable Windows Script Host .

How can I remove Malware removal: msawya.exe (Win32:Malware-gen) safely (without losing my files)?

The recommended method is to scan both the PC and the USB drive, remove the threat, then fix any changes (shortcuts, hidden files, settings). Download the official tool here: Download UsbFix.

If my folders became shortcuts, is it related?

Very often, yes. This symptom is typical of the USB Shortcut Virus. See the full explanation and step-by-step fix here: USB Shortcut Virus .

How can I protect myself in the future from USB infections?

For stronger protection: limit USB ports, control allowed devices, and block suspicious behavior. Useful guides: USBGuard and BadUSB.

Can I plug the USB drive into another PC to test?

Avoid doing that. If the drive is infected, you may contaminate another computer. First apply the safety steps (disable AutoPlay, scan, clean), then reconnect only when everything is clean.

✅ Useful resources: Download UsbFix • autorun.inf • USB shortcuts • USBGuard BadUSB