Все о файле Gathernetworkinfo.vbs. Что это такое и для чего нужен?
Особо внимательные пользователи, изучающие компоненты автозагрузки своей операционной системы Windows могут заметить некий файл Gathernetworkinfo.vbs. Естественно возникают вопросы по поводу происхождения и назначения данного файла, ведь он находится в автозагрузке и наверняка влияет на скорость загрузки Windows.
Что делает Gathernetworkinfo.vbs?
Файл Gathernetworkinfo.vbs является системным скриптом (запрограммированным набором действий), который присутствует во всех версиях Windows, начиная с Windows Vista.
Если разбить название файла по составляющим – Gather Network Info, то перевод звучит так: “Сбор информации о сети”.
Если зайти в планировщик задач Windows, то в нем можно обнаружить задание (скрипт) Gathernetworkinfo.vbs.
Задача Gathernetworkinfo.vbs в планировщике windows
Интересной особенностью данного файла является то, что он не имеет цифровой подписи несмотря на то, что является системным файлом (заданием планировщика windows).
Gathernetworkinfo.vbs имеет связь с файлами NetTrace.PLA.Diagnostics.xml и NetTrace.dll, которые помогают собирать информацию о сети. Она затем, скорее всего, отправляется в Microsoft для анализа.
Вывод
Файл Gathernetworkinfo.vbs, находящийся в автозагрузке совершенно точно не является вредоносным, несмотря на то, что многие программы могут утверждать обратное.
Небезопасность файла Gathernetworkinfo.vbs по мнению некоторых программ
Gathernetworkinfo.vbs это системный скрипт, запускаемый планировщиком операционной системой для запуска процедуры сбора статистики и информации о сетевом подключении (интернет). Куда затем идет эта самая статистика достоверно не известно, но очень вероятно что в Microsoft.
Если вы подозреваете Gathernetworkinfo.vbs во вредоносности, то без проблем можете проверить свой компьютер хорошим бесплатным антивирусом.
Лучшая благодарность автору — рассказать о статье у себя в соц.сетях:
I recently read the whitepaper“Using Windows Script Host and COM to Hack Windows” that is mentioning the GatherNetworkinfo.vbs script I hadn’t paid attention to yet. The gathernetworkinfo.vbs script comes by default with every Windows 7 installation and is located within the C:\Windows\System32\ folder.
The script does collect various networking information about the Windows 7 system and its configuration and dumps the information into the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder.
On a system where the script hasn’t been executed yet the Config folder looks as following:
Now open a command prompt with elevated rights and run cscript c:\windows\system32\gathernetworkinfo.vbs When the script has completed you will see that additional files have been added to the Config folder.
The structure of the script is quite easy to understand. Within the first part of the script all functions are defined, the second part defines the output file names and the last part actually calls the individual data collection functions including the output file parameter.
The script is also defined within a scheduled task called Nettrace which is not scheduled to run automatically.
Last Updated: 11/27/2024
[Time to Read: ~3-5 minutes]
gatherNetworkInfo.vbs uses the VBS file extension, which is more specifically known as a VBScript Script file. It is classified as a Script (VBScript Script) file, created for Windows 10 by Microsoft.
The release of gatherNetworkInfo.vbs introduced for Windows was on 07/22/2009 in Windows 7.
The most recent release for Windows 10 launched on 07/29/2015 [version 10 release].
gatherNetworkInfo.vbs is included in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8 versions.
This article discusses complete file details, VBS file troubleshooting instructions for problems with gatherNetworkInfo.vbs, and a comprehensive set of free downloads for every file version that has been catalogued by our team.
What are gatherNetworkInfo.vbs Error Messages?
General gatherNetworkInfo.vbs Runtime Errors
gatherNetworkInfo.vbs file errors often occur during the startup phase of Windows, but can also occur while the program is running.
These types VBS errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while Windows is running. Here are some of the most common gatherNetworkInfo.vbs runtime errors:
- gatherNetworkInfo.vbs could not be found.
- gatherNetworkInfo.vbs error.
- gatherNetworkInfo.vbs failed to load.
- Error loading gatherNetworkInfo.vbs.
- Failed to register gatherNetworkInfo.vbs / Cannot register gatherNetworkInfo.vbs.
- Runtime Error — gatherNetworkInfo.vbs.
- The file gatherNetworkInfo.vbs is missing or corrupt.
Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library
Runtime Error!
Program: C:\Windows\System32\gatherNetworkInfo.vbs
This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application’s support team for more information.
Most VBS errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your gatherNetworkInfo.vbs file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Windows), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, gatherNetworkInfo.vbs file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Windows, system crash while loading or saving gatherNetworkInfo.vbs, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.
How to Fix gatherNetworkInfo.vbs Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)
If you’re encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your gatherNetworkInfo.vbs issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.
Step 1: Restore your PC back to the latest restore point, «snapshot», or backup image before error occurred.
To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):
- Hit the Windows Start button
- When you see the search box, type «System Restore» and press «ENTER«.
- In the search results, find and click System Restore.
- Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
- Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
- Restore your computer to that backup image.
If the Step 1 fails to resolve the gatherNetworkInfo.vbs error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.
Step 2: Run SFC (System File Checker) to restore the corrupt or missing gatherNetworkInfo.vbs file.
System File Checker is a utility included with every Windows version that allows you scan and restore corrupted system files. Use the SFC tool to fix missing or corrupt gatherNetworkInfo.vbs files (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):
- Hit the Windows Start button
- In the search box, type «cmd» but DO NOT PRESS «ENTER».
- Press and hold «CTRL-Shift» on your keyboard while pressing «ENTER«.
- You’ll be prompted with a permission dialog box.
- In the box, click «YES«.
- You should have a black screen with a blinking cursor.
- In that black screen, type «sfc /scannow» and hit «ENTER«.
- SFC will begin scanning for gatherNetworkInfo.vbs issues and any other system file problems.
- Follow any on-screen commands to complete the process.
Please be aware that this scan might take a while, so please be patient while it is working.
If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.
Step 3: Perform a Windows Update.
When the first two steps haven’t solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many gatherNetworkInfo.vbs error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:
- Hit the Windows Start button
- In the search box, type «Update» and press «ENTER«.
- In the Windows Update dialog box, click «Check for Updates» (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
- If updates are available for download, click «Install Updates«.
- After the update is completed, restart your PC.
If Windows Update failed to resolve the gatherNetworkInfo.vbs error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.
If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your gatherNetworkInfo.vbs File (Caution: Advanced)
If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate gatherNetworkInfo.vbs file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free gatherNetworkInfo.vbs files for every applicable version of Windows. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:
- Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below «Download gatherNetworkInfo.vbs Files».
- Click the appropriate «Download Now» button and download your Windows file version.
- Copy the file into the appropriate directory for your Windows version:
- Restart your computer.
Windows 7: C:\Windows\System32\
Windows 8: C:\Windows\System32\
Windows 8.1: C:\Windows\System32\
Windows 10: C:\Windows\System32\
If this final step has failed and you’re still encountering the error, you’re only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.
GEEK TIP : We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve gatherNetworkInfo.vbs problems. To avoid data loss, you must be sure that you have backed-up all of your important documents, pictures, software installers, and other personal data before beginning the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.
Download gatherNetworkInfo.vbs Files (Malware-Tested 100% Clean)
CAUTION : We strongly advise against downloading and copying gatherNetworkInfo.vbs to your appropriate Windows system directory. Microsoft typically does not release Windows VBS files for download because they are bundled together inside of a software installer. The installer’s task is to ensure that all correct verifications have been made before installing and placing gatherNetworkInfo.vbs and all other VBS files for Windows. An incorrectly installed VBS file may create system instability and could cause your program or operating system to stop functioning altogether. Proceed with caution.
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Q
What is the scheduled task «\Microsoft\Windows\NetTrace\GatherNetworkInfo» on my Windows 7 computer?
A
«\Microsoft\Windows\NetTrace\GatherNetworkInfo» is a scheduled task on Windows 7 system
added as part of Windows installation.
You will see «\Microsoft\Windows\NetTrace\GatherNetworkInfo» listed on Task Scheduler with the following information:
Name: GatherNetworkInfo Location: \Microsoft\Windows\NetTrace Description: Network information collector Actions: %windir%\system32\gatherNetworkInfo.vbs Triggers: History:
Program file information about «gatherNetworkInfo.vbs «:
File name: gatherNetworkInfo.vbs File path: C:\Windows\system32\gatherNetworkInfo.vbs File size: 40552 bytes Last modified time: 6/10/2009 4:36:24 PM File description: File version: Company name:
«gatherNetworkInfo.vbs» is scheduled with no triggers.
It is recommended to keep «\Microsoft\Windows\NetTrace\GatherNetworkInfo» enabled
as a scheduled task.
⇒ «Background Synchronization» Scheduled Task on Windows 7
⇐ «SystemSoundsService» Scheduled Task on Windows 7
⇑ System Scheduled Tasks on Windows 7
⇑⇑ Windows 7 Scheduled Tasks
GatherNetworkInfo.vbs is a VBS (Visual Basic Script) file found in all versions of the Windows Operating System starting with Windows 7. GatherNetworkInfo.vbs is found in the root folder (this is wherever the Windows folder is on your computer) and is a file that comes pre-installed on all versions of the Windows Operating System to have been developed and released since the days of Windows 7. For some reason, however, the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs file is flagged as a security concern by a few different threat detection engines. One of the threat detection engines that flags the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs as a potentially harmful file is the one used by the third-party computer security program known as Zemana.
The GatherNetworkInfo.vbs file being flagged as a threat is especially worrying since, judging by its location, the file is a Windows system file, and it actually is. Concerned by the file being flagged as being a potential security concern (and the file even being mentioned in an exploit that was discovered to have been able to allow third-parties to infiltrate Windows computers), countless civilian experts took it upon themselves to carefully analyze the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs file.
Well, first things first – the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs file is indeed a Windows system file. Judging from its code, the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs file’s job is to gather an array of networking information and log all of that information in the Config subfolder found within the Windows folder. The GatherNetworkInfo.vbs script starts doing its job whenever a running netsh trace is stopped. While the script’s code does indicate that it has, to some extent, authority over the host computer’s network, there is no evidence of the script being able to transmit any data it collects to any other location via the host computer’s network.
One might wonder then – if the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs script is indeed a Windows system file and its code does not in any way indicate that the script has any malicious intentions, why is the file flagged as a potential security concern by some threat detection engines? Well, in the rare cast of the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs, the result that these specific threat detection engines spit out is a false positive. If you would like this proven, aside from the fact that the script is most certainly a Windows system file as long as it is located in your computer’s root folder, simply run scans with a variety of different threat detection engines and you will see that only one or two flag the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs script.
The reason why even one or two threat detection engines flag the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs script as a potential security risk is because the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs file is not a compiled object that has been digitally signed by Microsoft itself. Instead, it is just a script file that is located in the heart of your computer of all things, and a few threat detection engines are coded to see this as malicious behavior. All Microsoft had to do was compile the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs script digitally sign it, and there wouldn’t be any false positive to even worry about. In any case, however, the fact of the matter is that the GatherNetworkInfo.vbs script file located in your computer’s root folder is completely safe and is not, in any way, a security risk.
Kevin Arrows
Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.