I've got a Laptop running on Vsta, and when I do a system scan my antivirus (McAfee) keeps crashing both the scan and my computer as soon as it reaches the file WsmWmiPl.dll. Can I delete this file, or is it integral for my PC to work? I've uninstalled and then reinstalled the antivirus, and tried other antiviruses available on the web, and they all crash when the scan reaches this file. Any Help Gratefully Received Kate

Hi Kate, I'd like to inform you that this file can be a system file if it is under C:\Windows\System32. At this time, I suggest you try a free online virus scan on the following site: http://safety.live.com Meanwhile, if you need more help with virus-related issues, please contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For support within the United States and Canada, call toll-free (866) PCSAFETY (727-2338). For support outside the United States and Canada, visit the Product Support Services Web page (http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=SecurityHome ). Hope this helps!Sean Zhu - MSFT

Kate,WsmWmiPl.dll is a part of the Windows Vista operating system (if the file resides in c:\windows\system32 directory).The WsmWmiPl.dll is a part of the Windows Remote Management feature in windows vista. WsmWmiPl.dll WMI plug-in. This allows you to obtain WMI data through WinRM. Source: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384464(VS.85).aspxSo, to answer your question should i delete this file.The answer is no, IF the is located in the c:\windows\system32 folder.I suggest you tryto run theSystem File Checker (SFC) tool to check if the file is corrupt.For more information about the usage of this tool see this excelent article.http://vistasupport.mvps.org/system_file_checker.htmIf this doesn't fix the problem feel free to reply :)Kind RegardsDFT

Hi Sean and DFT, Thank you both for your help. I've tried all the online virus scans, and they all crash my computer at this file. It does reside in the system32 folder. The problem is, if anything tries to access that folder, including the SFC, it crashes again. I can't even click on the file as it crashes. In addition to this, Vista came already installed on my Dell, so I can't reload the operating system to restore the file if it is corrupted. If I do a system restore, will it be able to fix it? I can't pinpoint however the time when the file got corrupted. Also, can a virus get into a system32 file? As I still don't know if it's a corrupted file, or one with a virus in. Kind Regards, Kate

Hi Kate,1.Run theMicrosoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 2. Download, install, updateand run:SUPERAntispyware (freeware)and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware(freeware).3. See and follow carefully: "Checking for/Help with Spyware, Malware and Hijackware" If you need more help with virus-related issues, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For support within the United States and Canada, call toll-free (866) PCSAFETY (727-2338). For support outside the United States and Canada, visit the Product Support Services Web page. If you need more assistance for the virus/wormpostto the Microsoft Newsgroup - Security - Viruses.Via your newsreader: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.security.virus Via Web: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.security.virusHope this helps.Vincenzo Di Russo - Microsoft MVP Windows Internet Explorer, Windows Desktop Experience & Security - Since 2003. ~ My Blog: http://blogs.dotnethell.it/vincent/