Have you encountered this error message while using your Hewlett-Packard computer? Many Hewlett-Packard users have experienced problems with the hpsf.exe process so there are many reference points when looking for solutions to this issue.
This means that Hewlett-Packard users have identified a range of different causes for hpsf.exe to have stopped working. Fortunately, this also means that a range of differing methods for resolving these issues are available online.
This article will detail what hpsf.exe does on your computer, examine the causes behind its failure, and outline several troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue you might be facing with hpsf.exe.
Quick Navigation
What is HPSF.exe?
The Hewlett-Packard Software Framework executable process, or hpsf.exe, is a software component of the HP Support Assistant application that can be found on many HP computers. The application provides troubleshooting, contextual support and program updates for HP computers that allow users to resolve system problems in the comfort of their own homes.
It also provides access to HP services and warranty, technical specifications, accessories, and support resources. The HP Support Assistant application is available on computers and laptops running Microsoft Windows, but it is not a Windows component, so it is not necessary to their functionality.
HPSF.exe Malware or Virus
Although the legitimate version of this executable process is safe, some viruses or malware may attempt to disguise themselves as the hpsf.exe process on your computer. To determine whether or not the hpsf.exe file on your computer is malware or not, you should start by checking the spelling of the file to make sure it is spelt correctly.
Many viruses feature slight misspellings of the legitimate file name, so it is imperative that you check the spelling before moving on with the investigative process. Next, determine the location of the file. The hpsf.exe process should run from C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Support Framework\HPSF.exe, so if it is running from any other location then it is likely a virus. If you are still unsure whether or not the file is a virus, there are two tools you can access on most Windows operating systems: Task Manager and Process Explorer.
To use Windows Task Manager, go to View, Select Columns, and then select Image Path Name. To use Microsoft Process Explorer, start the program (it does not require installation) and activate Check Legends under Options. Then, navigate to View, Select Columns, and then add “Verified Signer” as one of the columns.
If the “Verified Signer” status of the process is listed as “Unable to Verify” you should check the information of this file. If the publisher listed for hpsf.exe is not Hewlett-Packard or if the file size is not roughly 14.25 MB, then it is likely a virus. Once you have identified the file to be a virus, the next step should be downloading an anti-virus tool like Malwarebytes onto your computer to detect and remove the virus.
HPSF.exe Bad Image
Some users have experienced a more specific error code related to hpsf.exe that simply reads “HPSF.exe – Bad Image”. Some have attributed this error to malware camouflaged as hpsf.exe, but this could also be an issue related to corrupt or damaged software on your computer.
If this is the case, performing a factory reset on your computer will resolve this issue. There are differing methods for performing a factory reset depending on which version of Windows your HP computer is running on. Make sure that you have backed up any data stored on this computer that you wish to maintain before moving forward.
1. Factory Reset on Windows 7
To perform a factory reset on a Windows 7 computer, follow these nine steps.
- Turn off the computer and disconnect all peripheral devices, except for the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
- Turn the computer back on.
- Click Start, click All Programs, click Recovery Manager, and then click Recovery Manager again.
- Under “I need help immediately”, click System Recovery.
- When the Recovery Manager asks if you want to restore the computer to its original factory shipped condition, click Yes and then Next.
- The computer will restart, then the Recovery Manager will pop back up. Click System Recovery (if you have already backed up your files then select “Recover without backing up your files”)
- After the system recovery is complete, click Finish to restart the computer.
- Follow the onscreen prompts until the computer finishes the setup.
- Once the setup is. Complete, turn off the computer, reconnect all cables and devices, then turn on the computer.
2. Factory Reset on Windows 8
To perform a factory reset on a Windows 8 computer, follow these six steps.
- From the Start screen, type “reset” to open the Search charm, then select “Remove everything and reinstall Windows” from the search results.
- Under “Remove everything and reinstall Windows”, click Get Started.
- On the Reset your PC screen, click Next.
- On the “fully clean your drive” screen, select either option and then click next.
- On the “Ready to reset your PC” screen, click Reset.
- Wait while Windows resets your computer.
3. Factory Reset on Windows 10
To perform a factory reset on a Windows 10 computer, follow these five steps.
- On your keyboard, press the Windows key + S.
- Type “reset this PC” into the dialog box and press Enter.
- Go to the right pane and select Get Started.
- Choose to either keep your files or remove everything.
- Click Next, then select reset. Your operating system will be re-installed, and your computer will restart.
How to Fix HPSF.exe Has Stopped Working
If you are encountering an error with hpsf.exe, and you have determined that is neither malware nor a bad image error, then there is a troubleshooting method known to resolve this issue.
1. Uninstall and Reinstall HP Support Assistant
The issue might simply be that you do not have the latest version of HP Support Assistant installed on your computer. To resolve this, follow these four steps.
- Go to Control Panel, then Programs & Features.
- Select HP Support Assistant and uninstall it.
- Restart your computer.
- Download the latest version when your computer finishes the restart process.
In Conclusion
There are several potential issues you can run into with the hpsf.exe process. However, if you follow the troubleshooting method that corresponds to your specific issue, then you should be able to resolve the issue in no time.