What Is stc.dll?

STC.dll is a browser extension for Internet Explorer known as the Splashtop Connect IE Extension. It is a component of the Splashtop Connect software developed by Splashtop Inc. and provides additional functionality for the browser. Typically, the STC.dll file is located in a subfolder within the “C:\Program Files (x86)” directory, specifically at “C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Connect IE\”.

This file comes as a part of the Splashtop Connect IE suite and operates as a Browser Helper Object (BHO). This means it loads together with the Internet Explorer browser and enables its extended features. But since BHOs are not managed by personal firewalls due to being recognized as a part of the browser itself, they have been a common medium used by adware and spyware to infiltrate systems.

The file sizes of STC.dll observed on systems running Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows 7 have been known to be 345,968 bytes in 83% of all occurrences or 427,888 bytes. STC.dll is not a Windows system file but is digitally signed by Splashtop Inc., providing a layer of authenticity.

Is STC.dll Safe to Run?

The STC.dll file, being a legitimate file from Splashtop Inc., should be safe to run. It is digitally signed, which usually indicates that the file has not been tampered with. If you have installed Splashtop Connect software yourself, this BHO is likely there to support its functionality.

Could it be a Virus or Malware?

While the genuine STC.dll file from Splashtop Inc. is not malware, it is important to note that some malware can camouflage itself as STC.dll. This could be especially true if the file is located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder rather than its typical Splashtop folder. No anti-virus scanners have reported anything malicious about the legitimate STC.dll file, but it is always wise to be cautious.

Common Issues Associated with STC.dll

Despite being a legitimate file, users may occasionally encounter problems with STC.dll. Some of these issues could include error messages, program crashes, or system instability. One particular nuisance with many BHOs is they could potentially change your browser’s search engine or start page.

How to Fix Issues Related to STC.dll

Here are detailed instructions for addressing issues with STC.dll:

1. Identify the Problem: Take note of any error messages and when they occur. If the issues started after installing a new program, it might be an indication of where the conflict lies.

2. Uninstall Suspicious Programs: Go to the Control Panel and uninstall any recently installed programs that you suspect could be causing the issue, especially if you did not intentionally install them.

3. Restore Browser Settings: If STC.dll has altered your browser settings, you can reset them back to their defaults. For Internet Explorer, go to the “Manage Add-ons” section via the Extras menu (Alt+X) to disable the BHO if necessary.

4. Scan for Malware: Conduct a scan for malware using a trusted anti-malware tool to ensure no disguised malware is causing problems.

5. System Maintenance: Keep your computer tidy by running the built-in clean-up utilities like ‘cleanmgr’ and ‘sfc /scannow’. Make sure your programs do not start unnecessarily at boot-up (check with ‘msconfig’), and keep Windows updates enabled for security patches.

6. Restore or Backup: If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider restoring your system to an earlier point where the problems did not exist or recover your system using a backup.

Always back up your important data regularly and create system restore points so you can revert your system to a state before the problematic changes occurred.

Lastly, if you have experienced issues with STC.dll, sharing your experiences in community discussions can be beneficial for others encountering similar problems. Engage with these communities to seek more personalized advice or offer your own solutions.