What Is IAStorIcon.exe?
IAStorIcon stands for Intel Array Storage Technology Icon Service.
It’s an application error that involves getting a message box pop-up, telling you about a software exception that occurred in an application.
According to File.net, this is a legitimate process belonging to Intel Rapid Storage Technology. However, it is in no way essential to your Windows operating system, so deciding to remove it in case it’s causing you trouble is a reasonable path to take.
Bleeping Computer further explains the specific functionality of the file. Allegedly, it’s supposed to display message alerts related to your connected storage devices.
Usually, it’s located in the default program path “C:Program Files”, although sometimes you may find it in “C:”. Since the file is signed by Verisign, it’s generally trustworthy, so there’s little reason for concern.
Still, you should always keep in mind that certain malware likes to camouflage itself as a legitimate process such as this one, so there’s a slight possibility for this to be the case in your particular situation.
How to fix the IAStorIcon.exe error?
Please try the following solutions in chronological order, moving on to the next if the previous one yields no desired results:
Solution #1: Run A System File Checker Scan
A post in the Microsoft Answers section reveals that running a System File Checker (SFC) scan is a good idea. Basically, this repairs corrupted system files (if any are found).
Please be advised that if you’re running Windows 8 or higher, you need to run the DISM tool first, the details of which are explained here.
Here is an in-depth explanation of the System File Checker process.
For a short rundown of what you’re supposed to do, it goes like this:
- Open the command prompt
- Run the DISM tool (only if you’re using Windows 8 or higher) and type:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth - Start the scan by typing:
sfc /scannow - Then press ENTER.
Make sure that the scanning process doesn’t get interrupted, then act in accordance with the results and the guidelines displayed on the screen.
Solution #2: Update Your BIOS
In this video, the tech vlogger teaches you the best way to update your bios of any computer.
It does not matter whether you’re on XP/Vista/7/9/10- it is the same process. Make sure you stick to the steps correctly in order not to get any problems with the process..
If solution #1 doesn’t seem to be doing much for you, try updating your BIOS. Note that the exact steps to take depend on your computer’s hardware components, but in general, WikiHow has done a pretty good job explaining it:
For those who don’t feel like reading the whole thing, here is the short version:
- Click the Start icon.
- Type the following:
msinfo - Then click the corresponding icon that appears in the top section of the screen.
- Navigate to the “System Model” heading and locate your system’s model name. The purpose of doing this is to find the correct firmware (more about this in the next step).
- Fire up a search engine of your choice and paste the system model number you’ve discovered in the previous step, plus “drivers”. So “XYZ drivers”, where XYZ is the model number you’ve discovered in the previous step. You could also try searching for “XYZ bios”.
- Download and install the file. If it’s is compressed (in which case you’ll notice a .zip, .rar, .7z or a similar extension), you’re going to need to extract it first (Google how to do this if you’re unfamiliar with the procedure). The installation process might also involve placing the firmware onto a flash drive (full instructions can be found by visiting the link provided above).
Solution #3: Run An Antivirus Scan
The exact process will vary depending on the antivirus software you’re using. This is something you ought to be familiar with already since regular antivirus scans tend to make your computer much more secure.
If for whatever reason you haven’t done this before, it’s best to Google it or head to Youtube for a handy video tutorial explaining the steps to take.
In case there is no antivirus software installed on your computer, get this remedied ASAP (there are a lot of good ones that are completely free to use).
Solution #4: Remove IAStorIcon.exe (optional)
If all else fails and you suspect the file is causing mayhem on your system, SpeedUtilities.com suggests you do the following.
This step-by-step solution should effectively purge the file from your PC.
Internet Feedback
- An individual pointed out it’s a .exe, designed by Intel, and deals with something related to Intel’s Rapid Storage Technology.
- An individual reported it isn’t malware but actually an executable file from Intel.
- Another PC user explained that it’s a component of Intel Rapid storage.
- This is an Intel app which helps in data recovery in the case of a system failure.
- Intel related, getting rid of it would not wreck anything at all but it is not harming anything at all for sure.
- An individual explained IAStorIcon.exe is an executable file that initiates once you begin Windows. This file isn’t actually crucial since it is for the Intel Rapid Storage file. If you’ve found yourself getting this error: “IAStorIcon.exe has failed”, it’s likely that the file transfer to your hard disk drive hasn’t gone through. Having said that, it is possible to save your valuable files on the hard disk drive. To turn off, head to taskbar, select Preferences, un-check the startup functionality, after which restart your laptop or computer. This particular file may also be camouflaged- in which case it might be a virus!
- An individual reported Intel hard disk drive monitoring icon in taskbar. To disable it, open it up through your taskbar, choose preferences, uncheck startup, and then reboot your computer.
- Taskbar-Icon for Inter Rapid Storage Technology.
- Another user observed that it seems safe to eliminate at startup through msconfig.
- An individual explained that Dolphin Deals malware conceals itself with this .exe.
- Since this user noticed it running, he’s had some difficulties with gameplay. He says that he doesn’t know if this really is the issue or not. The error message he gets is ‘Windows is closing this game: not enough ram to run it’.
- A new computer buyer says that he eliminated the app from a new Hewlett Packard laptop since it triggered black screen. Following getting rid of it the problem was gone.
- A techie reported Large user of central processing unit capacity when running.
- IAstoricon infected his motherboard and made his Internet Explorer browser run really slow.
- intel RST service. It is for establishing a RAID system. If you need it. In his case, he uses AHCI.
- A user reported You really need it for those who have a RAID configuration. It is strongly advised to keep it since it enhances performance and security with AHCI drives.
Conclusion
IAStorIcon.exe, on its own, is most likely not a malicious process. If you’d like to stay on the safe side, feel free to run a scan with your favorite antivirus software.
But if that doesn’t find anything and the process isn’t giving you any other trouble (like using up your system resources or making it hard to use your computer normally), just leave it be without worrying about it too much.
