What is the file 'Ctfmon.exe' that shows as running in the Task Manager and do you need it at all?

Answer 1

Microsoft Text Services Ctfmon.exe file is loaded after installing Microsoft Office XP Alternative User Input features. When you run an Office XP program, the file Ctfmon.exe (Ctfmon) runs in the background, even after you quit all Office programs. Ctfmon.exe activates the Alternative User Input Text Input Processor (TIP) and the Microsoft Office Language Bar. What Ctfmon.exe does: Ctfmon.exe monitors the active windows and provides text input service support for speech recognition, handwriting recognition, keyboard, translation, and other alternative user input technologies. It is responsible for controlling the Alternative User Input technologies. It starts the Language Bar component (in the Systray) and remains running in the background even after you quit an Office XP program. It also starts each time Windows is started and remains in the background, regardless of whether an Office XP program is started. System Load: Ctfmon.exe uses little of the system resources if Advanced Text Services are not running. Advanced Text Services are those input technologies (speech recognition, handwriting recognition, and Input Method Editors) that are being controlled by Ctfmon.exe via a TIP. Removing Ctfmon.exe: Removing the Ctfmon.exe might cause problematic behavior in your Office XP programs, so removing it is not recommended. Unlike the Alternative User Input features, Ctfmon.exe is a system component that cannot be uninstalled. You can disable Ctfmon.exe. Disabling Ctfmon.exe: # Uninstall Alternative User Input using the Office Setup from Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel. # Remove Alternative User Input Services from Installed Services in the Text Services and Input Languages (except the English (United States) - default Keyboard United States 101). # Run Regsvr32 /U on the Msimtf.dll and Msctf.dll files from the command line (or from the Run box). # In Regional and Language Options -> Languages tab -> Details -> Advancedtab, make the "Turn off advanced text sefvices" checkbox as checked.