carbonite-monitor.exe

Carbonite Monitor Service

CPU Usage

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Memory

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Location

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Notes

If you suspect issues with carbonite-monitor.exe, perform signature verification, run a malware scan on the exact file path, and contact Carbonite Support with your log files and expected hash.

Top Tips

Ensure Carbonite is installed from the official source, keep the client up to date, and verify the monitor's path and signature if you notice unusual behavior. Use the Carbonite UI to review backup status and logs for quick triage.

What is carbonite-monitor.exe?

carbonite-monitor.exe is the Carbonite Backup Monitor that runs as a background service to track backup jobs, status, and connectivity with the Carbonite cloud. It coordinates with the main client to start, pause, and verify backups, collects diagnostic data for support, and surfaces alerts when a backup fails or a restore is requested. It typically starts automatically with Windows as part of the Carbonite install and remains active to ensure ongoing protection.

The executable runs as a Windows service under the Carbonite client, usually located in C:\Program Files\Carbonite\Monitor\carbonite-monitor.exe. It oversees backup queues, validates job completion, and communicates securely with Carbonite services to synchronize backup status and trigger retries when needed.

Is carbonite-monitor-exe Safe?

Yes. carbonite-monitor.exe is a legitimate Carbonite product component designed to run in the background as part of the Carbonite backup client. It starts with Windows, is typically located under C:\Program Files\Carbonite\Monitor, and is digitally signed by Carbonite, Inc. The monitor ensures backups run as configured, handles retries after network interruptions, and provides status data to the Carbonite cloud for visibility and recovery readiness. Always verify the file location and signature if you encounter unexpected behavior.

Is carbonite-monitor-exe a Virus?

Generally not. When installed from the official Carbonite installer, carbonite-monitor.exe is a signed system component that manages backup tasks. If you find the file in an unusual path, unsigned, or modified recently without a corresponding Carbonite update, it could indicate a potential impersonation. In that case, perform signature verification and malware scanning, and compare the path against the expected Carbonite installation directory.

How to Verify Legitimacy

Check File Location: Confirm carbonite-monitor.exe exists at C:\Program Files\Carbonite\Monitor\carbonite-monitor.exe and is not present in temporary or user-writable directories.
Verify Digital Signature: Open the file properties or use sigcheck to confirm the certificate is issued to Carbonite, Inc. and that the signature is valid.
Check File Hash: Compute the SHA256 hash of the file and compare it against the hash published by Carbonite support or the official installer package.
Scan for Malware: Run a malware scan on the exact path using Windows Defender or a trusted security product to confirm there is no malicious replacement.

Red Flags: Unsigned or expired certificates, an unexpected file path (for example a temporary or user-writable folder), multiple copies in odd locations, or a drastically altered size/time stamp can indicate a counterfeit or tampered file and warrants closer inspection.

Why is it Running?

Reasons it's running:

Regular backup scheduling: The monitor drives automatic backup jobs based on the user’s configured schedule to ensure data is protected without manual initiation.
Backup verification and health checks: It continuously validates that recent backups completed successfully and flags any integrity issues for remediation.
Network connectivity changes: The monitor adapts to network availability, proxies, or firewall rules, pausing and resuming backups as connectivity changes occur.
Software updates: During Carbonite client updates, the monitor reloads components to apply new features and security improvements.
User actions: Starting, pausing, or changing backup sets from the UI triggers the monitor to adjust the job queue and reflect status changes.

Can I Disable or Remove It?

Common Problems

Common Causes & Solutions

: Check for large or stuck backup queues, temporarily pause tasks, ensure the Carbonite client is up to date, and review logs for repeating errors. If persistent, reinstall the Carbonite client.
: Verify the Carbonite service is running, confirm the account is active, check network connectivity and firewall settings, and review the backup schedule in the Carbonite UI.
: Refresh the Carbonite UI, ensure system time is synchronized, check for UI-cache issues, and inspect the monitor logs for queue or completion messages.
: Check Windows Event Viewer for crash details, ensure OS compatibility, install the latest Carbonite update, and scan for conflicting software.
: Test internet access, verify proxy configuration, ensure required ports are open, and validate the Carbonite certificate chain is trusted by the system.
: Confirm notification settings in the Carbonite app, allow background activity, and ensure the monitor has permission to show alerts on the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is carbonite-monitor.exe part of the Carbonite backup client?

Yes. carbonite-monitor.exe is a core component of the Carbonite backup client, running in the background to manage jobs, verify progress, and report status to the Carbonite cloud.

Where is carbonite-monitor.exe located?

The typical location is C:\Program Files\Carbonite\Monitor\carbonite-monitor.exe. If you find it elsewhere, verify the path against the official Carbonite installer and signs manually.

Should I disable carbonite-monitor.exe?

Disabling it may stop automatic backups or monitoring. It is recommended only for troubleshooting after confirming issues with authentication, network, or corrupted installations via the Carbonite UI or official support guidance.

Why does carbonite-monitor.exe use CPU at times?

During active backups or resume attempts after a network hiccup, the monitor may briefly use more CPU while coordinating tasks. Generally, usage stays modest when idle.

How do I troubleshoot backup failures related to the monitor?

Check Carbonite UI for error messages, verify network access, ensure the monitor service is running, review the monitor logs in the installation folder, and, if needed, reinstall the Carbonite client.

How can I verify carbonite-monitor.exe is legitimate?

Verify the file location, check the digital signature, compare the file hash with the official distribution, and run a malware scan to confirm the file is authentic.