Quick Answer
reaper-crash-reporter-exe is safe. It is the official crash reporting utility bundled with REAPER to collect crash data, system information, and diagnostic logs to help developers diagnose issues.
Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\REAPER (x64)\CrashReporter or Program Files (x86)\REAPER\CrashReporter
Warning
Crashes may trigger multiple reports
The crash reporter may spawn separate submissions per crash event; ensure REAPER is updated
Can I Disable?
4 YES
Disable automatic crash reporting from within REAPER's Preferences under Crash Reporting, or remove the CrashReporter module if available
What is reaper-crash-reporter-exe?
reaper-crash-reporter-exe is the standalone crash reporting utility that ships with REAPER. When REAPER encounters an unexpected error, this executable collects crash data, environment details, and diagnostics, and submits a report to Cockos to aid debugging. It runs automatically during crashes or when triggered from the crash dialog.
This component runs as a lightweight background process that gathers the REAPER version, installed plugins, OS build, crash timestamp, and minidump data, then transmits it to Cockos' crash report service. It does not alter projects and aims for minimal impact.
Quick Fact: REAPER's crash reporter helps developers diagnose issues quickly by sending crash details without affecting active sessions.
Types of REAPER Processes
- Main REAPER Process: The primary UI and project management executable (reaper.exe)
- Crash Reporter Process: Dedicated to collecting and submitting crash data
- Plugin Host Process: Hosts VST plugins and audio processing
- Audio Engine Process: Handles low-latency audio processing and I/O
- Updater/Logger Process: Manages updates and diagnostic logging
- Background Helper: Auxiliary tasks and telemetry helpers
Is reaper-crash-reporter-exe Safe?
Yes, reaper-crash-reporter-exe is safe when it comes from an official REAPER distribution and is not tampered with.
Is reaper-crash-reporter-exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate crash reporter is not a virus. Malware could mimic names, so verify signature from Cockos and the correct path.
How to Tell if reaper-crash-reporter-exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\REAPER (x64)\CrashReporter\reaper-crash-reporter-exe.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\REAPER\CrashReporter\reaper-crash-reporter-exe.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures -> Should display a publisher related to Cockos, such as 'Cockos Incorporated'.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low when idle; brief spikes may occur during crash data collection.
- Behavior: Should run when a crash occurs or when explicitly invoked by REAPER; constant background operation outside crashes is suspicious.
Red Flags: If reaper-crash-reporter-exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without REAPER crashes, lacks a valid digital signature, or sends data without user consent, scan with antivirus and review privacy settings. Look for similarly named files like 'reaper_crash_reporter.exe'.
Why Is reaper-crash-reporter-exe Running on My PC?
reaper-crash-reporter-exe runs when REAPER detects a crash or when it is configured to collect diagnostics after an abnormal termination; it may also run briefly during startup validation.
Reasons it's running:
- Active or Recent Crash: REAPER has just crashed or is generating a crash report in response to a fault.
- Background Crash Reporting: The reporter may run in the background to queue and submit crash data without user action.
- Startup/Initialization: REAPER or its components may initialize the crash reporter during startup to check for previous crash data.
- Plugin or API Fault: A misbehaving plugin or external API could trigger a crash report workflow.
- Manual Trigger: You may manually trigger crash reporting from REAPER's crash dialog or telemetry options.
Can I Disable or Remove reaper-crash-reporter-exe?
Yes, you can disable reaper-crash-reporter-exe. It's safe to disable crash reporting if you prefer not to share diagnostics, but you may lose debugging help for crash issues.
How to Stop reaper-crash-reporter-exe
- Disable Crash Reporting in REAPER: In REAPER, go to Preferences > General > Crash Reporting and turn off automatic reporting.
- Prevent Startup: Use Windows Task Manager > Startup tab to disable REAPER-related components from launching at login.
- End Active Reports: If a crash report dialog is open, close it and end reporter processes in Task Manager (reaper-crash-reporter-exe).
- Stop Background Telemetry: Disable any optional telemetry or telemetry-related settings inside REAPER.
- Reinstall Without Reporter: Reinstall REAPER and opt out of installing the crash reporting module if possible.
How to Uninstall Crash Reporter (if applicable)
- ✔ Note: Crash reporter is bundled with REAPER. Uninstall REAPER to remove it, or reinstall REAPER and disable crash reporting during setup.
Common Problems: Crash Reporter Behavior
If reaper-crash-reporter-exe is behaving unexpectedly or causing issues, check these scenarios and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Crash Reporter Not Launching: Verify REAPER version includes the crash reporter module and ensure the CrashReporter folder exists in the installation path. Reinstall if necessary.
- High CPU During Crash Pending: This is temporary during crash report generation; if persists, check for stuck plugins or firewall interference and restart.
- Crash Reports Not Submitting: Check network access and proxy settings; ensure the crash report service is reachable; try manual submission from REAPER.
- Excessive Disk Writes: Limit log verbosity by disabling verbose logging in REAPER; ensure disk space is available.
- Privacy/Consent Warnings: Review REAPER's crash reporting settings and inform yourself about what data is collected; adjust as needed.
- Antivirus Blocking: Add reaper-crash-reporter-exe to allowed list; temporarily disable AV to test and re-enable after crash attempt.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open REAPER and navigate to Preferences > General > Crash Reporting to verify settings.
2. If responsible, enable or disable as desired; apply changes and restart REAPER.
3. Check for available REAPER updates and install.
4. Ensure the CrashReporter folder exists under the installation path.
5. Run a test by triggering a crash in a controlled session to confirm reporter behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reaper-crash-reporter-exe safe?
Yes, when downloaded as part of REAPER from Cockos and located in the official installation folder. Verify path and signature.
Why is reaper-crash-reporter-exe running if I haven't crashed?
It can launch during startup checks or background telemetry configurations; it may run briefly when checking for previous crash data.
How do I disable crash reporting?
In REAPER: Preferences > General > Crash Reporting, turn off automatic reporting. You can also disable startup items via Windows Task Manager.
Where are crash reports stored?
Reports are stored in the REAPER crash reports folder inside the installation directory or user's AppData folder, depending on version and settings.
Does crash reporting share personal data?
Crash reports include technical diagnostics and system information; personal data from projects is not typically sent, but review settings to be sure.
How can I troubleshoot if reports fail to submit?
Check network connectivity, firewall/proxy settings, and ensure the crash reporter executable is not blocked by antivirus. Review REAPER's help resources.