Last updated: April 23, 2025

How to Remove Hidden MasterServer Hijackers in CS 1.6 Non-Steam Versions

Updated Guide for 2025 | Written by a user who experienced the infection firsthand

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Overview: Why is My Server List Always the Same?

You downloaded a new CS 1.6 Non-Steam version. Clean folder, fresh install, but…

• Every time you open the game — the same exact server IPs show up

• Even if you reinstall the game — they’re still there

• Even in other CS folders — same IPs again

This isn’t normal. And editing your masterserver.vdf file doesn’t help — it keeps getting rewritten.

This guide shows you how to:

• Detect if your PC is infected

• Remove the hidden processes doing this

• Protect your system in the future

• Understand which installers are safe, and which are dangerous (like Fleshost)

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The Real Problem: Background Hijacker Process

Some CS 1.6 Non-Steam installers, especially from unofficial sources like Fleshost, include a silent hijacker that:

• Installs itself in your user’s %AppData%/Roaming directory

• Creates hidden processes that run in the background

• Rewrites your masterserver.vdf file on every launch

• Infects all CS versions on your PC

Even setting your masterserver.vdf as read-only doesn’t help — because the hijacker runs outside the game.

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Step-by-Step Removal Process

Step 1: Search for Suspicious Files in %AppData%

1. Press Win + R, type:

   %appdata%


2. Search for suspicious folders. One common name linked with Fleshost infections:

   • Fleshost
   • SteamServerBrowser

   • Any folder with .exe or .dll inside unrelated to CS or Steam

3. If you see files like SteamServerBrowser.exe or fleshost, delete them immediately.

🧹 Delete the entire folder.

❌ Can’t delete? Then:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)

• Find a process matching the file name

• Right-click → End Task

• Now delete the folder

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Step 2: Remove Autorun Entries

The hijacker might restart every time you boot your PC.

Option A: Task Manager

• Go to Startup tab

• Disable anything suspicious, especially ones referencing %AppData%

Option B: Registry (Advanced)

1. Press Win + R, type regedit

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run


3. Remove entries pointing to %AppData%/Roaming folders or unknown .exe files

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Step 3: Search for Suspicious Processes and Files

The hijacker may run as a background process that doesn’t show up in regular searches. Follow these steps to ensure your system is clean:

A) Check Active Processes

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and review all active processes.

2. Look for anything that might be unfamiliar or suspicious, such as:

   • Unknown executable names (e.g. SteamServerBrowser.exe, or a name similar to your CS folder)

   • Processes consuming unexpectedly high resources

If you find anything suspicious:

• Right-click → End Task

• If the process comes back after a restart, it might be set to auto-run, so check your Startup and Registry.

B) Check Startup Folder

1. Open Run and type:

   shell:startup


2. This will open your Startup folder.

3. Look for any unknown shortcuts or applications. Delete anything unfamiliar.

C) Use System Tools for Deeper Scans

To be extra sure, use advanced tools like:

• Autoruns (from Sysinternals) to see all startup processes

• Process Explorer to inspect deeper running processes

These tools help detect any hidden processes that aren’t easily visible in Task Manager.

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Step 4: Fix and Lock masterserver.vdf

1. Go to your CS install:

   cstrike/platform/config/masterserver.vdf


2. Edit it to reflect the server list you want

3. Right-click → Properties → Check Read-only

⚠️ This only works after removing the hijacker.

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How to Identify a Suspicious CS 1.6 Installer

 5 Signs You’re Installing a Hijacker:

🛑 If an installer starts downloading files after launch, close it immediately.

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Safe and Trusted Installer: csdownload.net

After testing multiple installers, one of the few safe and trusted sources is:

💚 csdownload.net

• Full installer (no separate downloads during setup)

• Clean files — no hijackers or background services

• Keeps your masterserver.vdf untouched

• No changes made to AppData, Registry, or Windows startup

✅ This installer has been confirmed not to rewrite your server list or infect other CS folders.

We highly recommend using this source if you want a clean, standalone CS 1.6 Non-Steam version with no malware, background apps, or hijacked master servers.

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 Bonus Tips: How to Stay Safe in the Future

1. Always scan new CS folders for unusual .exe or .dll files

2. Check %AppData% and %AppData%/Roaming after every install

3. Use tools like Autoruns or Process Explorer to check background processes

4. Monitor your Startup tab regularly

5. Avoid installers from forums, file-sharing sites, or torrents — especially ones with branding overlays or forced shortcuts

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Final Summary

If your server list is being hijacked across all CS versions — you’re most likely infected with a Fleshost-style background process. It doesn’t matter how many times you reinstall — unless you clean your system, it will always come back.

But by following this guide and using a clean source like csdownload.net, you can fully fix the problem and regain control of your game.