Malwarebytes Question

I've used Malwarebytes before. I just downloaded the lastest version. I can run the setup file, but when I double click on the Malwarebytes icon, I can't get it to run. Any suggestions?

Some viruses actually prevent antivirus apps and their installers from running...try the same installer on another PC with the same OS and see if it runs (email it if you can, a lot of the nastiest viruses are transmitted via flash drives using autorun!). If it does, you can be sure the virus is blocking it. If it doesn't, re-download it and try again, there's a slight change the downloaded file could be corrupted, but that would usually give an "X is not a valid Win32 application" error.

try renaming the executable to something else.

and

download combofix from bleeping computer.

I think that might be what's going on.

I generally use Firefox, but this morning I used IE and I think I picked up some kind of Fake Alert. I quickly shut down, restarted and tried to run an existing edition of Malwarebytes, but it wouldn't run. I have McAfee (I know, bad choice) but it has let a Fake Alert through before. My McAfee scan won't run either.

In the course of trying to get a fresh version of Malwarebytes, I started downloading something called Malware Bot or something. I was starting to get a little skeptical so I didn't complete it, but that may be screwing me up, too. That came from Malarebytes.org, which, I'm not sure is legit or not.

Help!

Grtechguy wrote: try renaming the executable to something else. and download combofix from bleeping computer.

What executable file?

Woody wrote:

Grtechguy wrote: try renaming the executable to something else. and download combofix from bleeping computer.

What executable file?

Try renaming the Malwarebytes installer. If it runs after that, you know it's being blocked (although viruses can block by "window identifier" or process name as well).

This is some scary stuff for someone who is computer illiterate:

Quote:

ComboFix is a program, created by sUBs, that scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these infections automatically. In addition to being able to remove a large amount of the most common and current malware, ComboFix also displays a report that can be used by trained helpers to remove malware that is not automatically removed by the program.

You should not run ComboFix unless you are specifically asked to by a helper. Also, due to the power of this tool it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to act upon any of the information displayed by ComboFix without supervision from someone who has been properly trained. If you do so, it may lead to problems with the normal functionality of your computer.

Please note that this guide is the only authorized guide for the use of ComboFix and cannot be copied without permission from BleepingComputer.com and sUBs. It is also understood that the use of ComboFix is done at your own risk.

GameboyRMH wrote: Try renaming the Malwarebytes installer. If it runs after that, you know it's being blocked (although viruses can block by "window identifier" or process name as well).

I tried that and it still won't run.

Woody wrote: This is some scary stuff for someone who is computer illiterate: Quote: ComboFix is a program, created by sUBs, that scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these infections automatically. In addition to being able to remove a large amount of the most common and current malware, ComboFix also displays a report that can be used by trained helpers to remove malware that is not automatically removed by the program. You should not run ComboFix unless you are specifically asked to by a helper. Also, due to the power of this tool it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to act upon any of the information displayed by ComboFix without supervision from someone who has been properly trained. If you do so, it may lead to problems with the normal functionality of your computer. Please note that this guide is the only authorized guide for the use of ComboFix and cannot be copied without permission from BleepingComputer.com and sUBs. It is also understood that the use of ComboFix is done at your own risk.

I've never had any problems from using Combofix, and I use it a lot, but in theory it could trash your OS.

If Malwarebytes still isn't working, it's either a botched download or a virus is blocking it via one of the other methods I mentioned. If you re-download it and it still does nothing, you can rule out the botched download.

BTW, you may want to download and burn an Ubuntu CD, if something goes horribly wrong you can boot from this and use it to browse the web and get help or download any tools you need, or work on your primary hard drive "remotely."

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Get v9.04 Desktop 32bit...that's also the OS I recommend for non-gaming home PCs (and ideally, office PCs) BTW

Just got this from McAfee:

Buffer Overflow Blocked

McAfee has automatically blocked a buffer overflow.

About this Buffer Overflow File: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Iexplore.exe

Buffer overflows can cause legitimate programs to fail. Other programs that experience buffer overflows, however, can be used to harm your computer, compromise its security, and damage valuable files.

you can run online scanners at

safety.live.com <--- microsoft

or

http://www.kaspersky.com/

run one of those then see what is going on

I started running Spyware doctor from PC Tools, which has been running for about two hours. I was told that I could remove it with that but I'm beginning to fear that it will only scan and identify but not remove anything.