Malwarebytes crashes PC while scanning winsxs folder

[twist409]

Hi - first post here so bear with me. Been using Malwarebytes for a while now and recently on full scans it crashes my PC towards the end of the scan - winsxs folder. Quick scan is fine, Full scan in Safe Mode is fine. Spybot and Windows essentials also run fine and dont show any infections. I used to use Lavasofts AV but it also started crashing on full scan - possibly related but didnt click with me.

Just looking for advice - not sure if it is a bug or an infection. Running Windows 7. Can you advise if this is likely to be an issue and next steps please?

Thanks for your help

[daledoc1]

Hi, twist409:

When you say your PC crashes, do you mean a BSOD/memory dump, or simply that it becomes unresponsive (they aren't quite the same thing)?

Or is it MBAM that crashes or hangs?

First, Full scans are typically not needed -- Quick Scans are more than sufficient and complete.

Having said that, MBAM should not normally crash during a scan.

Also, it sounds as if you might have more than one anti-virus installed/running (Lavasoft AND MSE)?

If so, that can certainly cause freezes, hangups, conflicts and crashes.

(It also renders your system LESS secure, not more so.)

Please take a look at the FAQ - Section L first, for some tips on this.

OTOH, if you think you are infected, then please follow the instructions below, to have one of the malware experts take a look at your system:

There are some excellent, self-help tutorials on getting MBAM to run on an infected system in the FAQ: HERE.

IF YOU PREFER EXPERT ASSISTANCE WITH MALWARE REMOVAL, PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 3 OPTIONS:

OPTION 1: Free, one-on-one, expert assistance in the Malware Removal Forum.

OPTION 2: For paid users of MBAM PRO, free, one-on-one, expert assistance from the MBAM support helpdesk.

OPTION 3: Fee-based, one-on-one, expert assistance from Premium Support.

OPTION 1:

• Please print out, read and carefully follow the instructions in the "I'm Infected - What Do I Do Now?" article.
  
• If the infection has so crippled the computer that you cannot complete some or all of the steps, then just do the best you can and start a new topic as described below.
  

• Then please start a new post in the Malware Removal Forum.
  
• When starting your new post, please note the following:
  
• Please do NOT post in a topic started by someone else, even if their problem sounds similar.
  
• Please COPY/PASTE the requested logs directly into your post, rather than attaching them.
  
• Under options, please be sure to select "track this topic" and "immediate email notification", so you'll know when a helper responds.
  

• An authorized, trained malware expert will provide free, one-on-one assistance as soon as one becomes available.
  

• Please be patient - it may be 48 hours or more before a helper can assist you, especially when the forum is very busy.
  
• Please do NOT "bump" your topic or reply back to it for at least 48 hours.
  
• Doing so may cause your topic to be overlooked, as it will appear that you are already being helped.
  

OPTION 2:

If you are a paid user of MBAM PRO and would like support via the helpdesk, please contact them here.

OPTION 3:

If you prefer the Malwarebytes Premium Services (comprehensive solutions to all your computer support needs – from installation and set-up to troubleshooting and tune-ups), please go to the Premium Support site here.

Please be patient – someone will assist you as soon as possible.

Thank you very much,

daledoc1

PS Please use the "Reply to this Topic" or "More Reply Options" buttons (instead of the “Quote” and “MultiQuote” buttons) when replying here & at the other forums. That will make your topic easier to follow.

[twist409]

Wow - quick response! when i say i crashes it goes to BSOD/Memory dump. Nope only had Lavasoft but got rid of that a few days ago and moved to Microsoft Essentials. There was an upgrade on Lavasoft and then it started crashing my PC - BSOD/Memory Dump. I thought it was just an issue with the software hence the change. Then I ran Malwarebytes as a full scan which I do infrequently when I'm doing a clean up on my PC and got the same issue.

OK thanks for info I'll follow the steps provided. Cheers

[daledoc1]

Sounds like a plan!

BSOD are sometimes caused by hardware/driver issues.

However, since you mentioned that you're concerned about infection, that would be the first priority to exclude.

After your expert helper gives you an "all clean", he/she may then refer you to the PC Help or other sub-forum, if there are any lingering, unresolved, non-malware problems.

Best regards,

daledoc1

[exile360]

I'd highly recommend backing up any important data on your hard drive. Issues like this can be an early sign of hard drive failure or other hardware related issues.

That being said, please do follow daledoc1's instructions above if you've not done so already, as there is at least some chance that it could be infection related as there are also some nasty rootkits that can cause the same symptoms.

[daledoc1]

I'd highly recommend backing up any important data on your hard drive. Issues like this can be an early sign of hard drive failure or other hardware related issues.

Thanks for the expert suggestion, Exile!

Twist409, I would strongly suggest following that advice.

Best regards,

daledoc1