Learning To Add Exclusions

[trying50]

In another forum, I was given the advice that  I "need to learn how to add exclusions" to myr Antivirus and since I value the advice of the contributor, I am raising the topic here. The questions I have are:

 

1  Just what are 'exclusions';

 

2  where do I find them, and;

 

3  where and how do I exclude make such exclusions?

 

Thank you. 

[1PW]

Hello trying50:

As it specifically applies here, regarding Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) and complimentary Anti-Virus (A-V) products, exclusions entered in MBAM are persistent instructions to avoid scanning conflicts of certain on-access A-V executable files and/or folders lest they interfere with the A-V product's active scans.

Exclusions entered in complimentary A-V products function quite similarly providing persistent exclusions of MBAM executables from being scanning conflicts while MBAM is conducting active scans of its own.

When complimentary exclusions are entered in both products, they are said by some to be mutual exclusions. In a practical, real-world sense, the above exclusions are not always required although some users enter them proactively to avoid future possible conflict based slow-downs.

Exclusions might also be required when certain games or utility softwares are flagged as PUPs, PUMs or seemingly infectious or thought of as potentially harmful hacking tools. MBAM also accommodates exclusions for Web site URLs, domains, IP addresses and software processes.

If you have any specific questions regarding your own computer's security software, please attach the 2 diagnostic report output text files from the correctly chosen Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and we can pass our opinions to you. However, you are the final arbitrator of changes made to your software.
 
You may also wish to read the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware User-Guide.  Settings > Malware Exclusions and Settings > Web Exclusions.
 
HTH

[trying50]

You may also wish to read the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware User-Guide.  Settings > Malware Exclusions and Settings > Web Exclusions.

 

HTH

 

Thank you for the rapid reply. Since I couldn't get my head round the first part, I will follow your advice and start where I should have started years ago when I first bought the product - with the user guide!!!

[1PW]

Hello trying50:
 
Please try visualizing two workers (software applications) trying to do the same task with the same one-user hand tool, but the two workers are using conflicting or opposing and non-cooperative motions and each believes they are doing the right thing.
 
Sometimes two workers can do the same task together in perfect concert.  But sometimes two workers were never meant to work together and they almost continually work against each other. Yet if permitted to work separately, the desired work eventually gets done. A foreperson or supervisor, (acting with exclusionary powers) can forbid the two workers from ever conflicting with each other.
 
As terribly imperfect as the above explanation may be regarding software scanning conflicts, it can help to describe the occasionally unfortunate, conflicting, and simultaneous efforts of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and a complimentary Anti-Virus application. Most of the time, they really work quite well together, but sometimes not.
 
If the above example doesn't help you, don't worry, we will assist when you require it.

Thank you.

[trying50]

Hello trying50:

As it specifically applies here, regarding Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) and complimentary Anti-Virus (A-V) products, exclusions entered in MBAM are persistent instructions to avoid scanning conflicts of certain on-access A-V executable files and/or folders lest they interfere with the A-V product's active scans.

HTH

 

If I've got that right, I have MBAM working alongside Avast and I want each to exclude the other in their day-to-day workings. How do I go about this?

[1PW]

Hello trying50:

To be the most accurate, please advise your Windows operating system version and architecture, MBAM version and Avast's version details.

If you believe you don't know how to obtain these details please perform the following diagnostic:

Note: You will need to run the FRST version that is compatible with your computer's architecture.

You can check >>here<< if you're not sure if your computer has 32-bit or 64-bit architecture.

FRST(64).exe is portable, makes no system changes, and requires no uninstall and thus may be simply deleted when no longer required.

Please download only the latest and relevant Farbar Recovery Scan Tool from >>here<< and save it to your desktop.

• Double-click FRST(64).exe to run it.
• Do not alter any of the selected/unselected categories, in the lower half of FRST's window.
• Only left-click the Scan button and the tool will run at least 45 seconds or longer.
• FRST will create a report log file (FRST.txt) on the desktop. Please attach it to your reply.
• The first time FRST is run, it also makes another report log (Addition.txt) on the desktop. Please attach it to your reply as well.

Thank you.

[trying50]

Sorry but due to domestic circumstances, I cant get back to this before the end of July.

[1PW]

Hello try50:

We are quite understanding and we will be here upon your return.

If this thread has been closed, please send a Private Message (PM) to a Moderator/Administrator requesting this thread be reopened.

Thank you.

[trying50]

Ran the Farbar but the resulting log is very, very long for copying and pasting. I can do this but I imagine that there is some way to perhaps use a hyperlink to the log but not sure. What do you suggest?

[Firefox]

In order to attach files you click on the button on the bottom right of your reply called "More Reply Options".

After you will be taken to a new screen and you can attach files by clicking on the button "Choose Files" at the bottom.

[trying50]

Hope it's here. Cant see other bit but will keep looking. Certainly not on desktop.

[trying50]

Tried again.

CheckResults.txt

CheckResults.txt

[trying50]

And again.......

Addition.txt

Addition.txt

[trying50]

Tried again.

Is someone checking the requested attachments?

[Firefox]

You doubled up on the attachments CheckResults.txt and Addition.txt and you did not upload the FRST.txt log file...

[trying50]

Firefox, when I tried to post the attachment, it did appear that I was unsuccessful. When I tried again the doubling up resulted. Haven't been able to find the FRST log-it is certainly not on my desktop.

[trying50]

Is this the correct file?FRST.txt

[1PW]

The member voluntarily moved this thread to Private Messenger where their MBAM/AVAST exclusion question was answered.

This topic may now be closed.

[trying50]

I did not move the thread, but thank you for your tolerance and understanding. Promises, promises.

[trying50]

For the benefit of those who may have had an interest in this thread, in a reply to this PM:

 

"Hi. I really have tried to carry out your instructions bit feel, from the lack of response, that I am getting it wrong. If there is a problem I would be most grateful if you would let me know", the following instructions were given:

 

"In the context of your message above, and if you are still trying to enter mutual exclusions between Malwarebytes Anti-Malware version 2.0.2.1012, and with one of the AVAST products, then using the upper illustration at Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Users Guide, Malware Exclusions, Add Folder please enter:

C:\Program Files\AVAST SoftwareThen, for your Windows Vista, 64-bit, SP2 system, please enter the following files into AVAST's Program files, Exclusions using AVAST's Exclusion Instructions:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbamdor.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbampt.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbamscheduler.exeI know these may be difficult concepts to understand, and unusual techniques to apply. You stated in another post that you are 78 years old. I can understand your frustration as I am a 74 year old volunteer forum helper.

If you are still stymied by these instructions, you may need to engage the services of a local volunteer with good computer skills, or hire a professional.
 
I hope the above has helped"

 

Regarding the attachments I eventually managed to post, I still dont know if they revealed anything or even whether they were looked at. If they have, and something did show up,then I would be grateful for that information.

 

As a paying customer,I do find it surprising that a volunterr helper can decide that a paying customers topic should be closed.

[AdvancedSetup]

The other user assumed that you were done and I assume happy and why he suggested the topic could be closed. No problem though as we're here to try and assist you.

The logs indicate that the computer is either infected or possibly suffering the affects of a previous infection and damage to the software on the system. There are applications crashing and services not working correctly.

I would suggest following the advice from the topic here Available Assistance for Possibly Infected Computers and having one of the Experts assist you with looking into your issue.

Basically copy all 3 of your logs to a new topic in the removal forum as show in that topic and wait for someone to assist you further. You can send me a PM once you have a new topic if you like and I'll assist you with checking on the system further.

Thank you.

[trying50]

Thank you for the advice which I will endeavour to follow. While I have absolutely no doubt that you are correct regarding the current or previous infections, I appear to have no other problems apart from mbam.

[trying50]

 Re my last reply, you can take that as past tense - I am now having a few problems with this computer. As I said in my last reply, I will try to follow your advice and to that end, will ignore any attempt to keep this thread going via PMs the last of

which reads, "Have you entered the exclusions to your system?"

 

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Okay, sounds good. Good luck

[trying50]

Using AVAST's Exclusion Instructions from PW's link, it would appear that I should be adding a backward slash and an asterisk to the end the files/folders. I say 'appear' because the image is a bit unclear. Am I correct and should I enter the info into Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Users Guide, Malware Exclusions, Add Folder thus:

C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\*?