Malwarebytes Not Starting: Not in Startup Item list

[WardR]

Running Vista with MB Pro:

 

Intermittently I have experienced MB not loading on startup even though this is selected in Advanced Settings.  It does not appear in Processes or Services nor in Startup list. When I load it manually mbam.exe appears in Processes but not always in the Tray.

 

I have successful run Chameleon and MB Rootkit in addition to multiple MB scans without malware detection. The only other antivirus software I am using is Security Essentials. I keep everything up to date. I have also cleaned out my bloated Task Tray of old items.

 

These problems began after I enabled the Self-protection module and Self-protection early start.

 

I have read numerous posts regarding the intermittant problems and implemented many of the suggestions short of running mbam-clean.exe and doing a clean install.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Ward

[daledoc1]

Hello and welcome:
 
First:

You will not see MBAM listed in msconfig. Version 2 does not use Registry "Run" Keys to start a component. It uses Windows services.

Moreover, you might find this post by our forum Admin to be helpful: Msconfig Is Not A Startup Manager

 
Also:

Self-Protection (SP) is just that. It protects the MBAM files from changes, whether by malware or by the user.
So, before making major configuration changes in the settings, moving or renaming the desktop shortcut, installing other Malwarebytes software, uninstalling MBAM, etc, one needs to disable SP.
It's disabled by default & isn't strictly needed for many users who otherwise practice safe computing.
But it's up to you if you want to enable it -- just remember to disable it when one needs to make certain changes.
 
As you said you are experiencing frequent and intermittent issues, the easiest and fastest way to get back up and running by resolving minor issues is to follow these steps:

• Please follow the steps in this pinned topic to uninstall your current version of MBAM and reinstall the latest build - MBAM Clean Removal Process 2x
• If that does not correct the issue, then please read the following and post back attached to your next reply the 3 requested logs - Diagnostic Logs (the 3 logs are: FRST.txt, Addition.txt and CheckResults.txt)
• NOTE: There is an FAQ section with valuable information located here - Common Questions, Issues, and their Solutions

Please let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

[WardR]

Thank you so much for your prompt and thorough reply. I will begin the removal and reinstall process immediately.

 

Ward

[daledoc1]

You are most welcome.

 

Take your time.

Post back when you can - no rush.

[WardR]

Clean removal and clean install worked! Thanks so much! I am so gald it wasn't malware!

 

Could you also advise on whether MB needs to be completely shut off when installing new programs. I have never had issues that I was aware of leaving it on . . . . unless my posted issue was actually the result of leaving MB on while installing programs.

 

Ward

[daledoc1]

Excellent!

I'm glad that the clean reinstall resolved your issues.

 

No, it's not generally necessary to pause or disable MBAM real-time protection while installing other software.

In some cases, e.g. with anti-virus (AV) programs, it's advisable to temporarily uninstall MBAM before installing the AV, and then to reinstall MBAM after the AV is installed/activated/configured.  It's not strictly required, but in some cases it helps to ensure trouble-free installation and use.

 

Cheers,

[WardR]

Thanks and Cheers to you also!

[daledoc1]