MBAM doesn't always get launched on Windows startup

[alan_s]

MBAM doesn't always get launched on Windows startup

 

mbamscheduler.exe and mbamservice.exe start OK on Windows startup. Usually, mbam.exe is started too.  But sometimes it doesn't get launched - at least, not immediately.  It seems to get launched with the first update, though perhaps I've misunderstood. 

 

For example, this morning I started the computer at 08:32 but mbam.exe didn't start until 10:00 exactly.  Under Settings -> Automated Scheduling, 'Check for Updates / Starting On' is 2014-10-24 11:00:00 and 'Frequency' is set to repeat every 2 hours. Which, I suppose, resulted in action at 10:00,

 

2.0.2 behaved in a similar manner, but I didn't report it as a new version was in the offing.

 

I upgraded to 2.0.3.1025 by first doíng AdvancedSetup's MBAM Clean Removal Process and then downloading and running mbam-setup-2.0.3.1025.exe.

 

Environment is:

 

* Windows 7 (32-bit) updated as of September patch Tuesday.

* MBAM 2.0.3.1025 Premium 

* Other real-time security SW: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Online Armor.

  (C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware excluded in both these)

* Windows Defender, on-demand use only.

 

Any ideas?  

 

Obviously, I've done any number of scans, both with Malwarebytes and Emsisoft, but all reported a clean machine.  My apologies if I've missed an existing post in the forum... 

 

[daledoc1]

Hi:
 

Let's start here:

• 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

Also, after the clean reinstall, you might want to set mutual exclusions between MBAM and your AV -- instructions are below.
 
Please let us know how it goes.

Thanks,
------------------

Please exclude the following files from your Antivirus Software for your version of Windows:


For 32 bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 & Windows 8:

• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbamdor.exe
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbampt.exe
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\mbamscheduler.exe
   
• For 64 bit versions of Windows Vista or Windows 7 & 8:
  • 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.exe
  Note: If you are using a software firewall besides the built in Windows Firewall, you'll need to exclude MBAM.EXE and MBAMSERVICE.EXE from it as well.
  
  Note: Once that's done, please make sure that if either of those programs has any sort of web filter, that you add the following as a trusted site:

  data-cdn.mbamupdates.com

[alan_s]

Wow, that's what I call a real rapid response - thank you!

 

As I mentioned, this has been going on since 2.0.2 and I did the clean removal process you describe before installing 2.0.3.  With all respect, I don't feel that doing it again is going to fix what's causing it.  At least, not permanently.  But  perhaps I'm wrong?   

 

The exclusions you suggest are already present in Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Online Armor.  

 

But not in Windows Defender.  My Windows Defender is not configured to run in real-time.  It only gets started when I want to do a manual scan.  But just to be on the safe side I've added C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes Anti.Malware to its exclusion list.

 

The problem doesn't occur very often, but if (well, when)  it happens again I'll try to produce the logs you mention.  I assume they should be created in the "mbam.exe didn't start" state?

 

Just one final thing:  I fired up  both msconfig and autoruns and neither show mbam.exe as a candidate for startup.  So, is it started by MBAMService / MBAMScheduler?   

 

 

[walker17x]

I have exactly the same bug !

[daledoc1]

Hi, @walker17x:
 

I have exactly the same bug !

Sorry to hear you are having issues.
Each computer is unique.
Problems that sound "the same" most often are not.
The same is true for solutions.
They most often need to be individualized.

It is less confusing for everyone if we try to stick to "one user per topic".
Please start a NEW, SEPARATE topic using this clickable button.
The staff and experts will be able to more easily provide both you and the OP with individual help to get you both up and running.

Thanks for your patience and understanding,

[daledoc1]

Hi, @alan_s:
 

Wow, that's what I call a real rapid response - thank you!
 
As I mentioned, this has been going on since 2.0.2 and I did the clean removal process you describe before installing 2.0.3.  With all respect, I don't feel that doing it again is going to fix what's causing it.  At least, not permanently.  But  perhaps I'm wrong?

 
A clean reinstall is most often the fastest way to resolve minor issues and to get the user back up and running.
It only takes a few minutes.
 
If you prefer to skip that step, then we'll need some basic diagnostic information in order to better assist you.
For that, 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)

 

Thanks again,

[alan_s]

What I meant was that the problem existed before a clean reinstall and also after. And should a reinstall fix it, then we are really back to square one - what was going on? Hence my reluctance. But I agree it's not exactly a Herculean task and certainly I can do it again. Then it's been done. And I'll send the logs next time it occurs.

[daledoc1]

OK, feel free to proceed with either or both of the suggested steps, when you wish, if you'd like help with troubleshooting.

 

Thanks,