Malwarebytes won't open

[cams]

When I installed an older photo program, Malwarebytes quit working altogether. I uninstalled & reinstalled Malwarebytes numerous times, no luck. Then I uninstalled my photo program and Malwarebytes began working normally, even without a reboot. I'm running Win 7 (64) on a Dell Latitude E6430 laptop. On a different laptop my photo program worked when running under Win 7 emlulation in a Win 10 operating system-- but that laptop did not have Malwarebytes. As for my Dell E6430, I have to uninstall my photo program for Malwarebytes to work, and reinstall it (disabling Malwarebytes) in order to use it, turning off my Dell's Wi-Fi. I'd like to ask Support if there's a simple solution, either in Malwarebytes' settings, or perhaps creating a new partition to run my photo program. Live Chat is unavailable CONTINUALLY. Simple question, but no simple assistance right now. Just need to know if this incompatibility issue can be resolved or not. 

[exile360]

I've never heard of this issue before.  What is the exact name and version of the photo program you're using?  I'd like to report this information to the Malwarebytes QA team so that they may investigate and hopefully find a solution, assuming there is anything that can be done on Malwarebytes' end to rectify the situation.

As for possible settings/workarounds, I'm really not sure since Malwarebytes can't even open when the photo software is installed.  There wouldn't be any setting in Malwarebytes to change to affect that as any change that might allow Malwarebytes to run as it currently is would have to be in the photo program, but I doubt there is any such option in the photo program since unlike AVs etc., photo software doesn't have anything like exclusions where you can whitelist other applications for compatibility.

[exile360]

By the way, did you try restarting your system already to see if that makes any difference?  The reason I ask is because your logs did show that a system restart was pending to complete the installation of some Windows Updates.  I also notice that you're running Kaspersky and it is possible that the combination of Kaspersky and Malwarebytes along with that photo software is somehow creating this issue so I'd suggest trying to create exclusions between Malwarebytes and Kaspersky if you haven't done so already to see if that helps resolve the problem.  The list of items to exclude in Kaspersky for Malwarebytes can be found in this support article and you'll want to make sure to exclude Malwarebytes' processes/executables from Kaspersky's real-time protection.  Then, if you can get Malwarebytes to run at that point (you may need to remove the photo software temporarily to allow it), exclude Kaspersky's program folder under Program Files and/or Program Files (x86) from Malwarebytes via the method described under the Exclude a File or Folder section of this support article and you should also exclude Kaspersky's data folder, likely located under C:\ProgramData.

Once that is done, I'd suggest trying to reinstall the photo software and testing to see if that resolves the issue or not.

[cams]

My old photo program/photo editor is PicturePublisher Ver.10 by Micrografx; it is Really Old and out of production since Adobe Photoshop dominates the market. PicPub runs fine on my Dell / Win 7 as long as Malwarebytes is either not present or not needed. There is a Readme.htm file on the PicPub installation CD, and it only addresses unrelated issues for old versions of Win & NT. No options to try within PicPub itself. I realize the limitations of using old programs, just disappointed that ruling out other possibilities to the best of my knowledge, it appears that the presence of PicPub shuts down Malwarebytes, and it's possible there might be no solution to the incompatibility.

Regarding system restart, I also did that numerous times during efforts to troubleshoot. I had to take a break & need to pursue system updates, too.

I will look into the Kaspersky vs. Malwarebytes issue as suggested at next opportunity. All troubleshooting & suggestions are greatly appreciated. Must take a long break for now, no deadlines for the photos. Thank you kindly for your expertise!

[exile360]

Yes, it's definitely an odd issue.  My only guess would be that some component of the photo program is messing with some system component or setting that results in Malwarebytes failing to run.  Hopefully the exclusions resolve it as that would be a rather simple fix.

Also, just for troubleshooting purposes, if that doesn't resolve it, I'd suggest trying disabling Kaspersky completely or even uninstalling it temporarily and restarting your system to test and see if Malwarebytes is then able to run or not.  If it does run then at least we would know that the problem does involve Kaspersky as well somehow.  I'm basically just trying to eliminate as many variables here as possible because this one is a real strange issue, but hopefully we can find a fix for you.

[LiquidTension]

Hi @cams,

Thanks for sharing your findings.

Please could you also carry out the steps in the following topic so we can get a closer look at your system's setup. This will help us reproduce the issue.
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/190532-having-problems-using-malwarebytes-please-follow-these-steps/

Please do the following as well:

Export Event Logs

• Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type eventvwr.msc and click OK.
• Expand Windows Logs.
• Right-click Application and click Save All Events As.... Name the file application and click OK.
• Repeat for Security and System.
• Navigate to the location of the files. Highlight the three files, right-click one and click Send to followed by Compressed (zipped) folder.
• Name the Zip file EventLogs.zip and attach the file in your next reply.