DVD Playback Stuttering

[Houndog750]

I have been using and recommended MB for many years now. I did a head to head comparison with other free offerings and MB came out on top every time! As a result I opted for Premium on 3 devices. Avast has become a resource hog, Avira an SSD killer (think mechanical speeds or slower) and Kaspersky played H E double toothpics with my email client over invalid certificates (which I expected as I don't pay for them in my hosting plan, I know they are safe).

My problem is optical disks, particularly DVDs. Two of the devices this is not an issue with. I have a laptop with an external BD-ROM drive in the camper and use it almost exclusively for watching movies. As we do sometimes look up actors, movies and soundtracks via the browser I don't want to disable MB. The problem is if we try to play a DVD (MPC-BE, VLC) the playback stutters. I have enabled and disabled MB multiple times and determined this is the source of the stuttering. I can exclude the drive's root folder (in this case X:\) and that disk will then play fine but I suspect MB is either taking the disk's volume label into account or is seeing the .VOB files are different and the exclusion is no longer effective when I insert a new/different DVD. The sub-folders AUDIO_TS and VIDEO_TS understandably not change from disk to disk. It ends up I must exclude that specific disk to eliminate the stuttering every time I put a new disk in.

My question, is there a way to exclude an optical drive? The only non-DVD disks I insert are ones I know are safe. As mentioned I can exclude the root folder (X:\) but with each new disk the exclusion has to be deleted and re-created.

Is there a way to create exclusions via command line? It only takes a few seconds to run a batch file.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Porthos]

7 minutes ago, Houndog750 said:

Is there a way to create exclusions via command line?

No, There is no CMD line support in the consumer version of Malwarebytes.

Could you just try disabling ransomware protection and see if the issue goes away.

[Porthos]

11 minutes ago, Houndog750 said:

(MPC-BE, VLC)

Also exclude the players.

[Houndog750]

Hi Porthos,

I haven't excluded the players and prefer not to disable any MB features. I will try allowing MPC-BE. I was able to get VLC to smoothly switch disks but it is also taking advantage of MakeMKV and LibreDrive integration so this may be a factor. I have not tested VLC extensively but if this works the problem may be solved. I'm not committed to MPC-BE but have used MPC for as long as it has been around. Same for VLC.

I too have been in IT for decades and I can't count how many times MB and in particular Chameleon has saved my arse (and my clients). If something works you support it. Some of my compatriots feel I've sold out but I know AV is in constant flux and motion this is not without cost. IMHO a small price to pay to cover the ol' sphincter. Also I love the avatar, (also a Trekkie).

I'll try excluding MPC-BE and if it works I'l be sure to post so it might help others.

Thanks!

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello @Houndog750

I have and use an external USB Blu-ray burner and I've not noticed any issues. I've not played with what you're doing for a while, but temporarily disabling the ransomware or other modules and retesting should still be a safe operation as you're not surfing the web at that time. Then when done testing re-enable the modules.

Also, getting us some logs may help

 

 

To begin, please do the following so that we may take a closer look at your installation for troubleshooting:

NOTE: The tools and the information obtained are safe and not harmful to your privacy or your computer, please allow the programs to run if blocked by your system.

• Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool
• In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file
• In the User Account Control pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation
• Run the MBST Support Tool
• In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced
• In the Advanced Options, click Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your machine
• A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please upload that file on your next reply

Thank you

 

[Houndog750]

I haven't had time to test extensively but so far VLC is working with no stuttering. I will have more time to test tomorrow. It may be related to how MPC-BE accesses the disk. I've not noticed this on the other two machines but we don't watch DVDs on them normally. The only time I test DVDs on my system is when I'm troubleshooting a disk drive but this has been a while.

I'll give VLC a workout tonight. Tomorrow I will have more time. I should be able to get the logs then.

Thanks!

[Houndog750]

Looks like bumping the VLC disk cache up from 300ms to 600ms did the trick. Could be read-ahead was not large enough to compensate.

As long as VLC is working smoothly I'm not too concerned about MPC-BE. I will be installing the latest version and then testing. It may come down to how MPC-BE accesses the disk. Doesn't seem to be any way to bump up the cache/read-ahead but I haven't fully explored yet.

I've attached the grab results as requested.

Thanks!

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Houndog750]

I have had a chance to work with MPC-BE a little further. There is no cache/readahead setting. I did a complete uninstall including shared DLLs not used by any other program and removed any registry entries and reinstalled the latest version. I tested 4 disks from the same season of Star Trek Next Generation which was originally experiencing stuttering. Not a single hiccup now. I have not tested VLC since the MPC-BE upgrade. MPC-BE seems to do a little better rendering DVD video. Blu-Ray is another story best left to VLC.

I will test with VLC since the upgrade but it would seem I've solved the problem. Fingers crossed. I will post with the results.

I realize this is probably an unusual issue but there again I can't be the only one.

Thanks again for all the help!

[AdvancedSetup]

Please uninstall the following software.

• CCleaner Browser (This was an abused browser years ago)
• Java 8 Update 321 (64-bit) (this is an old version)

 

 

The following programs could probably be removed from auto-start or at least consider it.

MSCONFIG\startupreg: CLMLServer_For_P2G8 => "C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\Power2Go8\CLMLSvc_P2G8.exe"
MSCONFIG\startupreg: CLVirtualDrive => "C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\Power2Go8\VirtualDrive.exe" /R
MSCONFIG\startupreg: Power2GoExpress8 => "C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\Power2Go8\Power2GoExpress8.exe"
MSCONFIG\startupreg: PowerDVD12Agent => "C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\PowerDVD12\PowerDVD12Agent.exe"

 

Have you disabled any of these on purpose?

==================== Faulty Device Manager Devices ============

Name: Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter #5
Description: Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter
Class Guid: {4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Service: vwifimp
Problem: : This device is disabled. (Code 22)
Resolution: In Device Manager, click "Action", and then click "Enable Device". This starts the Enable Device wizard. Follow the instructions.

Name: Qualcomm Atheros AR956x Wireless Network Adapter
Description: Qualcomm Atheros AR956x Wireless Network Adapter
Class Guid: {4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}
Manufacturer: Qualcomm Atheros Communications Inc.
Service: athr
Problem: : This device is disabled. (Code 22)
Resolution: In Device Manager, click "Action", and then click "Enable Device". This starts the Enable Device wizard. Follow the instructions.

Name: Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller
Description: Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller
Class Guid:
Manufacturer:
Service:
Problem: : This device is disabled. (Code 22)
Resolution: In Device Manager, click "Action", and then click "Enable Device". This starts the Enable Device wizard. Follow the instructions.

 

 

Did you disable the Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit module on purpose for testing?

Error: (11/18/2022 05:27:13 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (EventID: 7000) (User: )
Description: The Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Service service failed to start due to the following error:
The system cannot find the file specified.

It looks like you or someone at some point were using the standalone Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit program. That is now part of Malwarebytes Premium and is not needed and should be removed.

HKLM-x32\...\Run: [Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit] => C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit\mbae.exe (No File)

 

Having a system this old and not having issues is almost a Golden Unicorn

BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.05 11/07/2014
Motherboard: Acer EA70_BM

 

 

Running Spybot from 2014 today is a waste of time and resources. I'd simply uninstall it at this point.

HKLM-x32\...\Run: [SDTray] => C:\Program Files (x86)\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\SDTray.exe [4101576 2014-06-24] (Safer Networking Ltd. -> Safer-Networking Ltd.)

 

Your computer, but I seriously doubt that DVDFab is doing updates. You might consider removing this entry

DVDFab

HKU\S-1-5-21-2859983873-4113662764-2047877970-1000\...\Run: [4f63842c5ef1a9d4ee3c64ea199dba50] => "C:\Program Files\DVDFab\PlayerFab\liveUpdate.exe" --run_mode=background_check (No File)

HKU\S-1-5-21-2859983873-4113662764-2047877970-1000\...\Run: [PlayerFab] => "C:\Program Files\DVDFab\PlayerFab\PlayerFab.exe" background (No File)

HKU\S-1-5-21-2859983873-4113662764-2047877970-1000\...\Run: [611dd93a9b5c578be68b17d997792402] => C:\Program Files\DVDFab\DVDFab 12\LiveUpdate.exe [5342536 2022-11-03] (DVDFab Software Inc. -> )

 

Are you still using any of these printers? If not you might consider disabling auto-start

HKLM\...\Windows x64\Print Processors\Canon MX920 series Print Processor: C:\Windows\System32\spool\prtprocs\x64\CNMPDBL.DLL [30208 2012-09-20] (CANON INC.) [File not signed]
HKLM\...\Windows x64\Print Processors\hpzppwn7: C:\Windows\System32\spool\prtprocs\x64\hpzppwn7.dll [101376 2009-07-13] (Microsoft Windows -> Hewlett-Packard Corporation)
HKLM\...\Print\Monitors\Canon BJ Language Monitor MX920 series: C:\Windows\system32\CNMLMBL.DLL [390656 2012-09-20] (CANON INC.) [File not signed]

 

Windows Live still functions, but Microsoft ended support for the program many years ago. If not using you might consider disabling auto-starts or uninstall, but if you do use it then no need to uninstall.

HKLM\Software\...\Authentication\Credential Providers: [{F8A0B131-5F68-486c-8040-7E8FC3C85BB6}] -> C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WLIDCREDPROV.DLL [2012-07-17] (Microsoft Corporation -> Microsoft Corp.)

 

Another auto-start entry you may want to consider possibly removing

Startup: C:\Users\neal\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\DriveSubs.lnk [2015-09-08]
ShortcutAndArgument: DriveSubs.lnk -> C:\Users\neal\drivesusbs.cmd =>

 

 

What is this program for? There are only like 13 entries on a Google Search. Is this some type of utility program?

ShortcutTarget: Win7se.lnk -> C:\Program Files (x86)\Win7se\Win7se.exe (codigobit) [File not signed]

 

 

What are all of these commands for? They're typically like batch files but they do not belong and the root of a profile directory

2016-06-04 12:43 - 2015-09-03 01:21 - 000000195 _____ () C:\Users\neal\calendars.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2016-06-04 18:00 - 000000200 _____ () C:\Users\neal\deldrv.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2016-06-04 18:00 - 000000160 _____ () C:\Users\neal\deldrv1.cmd
2022-08-07 15:53 - 2015-09-08 05:41 - 000000067 _____ () C:\Users\neal\drivesusbs - Copy.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2022-08-07 15:53 - 000000011 _____ () C:\Users\neal\drivesusbs.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2015-09-03 01:22 - 000000214 _____ () C:\Users\neal\ff.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2015-08-16 01:46 - 000000186 _____ () C:\Users\neal\ffprofile.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2015-09-08 06:31 - 000000217 _____ () C:\Users\neal\g_drive.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2016-12-27 19:51 - 000000545 _____ () C:\Users\neal\mapdrv.cmd
2016-08-30 15:24 - 2016-08-30 15:24 - 000001110 _____ () C:\Users\neal\mapdrv_w-update.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2015-09-03 01:21 - 000000195 _____ () C:\Users\neal\menucal.cmd
2016-06-04 12:43 - 2015-09-03 01:22 - 000000214 _____ () C:\Users\neal\menuff.cmd

 

I can write up a generic clean up script to help check and clean the computer in general if you like.

Do you have a back up of the computer?

Macrium Reflect Free is a pretty good program and can make an exact image back up of the computer for you.

 

 

We also have a topic on how to update to all the latest updates for Windows 7

How to update Windows 7 to the latest Security Updates

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

[Houndog750]

Thanks for all your help! Far above and beyond.

Please explain abused browser.
I use CCleaner because it supports NoScript and has a smaller footprint that other Chromium based browsers. I had used Firefox since the beta versions but abandoned it when they went to WebExtensions. 🙄

Java 8 321 is needed for Blu-Ray menus in VLC. Later versions of Java broke this. This is a recurring theme for Java. Sometimes the latest is not always the greatest.

The unused adapters were disabled for connection troubleshooting. The Atheros is the onboard and poor doesn't begin to describe it. I now use a TPLink high gain external adapter.

The Cyberlink bloatware was originally disabled. PowerDVD did an "update" and it then blew up in spectacular fashion. Before this I was having trouble with AACS which would not update. I tried the latest version but it failed to install a local service needed to run. That and it erred out trying to launch Edge. After pointing out it was a LOCAL service many times they kept saying it was not connecting to their servers. TCPView disagreed. It was looking for a ghost local service. They were of absolutely no help. Hence VLC. This bloatware will be removed.

DVDFab I installed to try their player to replace the broken PowerDVD. It choked on 2 of the  first 3 Blu-Rays I tried. It will be dispatched soon as well.

The reference to the older MBAE and Spybot are eggs left behind after uninstall. 2 out of 3 programs leave some kind of garbage behind. In particular in the registry. I will be removing the erroneous registry entries soon. Now that I have VLC and MPC-BE working well I can devote my time to cleaning up the garbage left behind trying to find a Blu-Ray player that actually worked as advertised.

Normally I keep batch/CMD files in C:\batch but for some reason even after disabling UAC (User Aggravation Control since Vista) some would still not run with elevated privileges so I moved them where they could. They are used to perform functions such as mapping drives. I don't want Windows managing this. If Windows can't find a share it has a conniption fit and abandons the mapping. As this laptop is not always connected to my LAN I use batch to map the drives and also to warn me of failed mappings at the time of mapping. I've attached an example.

 I realize some people change computers as often as they do underwear. High octane horsepower is not needed here. All we use this laptop for is watching movies (we have almost 1000) and looking up actors, movies, movie trailers, YouTube, IMDB and TMDB. A Porsche is not warranted where a VW will do. That and I have made many tweaks to suit my needs and that takes a lot of time. Win10 is entirely out of the question. I had more trouble with Win10 drivers on this laptop than Baskin-Robbins has flavors.

Win7SE is a simple program that creates "hot corners" like a Mac. Bump a corner with the mouse cursor and it starts the screensaver, puts the system to sleep or even restarts it. I use it for the SS.

Now that I've got VLC and MPC-BE behaving properly I can devote time to cleanup. VLC was as simple as increasing the disk (optical) buffer from 300ms to 600ms. I did a CLEAN uninstall of MPC-BE and installed the latest version. I suspect a bug in the older version's disk caching or disk access methods are to blame.

Windows updates I install one at a time. I learned this the hard way with GetwinX (and now Edge which I don't want either). I read the descriptions before installing and if the description is generic I do some research first to find out what is in the package. All pertinent updates have been applied.

I do my best to support developers that provide quality products, even open source through donations. I did not waste my money with MB. IMHO well worth it.

DVD stuttering aside, you have pointed out some things I do need to address and even others I did not know about.

Thanks again for all your assistance! Puts Cyberlink and MS to shame! 👍

 

mapdrvs.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

1 hour ago, Houndog750 said:

Please explain abused browser.

I use CCleaner because it supports NoScript and has a smaller footprint that other Chromium based browsers. I had used Firefox since the beta versions but abandoned it when they went to WebExtensions. 🙄

The company behind the purchase. Not saying this specific browser is doing anything wrong but is a concern for some people.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/avast-collects-sells-customer-data-antivirus

 

Java 8 321 is needed for Blu-Ray menus in VLC. Later versions of Java broke this. This is a recurring theme for Java. Sometimes the latest is not always the greatest.

Understood, but old versions often become compromised and can increase the risk of an exploit on your system. See backups further down as well

 I realize some people change computers as often as they do underwear. High octane horsepower is not needed here. All we use this laptop for is watching movies (we have almost 1000) and looking up actors, movies, movie trailers, YouTube, IMDB and TMDB. A Porsche is not warranted where a VW will do. That and I have made many tweaks to suit my needs and that takes a lot of time. Win10 is entirely out of the question. I had more trouble with Win10 drivers on this laptop than Baskin-Robbins has flavors.

All the more reason to have a good, solid backup image of the computer. Macrium Reflect is free and can create such an image for you.

Backup Software
https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?/topic/136226-backup-software

Win7SE is a simple program that creates "hot corners" like a Mac. Bump a corner with the mouse cursor and it starts the screensaver, puts the system to sleep or even restarts it. I use it for the SS.

Windows 10 and 11 both have a portion of that built-in for auto full size of applications. I personally despise how it works and disable it 😄 

 

 

Okay, thank you for the update on items. If you do need any further assistance, please let us know, otherwise I'll go ahead and soon mark the topic resolved.

Cheers

 

[Houndog750]

I have not noticed anything with CCleaner browser as of yet. I've no use for porn of any kind so no worries there. I have a Wife for that. 😅 Now and then I get ads for guitars and gear (Reverb, Guitar Sinner, Sweetwater etc.) but that's about it save for around our anniversary I was getting ads for Victoria's Secret but it was our anniversary at the time and I probably shouldn't go into detail there. 😄 I did install the MB browser extension in unison with NoScript and so far no issues whatsoever and it has even warned me about a couple of shady DLL download sites. Kudos!

I have long since ditched Avast and is no longer installed on any of my systems. Bloatware barely describes it now. Good to know they abused it. Glad I got rid of it.

I can't say enough good things about Macrium Reflect. It is about the ONLY cloning software out there that doesn't fool you into setting up a clone operation and then hitting you with a "Buy Me" to complete the clone. The rest I've tried are should I say laughable. I've used it on every SSD upgrade I've done. All flawless (including trim). I have a backup image of the laptop using Macrium when I upgraded to SSD but it needs to be updated. No better time than the present.

I am keeping an eye on the VLC forums and when they find a fix for the broken Java I will bump it up then.

I do like the virtual desktops in Win10. I use Dexpot on my Win7 machines. MB doesn't like the uninstaller but leaves it alone. I use Win7SE strictly for the SS.

Like I said previously, worth every penny and I have recommended MB to those I know are using other AV packages (mostly free). The way I see it I'm not just paying for the SW, I'm paying for the constant development and R&D regarding new threats. I can't say this often but the support is top notch as well.

Thanks again for all your help! Go ahead and mark this as resolved. It was more player settings and player version than it was MB and exclusions. Both VLC/MPC-BE and MB are getting along fine now.

👍👍👍👍👍

[AdvancedSetup]

Great, sounds like you have most of it under control

 

You may already have or know of some of this but will post just in case.

 

1. Recommend using a Password Manager for all websites, etc. that require a password. Never use the same password on more than one site.
   https://www.howtogeek.com/240255/password-managers-compared-lastpass-vs-keepass-vs-dashlane-vs-1password/
2. Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
3. Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download
4. Keep your Operating System up to date and current at all times - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
5. Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 
6. Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

•   Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes-browser-guar/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee
•   Microsoft Edge: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413298736787-Install-Malwarebytes-Browser-Guard-on-Microsoft-Edge-browser
•   Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

uBlock Origin

• Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm 
• Microsoft Edge: https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak 
• Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin

 

Further reading if you like to keep up on the malware threat scene: Malwarebytes Blog  https://blog.malwarebytes.com/

Hopefully, we've been able to assist you with correcting your system issues.

Thank you for using Malwarebytes

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this topic with your request.

This applies only to the originator of this thread. Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread.

Please review the following to help you better protect your computer and privacy Tips to help protect from infection

Thank you