[ RESOLVED ] Malwarebytes VPN files and service on my computer without VPN installed

[Dinobot2]

I use MB Free and I was in the Services area and noticed I have the service MBVpnTunnelService with the Description "This service manages the VPN Tunnel for Malwarebytes Privacy" and currently set to Manual and not running. This service is related to MBVpnTunnelService.exe (along with MBVpnTunnel_mbtun.dll and MBVpnTunnel_wireguard.dll) that is in Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware directory.

I'm curious as to why this is the case when I don't have MB's VPN installed and i'm on the free version of MB. I've had the files since at least April 27 according to the Date modified/created, so this doesn't appear to be a new addition. Just caught me by surprise.

[Malwarebytes]

***This is an automated reply***

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Malwarebytes Support Tool - Advanced Options

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[Porthos]

@Dinobot2

Please do the following so that we may take a closer look at your system.

 

Disable-Fast-Startup  Windows 8,10 or 11 only.<<<<< Important.
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299350-disable-fast-startup/

Then please restart the computer and then do the following. <<<<< Important.

WARNING: Do Not click the Repair option under Advanced unless requested by a Malwarebytes support agent or authorized helper

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
• Close all programs and browsers before running the 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. The tool also downloads and runs a file called FRSTEnglish. Please allow it to run.
• 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 Desktop or on the hidden Public desktop (usually C:\Users\Public\Desktop), please upload that file on your next reply

 

Thank you

[Dinobot2]

Is...all of this necessary to answer my question? Is this your way of telling me that the files and service shouldn't be on my computer and the fact that they are is indicative of a problem?

[Porthos]

1 minute ago, Dinobot2 said:

Is this your way of telling me that the files and service shouldn't be on my computer and the fact that they are is indicative of a problem?

No, they are installed with MB5 free or paid, VPN or NO VPN for those who wish to upgrade.

[Dinobot2]

Ok so then there isn't anything to worry about. You gave me a mini heart attack with your first reply.

So it seems like they're just necessary files that need to be there if I choose to upgrade, and will basically just stay dormant otherwise?

[Porthos]

1 minute ago, Dinobot2 said:

So it seems like they're just necessary files that need to be there if I choose to upgrade, and will basically just stay dormant otherwise?

Exactly.

VPN's are here to stay and are very popular nowadays. Malwarebytes is just keeping up with the trend.

[Dinobot2]

I guess I don't know why they need to have those files and the service on my computer if I don't have the VPN and can't just give me those files if I choose to go for it?

[Porthos]

Those files are just part of the program in general.

If you are that bothered by them I can give you a link for MB4 and you can attempt to disable version updates.

[Dinobot2]

Not bothered by them, just trying to understand the logic, but I guess that's a question for the developers.

[Porthos]

Just there so all it takes is to purchase a sub and activate it.

[AdvancedSetup]

Closing this topic as it's been resolved.