MBAM Error

[joe53]

Whilst attempting to open MBAM tonite, I recieved this pop-up alert:

An error has occurred. Please report this error code to our support team.

MBAM_ERROR_LOAD_DATABASE(0.5)

Please advise.

[exile360]

Hi joe53

Please do the following, it should correct the issue:

Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows XP:

• Click Start and select My Computer
  
• Click the Tools item from the menu at the top of the window (if you don't see Tools press the Alt key on your keyboard and it will appear)
  
• Select Folder Options
  
• Click the View tab and make sure Show hidden files and folders is selected under Hidden files and folders
  
• Next, uncheck the box next to Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
  
• Then, uncheck the box next to Hide extensions for known filetypes
  
• Click Apply then click OK
  

Then go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and delete rules.ref. Once you've done that, start MBAM and when it shows the error and asks to update, let it do so and see if that corrects it.

Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows Vista and Windows 7:

• Click on the Start button and select Computer
  
• Press the Alt key on your keyboard and click on Tools
  
• Select Folder Options
  
• Click the View tab and make sure that Show hidden files and folders is selected under Hidden files and folders
  
• Next, uncheck the box next to Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
  
• Then, uncheck the box next to Hide extensions for known filetypes
  
• Click Apply then click OK
  

Then go to C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and delete rules.ref. Once you've done that, start MBAM and when it shows the error and asks to update, let it do so and see if that corrects it.

[joe53]

Thanks, exile360 - that corrected it.

I found I had to reboot after deleting that rules.ref file, before the update would work.

Just out of interest, what caused this? A corrupted rules.ref file? I've been using MBAM since I first beta-tested the original versions, without any problem.

I'm much obliged!

[exile360]

You're welcome

Yes, it was a corrupted database file. It most likely happened when the last DB was downloaded.