Malware won't launch

[DallasBob]

I have had Malwarebytes installed for several weeks. I also have McAfee Antivirus installed as well. When I first installed Malwarebytes and activated the monitoring feature that runs in the background, it slowed my PC to a crawl. I had to deslect that seting in Malwarebytes in order to get the PC to run normally. However, I don't have the protection of having the application monitoring my PC as I use it.

Now, the Malwarebytes application won't even launch in order for me to run a scan. I double click the desktop icon and nothing happens. I've even gone to the application exe in the Program Files area on C: and double clicked that, but nothing happens. I tried redownloading and reinstalling the latest version, but it still doesn't work.

Is this conflicting w/McAfee? If so, I'm pretty disappointed that I'm finding this out after paying for a license, etc. Can anyone assist me?

[Haider]

Hello DallasBob:

Do you all exclusions for MBAM in McAfee? A very likely reason for this conflict. Please provide following details, someone will help you:

1. OS version
   
2. McAfee version, other Installed Security Product(s) including Firewall
   

Should you have any other question(s) please post back using button

[Firefox]

What version of McAfee are you using?

If you are using McAfee VirusScan Enterprise, you have to enter exceptions for MBAM by following this guide located HERE

Also just a thought, what happens if you rename the file mbam.exe to firefox.exe and try to run it, does it run? We have to make sure there is no infection on your computer that is preventing the execution of Malwarebytes.

[DallasBob]

The system I am using is XP Professional, v2002, SP3

I am using McAfee Security Center.

BTW - I did rename the mbam exe to firefox.exe and was able to run it.

[Haider]

Hello DallasBob:

Did you follow Firefox instructions in Post #3 regarding exclusions? Please update (current 4767) and perform a Quick Scan to ensure there is no infection

Normally renaming is done when there is some infection that is preventing MBAM to function normally if all the necessary exclusion are in place. Please post back using button

[Firefox]

BTW - I did rename the mbam exe to firefox.exe and was able to run it.

Since you renamed your file to firefox.exe and was able to run it, did you update it first and run a quick scan? Did it find any infections? When you rename the file like this, it usually indicates an infection.

After you run a quick scan and remove items found, rename the file back to mbam.exe and see if it runs like normal, if it does not then you will have to seek help from the experts for your infection by following the instructions below:

_________________________________________________________

Please read the following so that you can begin the cleaning process:

As we don't deal with malware removal in the General Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Forum, you need to start a topic in the Malware Removal forum so a qualified helper can help you fix any malware related problems/infections you may have.

• Please read and follow the directions here, skipping any steps you are unable to complete. Then post a NEW topic here.
  
• After posting your new post, make sure under options, you select Track this topic and choose Immediate Email Notification, so that you're alerted when someone has replied to your post.
  
• One of the expert helpers there will give you one-on-one assistance when one becomes available.
  
• Please refrain from making any further changes to your computer (Install/Uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc...) unless advised by a malware removal helper. Doing so can result in system changes which may hinder the attempts by a helper to clean your machine.
  

NOTE: Please DO NOT post back to (bump) your topic within the first 48 hours.

Replying to your own posts changes the post count and helpers are looking for topics with zero replies. If you reply to your own post helpers may think that you're already being helped and thus overlook your post.

• • If there is no reply from any experts after 48 hours, you can reply to the topic, asking for help again.
    Or
    
  • You may send a Private Message to a Moderator asking for assistance.
    

Alternatively, as a paying customer, you can contact the help desk at support@malwarebytes.org or here.

Please be patient, someone will assist you as soon as it is possible.

PS: Please use the "ADDREPLY" button instead of other ones when you start replying.

[DallasBob]

So, how do I get Malwarebytes to function while I am running McAfee Security Center? When I try to run Malwarebytes with the monitoring on, it slows things to a crawl. Aren't there McAfee settings I can adjust to allow both to run? I am on XP Professional, v2002, SP3.

[Firefox]

I am not sure if there is a place to exclude Malwarebytes files in McAfee Security Center (which is the version you have). Look around and see if you can find a place to add exclusions and if you do find a place exclude the files listed below:

Please exclude the following files from your antivirus:

Note: If using a software firewall besides the built in Windows Firewall you'll need to exclude them from it as well

For Windows XP:

• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\zlib.dll
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.dll
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamext.dll
  
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\rules.ref
  
• C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mbam.sys
  
• C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mbamswissarmy.sys
  

Note: If using a software firewall besides the built in Windows Firewall you'll need to exclude MBAM.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

The FAQ contains examples of setting file exclusions for some known AV products

Please post back and let us know how it went.