MBAM_ERROR_EXPANDING_VARIABLES (0,453)

[JVSCC]

I got the error MBAM_ERROR_EXPANDING_VARIABLES (0,453) when I tried to update the database.

I have been able to do the manual updates pri to this error without any problems.

Any suggestions or solutions?

Thanks

/Joe

[daledoc1]

Hi, JVSCC:

Welcome to MBAM.

Sorry you are having trouble updating MBAM.

Unfortunately, this particular forum is not the correct location for this post.

It's a bit confusing, especially for newcomers, as I expect that "software updates" might have caught your eye.

(This forum is for notification of new version updates to general types of software, not for problems running MBAM.)

There are many reasons why MBAM cannot update.

And, to be honest, I don't recall the exact significance of the error message code you are getting.

(I think it probably results from malware infection.)

But, please provide a bit more info, so that we can better advise how to proceed.

• What is your Operating System (XP, Vista, or Win7)?
  
• Is your OS 32-bit or 64-bit?
  
• What is your OS Service Pack?
  
• What version of MBAM are you running (current is 1.51.0.1200)?
  
• What MBAM database version do you have now (current is 6967)?
  
• What brand and version of antivirus, antimalware, and firewall software do you have?
  
• Do you use a router to connect to the internet?
  
• Has your computer been infected recently, or is it currently showing any other abnormal behavior (browser redirects, IP blocks, etc) to suggest infection?
  

If we have a bit more information, we can try to advise as to how to resolve your update issues & can point you to the correct sub-forum for expert help.

Thanks!

daledoc1

[JVSCC]

Hi, JVSCC:

Welcome to MBAM.

Sorry you are having trouble updating MBAM.

Unfortunately, this particular forum is not the correct location for this post.

It's a bit confusing, especially for newcomers, as I expect that "software updates" might have caught your eye.

(This forum is for notification of new version updates to general types of software, not for problems running MBAM.)

There are many reasons why MBAM cannot update.

And, to be honest, I don't recall the exact significance of the error message code you are getting.

(I think it probably results from malware infection.)

But, please provide a bit more info, so that we can better advise how to proceed.

• What is your Operating System (XP, Vista, or Win7)? Windows 7
  
• Is your OS 32-bit or 64-bit? 64-bit
  
• What is your OS Service Pack? sp 1
  
• What version of MBAM are you running (current is 1.51.0.1200)? was the latest and greatest. then I got an error when I tried to update database and have not recovered since then. I even un-installed with errors and re-installed and still errors? Not sure what version is I purchased it in 2010
  
• What MBAM database version do you have now (current is 6967)? I downloaded the latest from here.
  
• What brand and version of antivirus, antimalware, and firewall software do you have? Norton Internet Security 18.6.0.29
  
• Do you use a router to connect to the internet? Yes
  
• Has your computer been infected recently, or is it currently showing any other abnormal behavior (browser redirects, IP blocks, etc) to suggest infection? No
  

If we have a bit more information, we can try to advise as to how to resolve your update issues & can point you to the correct sub-forum for expert help.

Thanks!

daledoc1

[daledoc1]

Hello, JVSCC:

Thanks for the info.

First, please use the button instead of other ones when you reply here and at the other forums, so that it will be easier to read.

Are you still getting the same error message?

Infection could be 1 cause, but let's try some basic troubleshooting, first, starting with a clean install of MBAM & proper setting of the necessary exclusions for MBAM with Norton.

MBAM Clean Re-installation Instructions:

NOTE: You need to be logged in as an administrator.

1. Download and run mbam-clean.exe from here.

Note:It will ask to restart your computer; please allow it to do so -- very important!

2. After the computer restarts, temporarily disable your Anti-Virus (AV) and install the latest version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from here. (Note: Ignore any promos or ads for other software/products at the mirror sites; and there is no fee to download MBAM Free.)

Note: You will need to reactivate the program using the license you were sent via email, if you are using the PRO version.

3. Launch MBAM (and set the Protection and Registration, if you are using the PRO version).

4. Go to the UPDATE tab, if not done during installation, and check for updates.

5. Restart the computer again (and, if you are using the PRO version, verify that the MBAM icon is in the system tray).

6. Set up any file exclusions as may be required in your Anti-Virus/Internet-Security/Firewall applications. You may use the guides posted in the FAQs here, or ask and we'll explain how to do it. (Specific steps depend on the AntiVirus software vendor & version, and on your computer's OS).

7. Restart your Anti-Virus/Internet-Security applications.

8. Add the program folder(s) for your AV and FW to MBAM's "Ignore List".(Let us know if you need help with this.)

9. Set up your scheduled updates & scheduled scans (this only applies to the PRO version). Scheduler help is available here.

10. Run an MBAM Quick Scan.

-------------------------------------

THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR STEPS 6 AND 8 ABOVE.

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
  

Set Exclusions for Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware in Norton Internet Security 2011 on 64 bit Windows Versions:

1. Open Norton Internet Security and click on Settings at the top
   
2. Click on Computer Settings
   
3. Click Configure [+] to the right of Items to Exclude from Auto-Protect and SONAR
   
4. Click Add
   
5. Make sure that Include subfolders is checked in the small Add Item window
   
6. Click the small folder icon to the right of the blank white space
   
7. In the Browse for Folder window that opens, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)
   
8. Click once on Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to highlight it and click on OK
   
9. Click OK and verify that in the box under The following items are ignored by both Auto-Protect and SONAR: it says C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
   
10. Repeat steps 4-9 for the following files and folders:
    
    • C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes Note: On Vista and 7 this will be C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes
      
    • C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mbam.sys
      
    • C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers\mbamswissarmy.sys
      

[*]Once you have all of those items in your list, click on Apply then click on OK to close that window and then click Apply and OK to close the Settings window

[*]Close the Norton Internet Security window

Reset 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 Do not show hidden files and folders is selected under Hidden files and folders
  
• Next, check the box next to Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
  
• Then, check the box next to Hide extensions for known filetypes
  
• Click Apply then click OK
  

Set Exclusions for Norton Internet Security in Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware:

• Open Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and click on the Ignore List tab
  
• Click the Add button on the lower left
  
• In the small browse window that opens, navigate to C:\Program Files and click once on Norton Internet Security and click OK
  
• Close Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  

Please post back and let us know if this resolves the issue.

Thanks!

daledoc1

[JVSCC]

Thanks so much!

That fixed it, I think the mbam-clean.exe did the trick.

[daledoc1]

Excellent!

Glad you are up and running.

Sometimes, the "devil's in the details".

MBAM works extremely well alongside the major AVs, but sometimes it takes a tweak or 2 to get everything running smoothly.

Enjoy your MBAM and feel free to post back if you need further assistance.

Regards,

daledoc1