8 replies to this topic

[Dewey650]

I was trying Malwarebytes for the first time, so I am using the latest version, 1.37, and have only tried this version. I installed it without problems and ran the “quick scan” to completion. It found two registry entries and removed them. The problem occurs during the “full scan” when the program (not computer) freezes on the folder C:\RECYCLER\S-1-5…. repeatedly. I have tried uninstalling/reinstalling, uninstalling/clean-up utility/reinstall, all with clean reboots and d’loads in between, with the same results.

So as an experiment I went ahead and loaded MBAM on my other computer which has the very same security software and settings as the one having problems. It ran perfect. Quick scan – OK (found two registry keys it didn’t like and removed them), Full scan – OK.

I became suspicious of an infection on the first machine and so ran virus (AVG), spyware (SAS, AVG & S&D) and rootkit (AVG & Blacklight) scans, with them all showing clean as a result. The computer also shows no outward signs of infection. The freezing does not appear to be unheard of by the other threads I’ve found on the forum. So I figured I would add to the info you have received to possibly help you in finding a solution.

The security software on both machines is as follows:
AVG Free 8.5.339 (latest updates)
ZA Free 7.0.483.000
Spybot S&D 1.6.2 (SDHelper & TeaTimer active)
Spywareblaster
SAS (on demand)

Specs for computer that the MBAM freezes on:
Intel Core2 Duo E6750 @2.66GHz
Asus P5N32-E SLI
NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI SPP
2.0 GB RAM
All drives are SATA
Nvidia 8800GTX
Windows XP Home SP3 (fully patched)
IE8 (fully patched)

Specs for computer that the MBAM runs OK on:
AMD Athlon XP 2800+ @2.21GHz
Shuttle AN35N-ULTRA
NVIDIA nForce2 Ultra 400
1.5 GB RAM (Dual channel)
All drives IDE
Nvidia 6600GT
Windows XP Home SP3 (fully patched)
IE8 (fully patched)

From my limited use, I do like the program and can see it being one of my main tools for fighting spyware. I wish you success in finding a solution.

[Maniac]

Hello!

Try this:

[indent]Basic procedures to correct freezing issues often due to other Security Software

• Uninstall Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware using Add/Remove programs in the control panel.
  
• Restart your computer (very important).
  
• Download and run this utility.
  
• It will ask to restart your computer (please allow it to).
  
• After the computer restarts, install the latest version from here
  Note: If you're using a PAID version of Malwareybtes, you will need to reactivate the program using the license you were sent via e-mail.

BEFORE registering and starting the Protection Module, locate the Exclusion List for your Anti-Virus. Probably under an advanced menu in the program.
Add the following folders, sub-folders if you can, at a minimum add the files to the exclusion to be safe.

• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
• 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
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe

[/indent]

[k9cop]

Maniac, on Jun 2 2009, 11:56 AM, said:

Hello!

Try this:

[indent]Basic procedures to correct freezing issues often due to other Security Software

• Uninstall Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware using Add/Remove programs in the control panel.
  
• Restart your computer (very important).
  
• Download and run this utility.
  
• It will ask to restart your computer (please allow it to).
  
• After the computer restarts, install the latest version from here
  Note: If you're using a PAID version of Malwareybtes, you will need to reactivate the program using the license you were sent via e-mail.

BEFORE registering and starting the Protection Module, locate the Exclusion List for your Anti-Virus. Probably under an advanced menu in the program.
Add the following folders, sub-folders if you can, at a minimum add the files to the exclusion to be safe.

• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
• 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
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe

[/indent]

Tried all of that doesn't work either keep working at it ..........

[Dewey650]

Maniac:
I had found that in another thread and I have tried it without success. My post is a little on the long side, but that is what I meant by "uninstalling/clean-up utility/reinstall". I am also only running the free version, so the Protection module doesn't apply. Thanks for the info thou.

[Dewey650]

I updated my version 1.37 to 1.38 using the in program update. I than ran a full scan which froze as described in the original post. I then uninstalled MBAM, rebooted and ran the clean-up utility (also ran ccleaner after) as described above for a clean install followed by the reboot.

I am reporting that the problem still exists as originally posted.

I am able to run a quick scan as before, which I understand to be what should be used unless you are experiencing an infection.

If there would be any other info you would need to help with a fix let me know. Otherwise I will continue to wait and see what the next update brings. Thanks for the efforts and a great tool in the battle agaisnt spyware.

[AdvancedSetup]

If you have the time and want to go to the trouble... I can understand if you don't, but if you do. Try temporarily FULLY uninstalling
All of these programs (make sure you have any required registrations so that you can re register if needed)

AVG Free 8.5.339 (latest updates)
ZA Free 7.0.483.000
Spybot S&D 1.6.2 (SDHelper & TeaTimer active)
SAS (on demand)


Reboot the computer

1. Uninstall Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware using Add/Remove programs in the control panel.
2. Restart your computer (very important).
3. Download and run this utility. http://www.malwareby.../mbam-clean.exe
4. It will ask to restart your computer (please allow it to).
5. After the computer restarts, install the latest version from here. http://www.malwareby...am-download.php

Then ensure you UPDATE the program and run FULL SCAN and let us know how it goes. If it does freeze then let it continue to run for at least 45 minutes before trying to shut it down manually. Also let us know what it appeared to be scanning when it froze.

[Dewey650]

AdvancedSetup,

I have successfully gotten MBAM to complete a full scan.

As you indicated, I was not eager to uninstall everything as requested. But instead took a slower progressive approach to uninstalling the programs. I started with the easy items, SAS and S&D, which resulted in the same failure to complete a full scan.

I then uninstalled Zonealarm cleanly (ZA Free 7.0.483.000) and did the usual uninstalling/reinstalled MBAM as instructed. This time the full scan completed successfully. Scanning 183760 objects in 27:42 mins. With no issues found.

AVG (which would have been a pain to reinstall and get my email accounts all set up again) is still installed and was fully functional during the successful scan. I have been using ZA for a while now and have learned not to jump on a new version too quickly. I have had issues with system slow down though most new versions of ZA till they iron out the bugs. This is why I still am using version 7 and have yet to try 8.

Now I am not sure if I should try loading ZA 7.0.483 back on or not. Suggestions?

I hope this helps you in your search for a solution.

[exile360]

You can give it a shot, just re-exclude all of MBAM's files as directed and hopefully this time it will work correctly.

[Dewey650]

I have reinstalled ZA 7.0.483, which was on before. Added the following to the allowed list (which I had done before also, with no success):

• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe
  
• C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe

Every thing appears to be working well together. A full scan completed successfully ... Problem with freezing resolved.

I did notice that the scan took more then 5 mins longer for 185496 objects ... interesting.

Thanks for the help and suggestions.