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loralee_gw

New to using Malwarebytes

10 years ago



I have Windows 7


2 potential threats popped up. I tried to do a search on line to explain them to see if I need to delete them. I don't want to delete something I might need.

When I searched on line each threat has a letter A behind them. I am not finding the exact one listed here.

Pup.Optional.DriverUpdate. This does not say what the driver update is. I am wondering if it the the driver for AdblockPlus that I installed that is not working properly.


The other one says Media_player Setup(1).exe Windows Media has been installed for a very long time.


How do I know when Malware comes up with something if I should be deleting it or not.


Thanks for answering this question.


Comments (17)

  • 10 years ago

    They're just set up files that would install software. Once you've installed the software they're not needed and can be deleted. Ignoring the Malwarebytes warning, they're just taking up space on your hard drive. If you would ever need to reinstall the software, just download them again from a reliable source.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Junkware_removal_toolJunkare-removal-toolJunkware-removal-toolJunkware-removal-tool"How do I know when Malware(bytes) comes up with something if I should be deleting it or not."

    Just personal opinion, I'm not a malware expert, but I would trust the anti-malware tool and let it do it's job.

    Regarding the two listed possible threats, and assuming these are truly the same files, they may or may not be...

    Update-setup.exe -> https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/47cb5836bff630ee7e873603c138844024cb4216a3711d5902d60bdd27d39493/analysis/

    Media_Player_Setup(1).exe -> https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/0caeb1cdeeaabd32903d5a5e737486d10f38f4993340b433a990cd39e022f2f6/analysis/

    Personally, I would give Malwarebytes the benefit of the doubt. (and let it delete them) That's just me though. (I figure it knows better than I do)

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

    "Pup.Optional.DriverUpdate. This does not say what the driver update is.
    I am wondering if it the the driver for AdblockPlus that I installed
    that is not working properly."

    I would think not, Adblock Plus doesn't require a driver, but perhaps the presence of malware is causing the Adblock Plus problem? (As well as the ads you were trying to get rid of with Adblock Plus?)

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

    "How do I know when Malware(actually Malwarebytes, Malwarebytes is good, Malware is bad) comes up with something if I should be deleting it or not."


    I don't know enough to always make that determination. If it's something I installed that I know is okay, or am willing to accept the risk, I may override it(very very rarely), otherwise, I'll let Malwarebytes delete it.

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

    "The other one says Media_player Setup(1).exe Windows Media has been installed for a very long time."

    I don't think that "Media_player" has anything to do with "Windows Media Player". Maybe I'm wrong, but I wouldn't assume so.

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

    Malwarebytes is a good tool to be trusted, at least in my non-expert opinion.

    I would also trust (and run) Adwcleaner and Junkware-removal-tool (suggested by Zep here). I'm not a malware removal expert but I believe Zep has training in that area.

    -------------------------------
    As johnc777 says, they are just setup files. Personally though, since Malwarebytes flags them as potential threats, I wouldn't re-download them. :)

    Edit: The link to Junkware Removal Tool seems to break when posted... the trailing slash gets removed. The link is easily found from the 404 page though. :)

    Edit2: Or maybe... http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/junkware-removal-tool/dl/131/

  • 10 years ago

    Media player is adware, not to be confused with windows media player.

    The “Ads by Media Player” infection is designed specifically to make
    money. It generates web traffic, collects sales leads for other dubious
    sites, and will display advertisements and sponsored links within your
    web browser.
    Media Player it’s technically not a virus, but it does exhibit plenty of malicious traits


  • 10 years ago

    Follow Richards instructions.

  • 10 years ago

    Well, it sure fooled me with using the name media player. Goes to show we must be very careful and make sure the name of a familiar product is exact when the name pops up someplace.


    Thank you so much for clarifying this information. So many things have malicious add ons attached to their products.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    If Malewarebytes comes up with maleware, you can bet you need to remove it, no need to do a search just trust it, I have been for many yrs. on all of my PC's and N/P's, pups are not good! and when you do a download read, read, read! remove check mark or click Decline for any add on's.

  • 10 years ago

    I can imagine a lot of people, myself included, have at one time or another been guilty of not doing this:

    " ... go through the custom installations – and never blindly click on Next, Next, Next." (Quoting The Windows Club)


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


    Maybe this read helps in understanding why even highly regarded sites(not by me) resort to it? http://www.thewindowsclub.com/safe-software-download-sites


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


    Personally, having been bitten it the past, I try to take my time. Always do custom installs when available(sometimes the button to do so is grey or low contrast as if they don't want you to see it). Always read each button, link, check box, etc. Sometimes the check box seems deliberately confusing. As do the BIG GREEN DOWNLOAD NOW buttons discussed in the article linked to above.


    Have I ever missed one? Yes. Will I even miss one again? Probably, but less likely because I'll be less trusting next time. :)


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

    A couple things that I use that I think improves my odds...

    (1) Use WOT (Web Of Trust) to help warn me of sites others rate as questionable or unsafe. (Don't take it as gospel though)

    (2) Use an adblocker (also helps guard against maladvertising)

    (3) Don't think of Google as my friend, just a tool.


    This is with my ad blocker (and a couple other privacy tools) disabled but WOT enabled:


    Do you see the Google ads? Do you see how many have the yellow and red icons beside them? Those I know to avoid. Those ads (despite the fact that I know how to avoid them) were NOT served by anyone I'd ever call a friend.


    That's just me though.

  • 10 years ago

    This a real eye opener.


    I have tried and tried to figure out the As blocker Plus. The computer says ABP IS enabled but when I chose and ad filter Easy List it does not block anything nor does it stay selected when I close Firefox.


    I have given up on this. The next time I have to take my computer to the shop I will have the shop computer man install it for me.


    Just makes me nervous now knowing all the bad adverstising that is out there just waiting to take advantage of an innocent bystander.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I don't know Loralee. The way Adblock Plus is behaving for you is not typical. Normally, you just add the extension and you're set to go.

    I'm not a malware removal expert but I suspect you're infected with adware. Maybe I'm wrong. In addition to Malwarebytes, have you used Adwcleaner and the Junkware-removal-tool?

    I would think, if your machine is infected, trying to mask the symptoms with an ad-blocker is not the way to go. (And might not even work)

    Removing the adware should probably be the first step. Then, after it's clean, you can fortify your defenses. WOT, Adblock Plus, a little extra caution(not fear). And just in case... a backup to roll back to. (Cheaper than taking it to the shop)

    I'm just a user though, the little bit I know is mostly due to having made mistakes in the past.

  • 10 years ago

    I work on PCs and have never had a problem with MalwareBytes. I have always let it get rid of anything it says is questionable. Other free programs are IObit Malware Fighter and Advance System Care. Make sure you have an anti-virus program that has real time protection and will automatically update its virus definition and can be setup to schedule scans. I use Zone Alarm antivirus, but there are many good ones out there. Download.com is a good site for finding what is out there.

  • 10 years ago

    Now if someone can help me with voles in my yard............

  • 10 years ago

    Thanks but I have voles not moles.....

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Thanks for the clarification, I was sure that was a typo as I have never heard of voles at least here in western PA. I don't think Malwarebytes will do any good :)

    " Unfortunately the name ‘vole' is very close to the name ‘mole' causing
    some confusion and miscommunication. Even though both can damage
    turfgrass – the differences between voles and moles is vast, and it is
    important to understand that they are not related."

  • 10 years ago

    I know. I never heard of voles until I got one a few years ago. This one is really tearing up my lawn on one side of my house. I bought some poison for moles/voles and put some in the two holes I could see. Wish me luck!

    Malwarebytes is good, but not THAT good!!!

  • 10 years ago

    Unfortunately I have voles, moles and gophers. We got two kittens two years ago and they have done a terrific job of getting rid of all 3. The kitties will be 2 years old next week. We did not have a cat for about 4 years and all these critters must have gotten the word because they all moved in.


    Next Spring, I believe I will finally be able to plant my potatoes again. The voles and or gophers used to go right down the potato row and eat them.

  • 10 years ago

    back to Adblocker plus,


    I never did get it up and running. Will just have to put up with the ads until the next time I have to take my computer in to a shop for something.


    I did have a computer man come to look at it to see if I had any Malware or viruses. but he found none. Somehow he mananged to NOT install the AdblockPlus. Miscommunication on my part. He left thinking he had fixed the pop up ads at least that is what I paid him for and then when a program was finished and the computer rebooted after he left the ads were right there again.



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