Can't start Spybot

Just today downloaded SpybotSD. I can update by right-clicking on the toolbar icon, and I can "scan using spybot" by right-clicking on the shortcut button, but I cannot get the program to open/launch.

GeorgeB:

Try executing Spybot by double clicking SpybotSD.exe to see if you can start Spybot that way. Some of Spybot's executables are hidden as protected operating system files. To see them:

• Using Windows Explorer navigate to:
  • C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy
• In the Tools menu select Folder Options…
• In the Folder Options dialog select the View tab.
  1. Under the "Hidden files and folders" options:
     • Make sure "Show hidden files and folders" is selected.
     • Not "Do not show hidden files and folders".
  2. Uncheck the following option (see note below):
     • Hide protected operating system file (Recommended)
• Click the Apply button.
• Click the OK button.
• The files should now be displayed

If double clicking SpybotSD.exe does start Spybot, you may have malware preventing it from starting. In that case I suggest that you post in the Malware Removal forum and having someone take a look at your system. If you decide to have an experienced malware removal specialist assist you, please follow the procedure in this link to run scans and produce a HijackThis log:

• "BEFORE you POST"(READ this Procedure BEFORE Requesting Assistance).

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Note: If you uncheck the "Hide protected operating system file (Recommended)" option to view Spybot's executables, I suggest that you return the option to its original setting when you are done.

Thanks. I uncovered SpybotSD.exe, but double-clicking did nothing. Since I've already tried a bunch of stuff that I'm just now reading/learning that I shouldn't have done, I guess I need some malware help. So I'll read the post on what I should do first, then move to that forum.

Good news. For some reason, SpyBot decided to run in Safe Mode. It got rid of Delf.Spod.con (Trojan), Media Plex, Right Media, and Web Trends Live. Then I immunized and rebooted normally. That balloon telling me my compuer is infected is finally gone. Hopefully that takes care of the problem.

Thanks.

GeorgeB:

That seems like progress.

Does Spybot now start when not in Safe Mode?

Yes, I am so pleased.

I also regained my "administrator" privileges and got Windows Defender back up and running.

Besides updating regularly, then immunizing, should I be doing anything else?

GeorgeB:

If you experience any additional problems, please feel free to post back or take advantage of the Malware Removal forum on this site.
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In addition, I would like to thank you for following up on the resolution of your problem and indicating that running Spybot in Safe Mode resolved your inability to start Spybot.

Many posters don't respond one way or the other as to whether or not they able to resolve their problem, not realizing that forums are for the sharing of information and that their feed back is important for helping other posters with similar problems.

I have often suggest running Spybot in Safe Mode if it fails to remove a problem that it detected. However, I have never suggested to try running Spybot in Safe Mode if something was blocking the execution of Spybot.

Because of your feedback, I will make sure that I include that as an option in the future.

Thanks again,
md usa spybot fan

I had the same problem... only this time Spybot wouldn't start in safe mode. So I renamed the spybot.exe file to stybop.exe and double-clicked it and it worked!

sufferinginsilence:

Another good solution. Thank you.