Spybot doesn't run - What you should do
Certain malicious software prevents Spybot-Search&Destroy from executing. The instructions below may resolve the problem.
Step # 1: Start Spybot via its .scr files
- Click Start
- Click My Computer
- Go to C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy
- In the Tools menu select Folder Options
- In the Folder Options dialog select the View tab
- Make sure "Show hidden files and folders" is selected
- Click Ok
Look for a randomly named file with a .scr extension (JLOSSAOBEIIZCOIQOD.scr for example). Double click on that file.
If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, right click on the randomly named file with the .scr extension and choose run as administrator.
If Step # 1 doesn’t execute Spybot, try the next one:
Step # 2: Rename SpybotSD.exe
Follow these instructions if you couldn't see SpybotSD.exe under Step # 1:
- Click Start
- Click My Computer
- Go to C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy
- In the Tools menu select Folder Options
- In the Folder Options dialog select the View tab
- Uncheck the "Hide protected operating system file (Recommended)" option
- Click Apply
- Click Ok
- Look for the file SpybotSD.exe
- Right click on it and choose rename
- Rename SpybotSD.exe into something random, like oi4iqwer5.exe.
Double click on the renamed SpybotSD.exe file (Windows 2000, Windows XP).
If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, right click on the randomly named file with the .scr extension and choose run as administrator.
Note:
If you have unchecked the "Hide protected operating system file (Recommended)" option and "Show hidden files and folders" to view Spybot's executables, it is recommended that you retick it to its original setting when you are done.
If Step # 2 didn't help you, see Step # 3:
Step # 3: Run Spybot in Safe Mode
Please follow the instructions according to which operating system you use:
Windows 2000
- Reboot your computer.
- When you see the black-and-white Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen, start tapping the F8 key. The Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu appears.
- Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected. In most cases, it is the first item in the list and is selected by default.
- Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
- When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.
Windows XP / Windows Vista /Windows 7
- Reboot your computer.
- After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, begin tapping F8. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
- Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
- Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
- When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.
Once your computer has loaded, try to run Spybot as described under Step # 1+2.
Step # 4: Malware Removal Forum
If none of the above resolved the issue:
Please read this FAQ: "BEFORE you POST"(READ this Procedure BEFORE Requesting Assistance)
Then start your own thread in the Malware Removal Forum and post your DDS.txt logfile. An analyst will advise you as soon as available.
