Unknown popups at startup -( taskeng.exe and smp.exe) need assistance

FDM · 12 Sep 2014

At startup I am continually getting two popup windows - one is titled taskeng.exe and except for the title is blank and the other window has a title .smp.exe and contains the following statement: A problem has caused the program to stop working properly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available. There is a Close button located at the bottom of the window. Closing it does not prevent its reappearance.

The only things I have done just prior to this abberation is to install the latest Windows updates (all related to Microsoft Office) and from CNET downloads I installed Free .wma to MP3,wave converter program (even though I customized this install and rejected several 3rd party apps, I apparently still got at least two that I have so far identified (YT Downloader.exe and an unwanted toolbar, both of which I uninstalled.

I find no instance of .smp or YT Downloader on my hard drive now, but still get the popups described above.

Anyone have thoughts on why this is happening and if a fix exists short of a system restore?

Thanks, Frank

JDobbsy1987 · 12 Sep 2014

Hi,

I would possibly start with a few security scans to rule any malicious software out:

Anti-Virus - Update your Anti-Virus and do a full scan
If you don't have an Anti-Virus i recommend Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

Anti-Malware - Download and Install MalwareBytes
Download the free edition here - https://www.malwarebytes.org/

Anti-Spyware - Download and Install SuperAntiSpyware
Download the free edition here - SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

After running those please post back advising if it has resolved the issue or not.

Regards,
Jamie

FDM · 13 Sep 2014

Thanks for the response, Jamie.

I had run virus scans (Stinger and MS Security Essentials) and malwarebytes but popups continued. Today I ran SuperAntispyware. Thereafter, the popups have not appeared with two successive boots. Hopefully the issue is resolved.

Thanks again,

Frank

ThrashZone · 13 Sep 2014

Hi you might give Adwcleaner a spin it's quick,
Post any scan text report for review,
Review Jacee’s instructions to run Adwcleaner here post #7,
Ignore the title of the thread,
Instant Savings App
Screen shot of the download button to use for Adwcleaner

JDobbsy1987 · 13 Sep 2014

FDM said:

Thanks for the response, Jamie.

I had run virus scans (Stinger and MS Security Essentials) and malwarebytes but popups continued. Today I ran SuperAntispyware. Thereafter, the popups have not appeared with two successive boots. Hopefully the issue is resolved.

Thanks again,

Frank

Hopefully all good then, fingers crossed

ThrashZone said:

Hi you might give Adwcleaner a spin it's quick,
Post any scan text report for review,
Review Jacee’s instructions to run Adwcleaner here post #7,
Ignore the title of the thread,
Instant Savings App
Screen shot of the download button to use for Adwcleaner

Great addition to making sure the computer is clean.

Regards,
Jamie

FDM · 14 Sep 2014

Many thanks to Jamie and ThrashZone for their assistance - after several boots still not getting the popups.

Frank