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#11
How can VProtect suddenly appear in my msconfig startup programmes without so much as a by your leave! How did it access my PC without my knowing or my permission?
It could have come with some other program you installed. You have to always uncheck all those drag-along programs. But sometimes they are really hidden. Very common ones that come with other programs are toolbars for your browser.
Just uninstall the bugger. Use the advanced option of Revo to make sure it is completely gone.
VProtect might be related to a remote monitoring/viewing/recording software package (providing it's not some kind of malware disguising itself as VProtect.)
VProtect
Did anybody access your computer remotely to help you troubleshoot a problem? Do you have any kind of security system with closed circuit cameras? If you've successfully uninstalled it as whs suggested, I'd run a full scan with your antimalware tool of choice. I'd also suggest using the free Malwarebytes as a supplemental scanner. (The link compares the free vs. the paid version and has a download button for either.) It seems to find things other tools miss. You could also use the free Hitman Pro and SuperAntispyware for additional supplemental scans.
Thanks for your advice on the above. Nobody else has access to my computer and no outside trouble shooting. I have unchecked it but I cannot find it's location to uninstall it. I'm no expert but I have looked in regedit (only looked) and Malwarebytes and other scans show up clean. The file location is shown as "C:\Programme Files HKLM\SOFTWARE followed by; Wow 6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
It doesn' seem to be a threat but I would like to have it gone. Thanks again.
I myself only have the the antivirus and the sidebar checked up on that list, however on someone else's HP netbook, I think I disabled some essential startup items in there that Wifi and Bluetooth did not work, only when the support guy enabled them again on the list did I see, those were needed to start the Wifi and Bluetooth. Remember, that was on a netbook. So there may be a different preference on the way someone should disable items in there on the laptop/netbook and on the desktop PC.
On the Desktop PC, its OK and even recommendable to leave only the antivirus and the sidebar enabled. One could disable the sidebar anyway if not wanted leaving only the antivirus enabled.
But on a Netbook/Laptop, you may have to leave a few more items ticked such as those labelled with "Intel", "Power", "Dell" or "HP" (depending on the manufacturer) because some devices or features on the netbook/laptop such as power and brightness control panels and wireless connectivity depended on these startup items.
The problem can be with HP Connection manager, crapware that adds 30 seconds to boot time and is buggy. It needs to be turned off first in its Preferences by selecting to use another manager. Then it can also be uninstalled so it doesn't come back to bother you.
Use Win7's superior built-in connection manager in system tray, including a Troubleshooter that actually fixes things.
You can uninstall all mention of VProtect from the registry. But first back up your registry by creating a Restore Point.
Registry - Backup and Restore
Since you've already located one instance of VProtect in the registry there could be more. You can delete it > click F3 (top row of keyboard) and the search will continue for any other mention of VProtect. If another is found, delete > F3. Continue until you get a prompt that the search has finished. I'd run a second search just to be sure. Sometimes you may get a prompt that the delete could not be done. Ignore and just click F3 to continue the search. You can always go back on a second or even third search to see if you can then delete it.
Hey, what programs are good to take away from your startup list on my Samsung 'netbook'/laptop?
And do i need to leave the 'Advanced' ones alone? I have windows 7 home premium, at the mo i have the avg tray monitor, Adobe acrobat speed launcher, ROC_roc_dec12, and vprotect application (which seems to be to do with AVG Secure Search), the rest i have unchecked, do i need any other programs running? And should i touch the advanced list?
Thanks :)
I would uninstall the AVG bloatware and install free Microsoft Security Essentials.
Next type msconfig in Start Search box, rightclick to run as Admin, uncheck everything in Startup tab except MS listings for MSE and gadgets if you use them.
After several reboots check back that nothing has written itself back in - if so turn it off in it's Program Prefs or uninstall it. Then enter msconfig>Services, select Hide All MS Services then uncheck all but the AV listing.
There are other steps here to Clean up factory bloatware to gain back performance.