Latest Version of Malwarebytes

[Seffrid]

Thanks MM, I appreciate all your comments and advice.

As you say, it's all moot if we're going to be forced off 1.75/2 soon anyway. I certainly don't want to buy a licence and not get much use from it if I then decide not to go with version 3 and don't have a practical option to stay with version 2.

While I continue with the free version and therefore manual-only scans, I shall continue to check the Malwarebytes forum before each scan just to check that there are no possible false positives being reported that are likely to affect me. I got into that habit after the last major issue which fortunately didn't affect me, and I think the recent issue related to business users and a different version altogether.

The previous discussion was here, I know that because I contributed to it and I'm not registered at Malwarebytes. I think it was a discussion AdvancedSetup also contributed to, I guess I can search my own post history for it if necessary but I'm happy to see how things go with my current arrangements while also seeing how things pan out with the version 3 beta.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

You don't have to register at their forum to search for either members or their content.
I am pretty certain you will find content about that there, dating back to around March 2014 and thereafter.

Alas, you missed the opportunity to upgrade to Premium at the old price of $24.95.
The new product, which includes both anti-exploit and anti-ransomware features, is now $39.99 per PC.
Thankfully, however, they seem to have preserved (for now) their small discount for multiple licenses purchased at the same transaction.
If you ever change your mind and decide to upgrade, be very careful purchasing your license anywhere but from the official Malwarebytes online store.
If past history is any example, crooks will try to capitalize on customers looking for a "bargain".
This happened more times than I can remember.

Over and out.

MM

 

[Seffrid]

Hi:

You don't have to register at their forum to search for either members or their content.
I am pretty certain you will find content about that there, dating back to around March 2014 and thereafter.

Alas, you missed the opportunity to upgrade to Premium at the old price of $24.95.
The new product, which includes both anti-exploit and anti-ransomware features, is now $39.99 per PC.
Thankfully, however, they seem to have preserved (for now) their small discount for multiple licenses purchased at the same transaction.
If you ever change your mind and decide to upgrade, be very careful purchasing your license anywhere but from the official Malwarebytes online store.
If past history is any example, crooks will try to capitalize on customers looking for a "bargain".
This happened more times than I can remember.

Over and out.

MM

I realise you don't have to be registered to search etc at their forum, my point was that the discussion I recall was one I contributed to and would have been here because I'm not registered to post there.

The increase in cost at Malwarebytes is unfortunate, and with two computers with a varied amount of usage the overall cost is likely to be pretty off-putting for a pensioner like me! Shame they aren't talking about a reduced charge per computer to cover multiple machines, that used to be pretty standard in the industry in the days when I paid for my protection. I'm not wholly averse to paying now, but I stopped paying because I found the more features I got through paying, the more the machines slowed down.

The financial changes, plus the abrupt end of the beta for version 3 when they've barely scratched the surface of the reported issues, and the immediate abandonment of the other cheaper versions makes me seriously wonder whether there's more to this than first meets the eye. I'll stick as I am and see what transpires. Meanwhile, thanks for all your advice, and best regards.

 

[MoxieMomma]

The increase in cost at Malwarebytes is unfortunate, and with two computers with a varied amount of usage the overall cost is likely to be pretty off-putting for a pensioner like me!

Yes, it is high.
I cannot defend it.
Their justification is the inclusion of 2 new technologies (and the cost to R&D and support them).
They likewise justify it with their assertions that version 3 is a satisfactory "AV replacement".
So, while they insist in an as yet unproved and contradictory manner that one can run it side-by-side with a real, paid AV, it does seem as if they are forcing users to choose one or the other, if for no other reason than cost.
Even those users who can afford to buy both may not be willing to do so.

Alas, if you had purchased a lifetime license before March 2014, you would have been all set.
At least for now, they continue to honor their lifetime licenses, even for the MB3 upgrade.

Shame they aren't talking about a reduced charge per computer to cover multiple machines, that used to be pretty standard in the industry in the days when I paid for my protection.

Thankfully, however, they seem to have preserved (for now) their small discount for multiple licenses purchased at the same transaction.

I just checked their online store.
The discount to purchase multiple licenses at the same transaction seems to be in place for now.
If change the number of licenses being purchased from the default of "1", it will recaculate the purchase price to provide the discount.
And there is a 2-year subscription option, to lock in the current price.

Again, I do not defend or endorse any of this. I am merely passing along information.

MM

 

[z3r010]

They are taking a little bit of a liberty by charging £39 ($49) for it in the UK.

 

[jadinolf]

No one having problems with this release?

My hats off to you!

 

[Frogpond51]

Hi:

Ummm, version 1.75 has not been supported for a long time.
It may still be getting database updates, but I'm not sure.

Version 2.x has been out since March 2014.
It runs on everything from XP to 10.

I highly encourage you to upgrade to 2.2.1.1043, rather than staying with 1.75.
2.2.1.1043 is stable and much more capable than 1.75.
You are far less protected with 1.75 than you would be with 2.2.1.1043.
And, if 1.75 is not receiving updates any longer, the risk of both F/Ps and F/Ns increases substantially.
It would be unhelpful to run 1.75 without current databases.

Alas, in part of the strong-arm tactics to force users to upgrade to MB3, it seems they are no longer offering the installer for 2.2.1.1043 at the MBAM product page or anywhere on the main site.
Perhaps there is a hidden link tucked away somewhere.
As of this moment, it's still available at bleepingcomputer and probably at other 3rd-party sites, such as filehippo or majorgeeks.
I would be VERY careful getting it anywhere else (including cnet), as the file may come with unwanted PUPs or worse....

Cheers,
MM

I may have found a hidden link on official site here...
Malwarebytes |

How do I install Malwarebytes Anti-Malwa...
Accidentally came across looking for support. There is a blue "here" hyperlink under the video screen in the page that downloaded MBAM v. 2.2.1.1043
See snips below.

HTH

Cheers,
Froggy

 

[mjf]

I tried my best to explain that the protection has MUCH more to do than "database" updates.
The scanning engines, heuristics and other features "under the hood" for version 2 are much more robust than in version 1.75. (I used to have a list of all the performance/stability/security enhancements for 2 vs. 1, but TBH, it's been such a long time since v1 was replaced, I cannot find it.)
For one thing, anti-rootkit scanning is BUILT-IN to version 2, making it unnecessary to run MBAR-BETA (Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit BETA) as a standalone. (MBAR-BETA is not intended for casual DIY use by home users without expert guidance -- see disclaimer HERE.)

The point is that 1.75 may still be getting "database" updates for a little while longer.
But that does not mean it is providing good protection or cleanup capability.
The version 2 program itself -- in terms of its scanning engines, anti-rootkit, heuristics and many other features -- provides better protection & cleanup than version 1.75.

I've never had a problem with MBAR -Beta. I don't see what the "expert guidance" is about.
So what is the best suggestion 1) use a V2 install or 2) Install V3? Will V3 attempt real time scanning for the 14 day trial period and clash with my Norton real time scanning? Both 2 & 3 don't seem to have the quick scan option anymore.

Add:
I installed V3 and turned off real time scanning so it doesn't conflict with Norton. Also 2 real time scanning can apparently slow down your PC. When the trial period is over I'm hoping MBAM will still perform the non real time scanning operation.

 

[A Guy]

My weekly full scan with MBAM 2 flagged Auslogics defrag (I still defrag my data HDD). Going to try 3 now that I just made my weekly images. A Guy

 

[mjf]

My weekly full scan with MBAM 2 flagged Auslogics defrag (I still defrag my data HDD). Going to try 3 now that I just made my weekly images. A Guy

My V1.75 did the same thing but wasn't a problem since I haven't used Auslogics defrag for a long time.
When you try V3 let us know what you think.

I don't defrag SSDs obviously and let Windows defrag the HDDs.

 

[kado897]

My weekly full scan with MBAM 2 flagged Auslogics defrag (I still defrag my data HDD). Going to try 3 now that I just made my weekly images. A Guy

Yes. I had that last week. I don't use it much so I let it go. I mainly use Puran.

 

[A Guy]

Installed V3. 1st thing I noticed, no other scanner has slowed my system. I always scan and go right on surfing. Noticed lag several times while scanning. No big deal as I only full scan with everything once a week before making images, but it definitely slowed the system a few times. No issues with EMET. New versions of MBAE can occasionally make me turn of browser parts of EMET. Nada yet with V3 which uninstalled stand alone MBAE during installation. A Guy

 

[kado897]

MB3 does seem to be a real resource hog. It completely locks the system when in it's "preparation" stage and runs at near 100% at times during the scan.

 

[MoxieMomma]

My weekly full scan with MBAM 2 flagged Auslogics defrag (I still defrag my data HDD). Going to try 3 now that I just made my weekly images. A Guy

See here:

AuslogicsDiscDefrag a PUP?? - File Detections - Malwarebytes Forums
Malwarebytes gets tougher on PUPs | Malwarebytes Labs

Apparently, there is a portable version that does not come with PUPs. See here:

PUPs after install - Malwarebytes 3.0 - Malwarebytes Forums

Thanks,
MM

 

[MoxieMomma]

They are taking a little bit of a liberty by charging £39 ($49) for it in the UK.

Wow.
That is too much, especially for what right now is such a buggy, unstable product.

Despite the assertions of side-by-side compatibility, they do seem to be forcing users to choose.
Even those who CAN afford both a paid AV and paid Malwarebytes 3 may not wish to pay for both.

Whether the product really can be used for sole protection remains to be seen. Thus far, we have only the company's marketing materials to substantiate that. Perhaps it really is that good. Time will tell.

MM

 

[MoxieMomma]

Update

I'm happy to report that I was wrong about the lack of a direct way to end the Trial.
See HERE at tenforums.

Briefly, it appears that there are now 3 ways to end the Trial

1. Click the "Deactivate Premium Trial" button/link on the My Account tab of the dashboard (~same as MBAM2)
2. R&R (same as MBAM2)
3. Allow the Trial to expire in 14 days (same as MBAM2)

If I understand the explanation provided, the "End Trial" link in the system tray popup has been eliminated.
But at least there *is* a direct way to end it from the dashboard.
That is good.

I was likewise wrong about the complete disappearance of the MBAM2 installer from their site.
The installer for MBAM2 is still available, at least for now.
It's buried in a LINK in a legacy KB article and hard to find.
Happily, it is still available and there is no need to get it from a 3rd-party site.
That is good, but it ought to be easier to find.

As for the missing MBAM2 Support Content....
Apparently, it is still available, but via what is now essentially an "orphan" link?
Users who do not have the URL bookmarked (especially newcomers to the support page) would not be able to find it.
Heck, after 7 years of EXTENSIVE work at their forum, I could not find it via standard navigation, from the company main page to the "support" link to the "home support" link.

Perhaps I am just lost, trying to navigate the new home/consumer support page.
Unless they have rearranged/updated it, all that's readily accessible to me are a handful of KB articles and (with more digging) a PDF of the MBAM2 UG.
(See screen shot)
Perhaps they will make this content easier to find for those without a bookmark to the old MBAM2 support page?

MM

 

[mjf]

Installed V3. 1st thing I noticed, no other scanner has slowed my system.

When I had MB v3 real time (trial) scanning enabled along with Norton security I did notice a lagging/ slowing effect. Turn MB v3 real time scanning off and things are back to normal. At this stage I plan to use the free capability of MBAM anyway. The PC I'm testing is still a reasonably powerful machine.

When you select SCAN from the dashboard it scans c: relatively quickly (far faster than v1.75). I wonder if this is the old "quick" scan. To scan a specific drive (just like folder & files) you need to right click the drive and select malwarebytes. With v1.75 you clearly had the option to tick select the drive. When you select right click C: and scan it takes longer than SCAN from the dashboard but still far quicker than a full scan with v1.75.
In short it is difficult to understand the functionality difference or gains between v1.75 and v3.0.4.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

In short it is difficult to understand the functionality difference or gains between v1.75 and v3.0.4.

It's been nearly 3 years since version 1.75 was replaced by version 2.x.
So I would have to hunt for a while to find my old verbiage about the differences between 1.75 and 2.x.
But see this earlier reply here in this thread.
TMAVLSS, 2.x is much, much more capable and powerful than version 1.75.
Scan times may be a bit longer than they were under 1.75, especially if rootkit scanning (not available in 1.75) is enabled. That is normal.

The fact that 1.75 still gets database updates does not mean it is current -- heuristic detections and other detection and removal features were improved for version 2.
BTW, Yes, the scans were renamed for version 2. The old "Quick" scan (default and recommended scan type) became the "Threat" scan (default and recommended scan type).

As for version 3.0, it adds to the capabilities of MBAM2 to include both anti-exploit and anti-ransomware protection. These are 2 new technologies to fight some of the more common malware types/vectors in today's threat landscape.
There are also many refinements "under the hood".
But it still lacks several basic functionalities present in a standard AV.
Whether or not it truly "surpasses" traditional AVs (as claimed) remains to be seen.
Whether it really is sufficient for sole protection as an "AV replacement" (as claimed) remains to be seen.
Whether it can also run side-by-side with a real AV, as a souped-up anti-almost-everything-ware & and without AV compatibility problems (as claimed), remains to be seen.

If you are still running 1.75, yes, you really ought to upgrade to at least to 2.2.1.1043 while you still can.
Your valid license entitles you to that upgrade with no new cost.
It is better real-time protection (Premium) and better scanning (Free and Premium).
Upgrading from 1.75 to 2.2.1.1043 will be less of a UI/UX shock than going from 1.75 to 3.x.
Sadly, both 1.75 and 2.2.1.1043 will be officially mothballed in June 2017, regardless.
So, unless the EOS/EOL date changes, you will eventually need to upgrade to 3.x.

HTH,
MM

 

[jadinolf]

Yep, I burned .1043 to CDs just in case.

For the record, the release works just fine on two of my computers (W7) but it made a mess of two other computers.

Didn't try W10. I must learn patience.

 

[Seffrid]

Sadly, both 1.75 and 2.2.1.1043 will be officially mothballed in June 2017, regardless.
So, unless the EOS/EOL date changes, you will eventually need to upgrade to 3.x.

Or find another program that provides the kind of protection that 1.75 and 2.2.1.1043 currently provide, if indeed there is one. Alternatively, some may simply stick with their existing AV and drop the additional layer of protection that Malwarebytes currently look to provide. That's a realistic dilemma for a lot of users if 3.x doesn't have the various concerns about it fully addressed.

Plus, the more Malwarebytes emphasise that MBAM is now an AV, the more users will think they can do without it - its whole appeal was based on the fact that it complemented an AV, not replaced it. That's now clearly changing, and not for the better in my view.