Warning about Malwarebytes

[Matilda]

I've used Malwarebytes for years, and have the Premium version, so bought and paid for.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a notice to upgrade to a newer version, so I followed the prompts and did it. But last week, on receiving a prompt that I wasn't fully protected, I checked the icon and found that the button for dealing with malware was off. I turned it on, but it switched off again, and kept doing that.

So, as you do, I contacted Malwarebytes and asked for advice. They told me to use a Clean program, which would remove the program from my site, fix it, and download again. But something went wrong with the download, and now I have no Malwarebytes program at all.

I've sent them four emails asking for support, and all they do is take out a new ticket for each one, but never contact me. I have eight months left to run on my subscription, no program in place to deal with Malware, and they're ignoring me. They obviously realise I'm in Australia and can't do anything about it.

I've always thought it was a good program, but now I'll have to find something else. But most of all, I hate the attitude, which is, basically, "get stuffed".

So be careful before you buy.

[eppur_se_muova]

1. I had a similar problem a number of months ago.

Eventually, a clean uninstall/reinstall fixed it, but it took about three tries, and a similar number of email exchanges.

"something went wrong with the d/l" -- um, try the d/l again. Ask for checksums if you continue to have problems, or ask for an alternate way to d/l or email.

[Matilda]

4. Because Malwarebytes was uninstalled by their program,

I can't reinstall. I checked the Control Panel, but it's definitely gone. So I'm at their mercy. Funny thing is, I have Malwarebytes on my laptop as well, and the update went smoothly; no problems at all.

Luckily, I have Webroot anti-virus, which is pretty good at spotting bad stuff, but I'll keep at Malwarebytes a bit longer. I'm mad that I've paid for it but can't use it!

And can I ask, what is a "checksum"?

[eppur_se_muova]

5. It's a string of characters that is supplied with many downloads for an integrity check.

MWB may not supply this by default; I seem to remember they don't, but you can double-check their Web page or email them.

Usually it's an "MD5" or SHAsum.

You will need to run a checksum program to find the checksum of your file after the d/l. The sender (or Web page) should supply an authentic checksum. If the two don't match, the data is corrupted.

BTW, I don't see why you can't reinstall, as long as you saved your registration code. Just download the installer for the free version and run it. First time you run MWB, it should ask if you want to upgrade to the full version. Just click Yes and provide your reg'n code. If it doesn't ask, look through the menus -- there's always a way to upgrade to the $$$ version within the free/trial version.

[True Dough]

2. I use the free version of Malware Bytes

which doesn't offer live protection, just scans. However, I also use "NoScript" which block JavaScript, a fairly common method of delivering viruses. Both were on the advice of an IT guy.

I've been without a anti-virus protection program for about four years. Not one virus over the period. Meanwhile, I got infected prior to that while running Norton once and while running BitDefender once.

So I'll keep going without.

[hlthe2b]

3. I have that problem right now, but have found rebooting usually fixes it, at least for a while

It is basically fine for quite a while--even through several active-wake-sleep cycles on both my Win 10 and 7 laptops-- but every once in a while I get the notice pop up that web continuous protection has turned off and if I try to tell it to toggle back on, it continually gives the "loading" icon but never starts up. However, rebooting does fix it and given your problems with a fresh install, I think I will stick with my temporary "fix".

[Denzil_DC]

6. Try the Malwarebytes support forums if you haven't done so already:

Last edited Thu Oct 26, 2017, 08:19 PM - Edit history (1)

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/

You're not the only one experiencing this problem (but there's no solution at this link) https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/213440-malware-protection-is-off-%E2%80%93-won%E2%80%99t-stay-on/ (nor this one, which is apparently posted in the correct subforum there for this sort of issue) https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/213468-malware-protection-is-off-%E2%80%93-won%E2%80%99t-stay-on/

I haven't searched it more thoroughly, but it seems pretty active, so could sign up and post your issue there - you have a slightly different problem now than those above, a difficulty downloading the program for a fresh install, so maybe you could post specifically about that and point out the lack of response from Malwarebytes so far.

[Matilda]

7. I haven't tried yet -

I always find them daunting - so many pages of questions, but your links may help.

I did hear back, finally, and they told me to clean again, and download the new upgrade again, which I did. Worked for about a week, then started switching off protection buttons again.

So now they'e given me to a link for the upgrade to the upgrade - I've done it, and it's okay for now, but this is day one, so we shall see. Meanwhile, I'll go through the forums and see what I can find.

[Denzil_DC]

8. Oh well, at least you're ahead of where you were when you posted your OP!

Fingers crossed their solution will work this time.

[Matilda]

9. I'm hoping, but sceptical.

Yet my laptop has the same upgrade, and it's been perfect. Maybe my computer has something to do with it, although it's only two years old.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

10. Microsoft term for a 2 year old PC:

"Full depreciated"

The only reason anyone uses m$ is because everyone else does. Maybe one day someone will notice that the emperor has no clothes.