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cesemj
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Not a valid win 32 application

Hello,
I receive a error message that says, Not a valid win 32 application when I try to install a virus or spyware remover (symantec, Spybot, hijack this).   I can scan the c drive, but cannot update my virus definitions either when I click on live update.  When I boot into safe mode I get the blue screen of death.

Thank you,
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Vee_Mod

8/22/2022 - Mon
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Member_2_49692

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Member_2_49692

Try also downloading hijack this again but before you hit the save button change the name of it tpo something like Dudex.exe or something erroneous.
Member_2_49692

Try an online scanner such as bitdefender
http://www.bitdefender.com 

Let me know the specific blue screen error.
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rpggamergirl

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cesemj

ASKER
I am trying your suggestions now, and let you all know what happens.
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rpggamergirl

Didn't see briancassin's post.....

yes run it with kill all switch.

"%userprofile%\desktop\ComboFix.exe" /KillAll


briancassin,
You  copied my advice from this link, yet on that thread you DID NOT agree with me.
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/23312734/Cannot-run-any-antivirus-or-boot-in-safe-mode.html
Member_2_49692

rpggamergirl,
If you want to discuss other threads with me then open a discussion someplace else other then in a current questioners thread as I think this is inappropriate to discuss here in front of another questioner while trying to resolve there issue. If you like I can email you and we can discuss it through email.

However in short I did not agree with going forward trying to remove the infection based on the number of items in that particular questioners system, including the consideration of how long the other infections had been present on the system, and that he had been rootkitted. Each case is individual depending on how bad the system is infected. He had 5 major infections that did a variety of registry damage and system compromization. If he just had bagle that is one thing, he didn't so that is why I recommended what I did. It was not to go against you personally it was only my analyzation of the situation.

I try to give best advice based on several factors such as time spent vs benefit, vs overall security compromization, vs technical skills of questioner vs system stability, vs overall damage to system vs how secure the system will be after the fact.

cesemj,

Apologies for the side discussion, please let us know what your results are so we can further assist you.
cesemj

ASKER
I ran ComboFix and hijack this as dudex and so far no issues.

Thank you,

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Member_2_49692

your going to want to post those logfiles to make sure the infection is gone. I would also run bitdefender too...

just because combofix and hijack this are running does not mean everything is totally resolved.
Vee_Mod

briancassin,
Actually, I think it is entirely appropriate for rpggamergirl to mention the fact that you copied her work - right here in the question where you copied it.

It is important for the Asker (and future users of the search function) to know which Experts actually comprehend this topic, and which ones are just using other people's knowledge - without attribution.

If you want to start a "Private Conference" with me, you know the procedure.

Vee_Mod
Experts Exchange Moderator