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Unable to uninstall a program
I have a program called thinkorswim.exe. When I click on it, it just "spins" and locks up some of the computer (such as Windows explorer). I see nothing in the tasks list if I want to delete the process. I try to uninstall it from Add&Remove, but it just hangs.
I searched on Google and found a "Spyware" website that seemed to have information about this, but NOD32 antivirus/antispyware blocked it. (glad of it).
how do I get rid of this program? I tried restoring Windows to a restore point, but every one of them fails. very suspicious.
soon, I should probably just return the machine to factory settings, but I'd rather just clean it up.
thanks for any advice!
I did a virus scan using NOD32 and it found 12 infiltrations, which I deleted. Search&Destroy found nothing.
I searched on Google and found a "Spyware" website that seemed to have information about this, but NOD32 antivirus/antispyware blocked it. (glad of it).
how do I get rid of this program? I tried restoring Windows to a restore point, but every one of them fails. very suspicious.
soon, I should probably just return the machine to factory settings, but I'd rather just clean it up.
thanks for any advice!
I did a virus scan using NOD32 and it found 12 infiltrations, which I deleted. Search&Destroy found nothing.
Windows Vista
Last Comment
cornell256
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try to restart your system and than uninstall there could be some process not named the same as the program could be in used and locked
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ASKER
The problem with doing a reinstall of the OS is that I don't have time to reinstall all of the other stuff right now - it would take me many hours. I know I'll have to do a reinstall at some point -
ASKER
re kenycl solution - I've tried this many times over the past few days, restarting system unlocks the spinning program, but I still cannot uninstall it.
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ASKER
I'll try, starting with safe mode. Tomorrow, if I can, and I will report back. thanks, all.
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ASKER
I like the suggestion of arunkumar_neo and will do that to try to clean the machine. In the meantime, Thinkorswim sent me uninstall instructions which I will try. The other programs mentioned are good reference programs which I will try if need be. Thanks everyone, I'll report back.
You can also try running Combofix. This tool is awesome, i rate it 5/5 in comparsion to any malware/torjan/virus removing utility. Try it.
Here's the link to download it: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/combofix
Here's the link to download it: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/combofix
ASKER
I'm running AV in safe mode, think it will take forever.
ASKER
searching google for "is combofix safe", I find some questions. Perhaps this would be true of otehr programs recommended here also. anyone know if any of the recommendations above are truly safe?
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ASKER
thanks, however is it possible malware caused the initial corruption?
thinkorswim sent me instructions to delete, there is no uninstall, it is just deleting files so I'll try that. autoruns sounds good if I need it
thinkorswim sent me instructions to delete, there is no uninstall, it is just deleting files so I'll try that. autoruns sounds good if I need it
" is it possible malware caused the initial corruption?"
If everything else is running normally, I would say that is highly unlikely.
If everything else is running normally, I would say that is highly unlikely.
I have tried myself and i feel combofix is safe. Try it, it clears all the junk from the system and make it run faster.
ASKER
the comments say it has a rootkit in it so I am scared to run it.
I just deleted the program files in safe mode (they would not delete otherwise) and I was going to try the autorun next. I am going to reinstall, and maybe all will be well.
I just deleted the program files in safe mode (they would not delete otherwise) and I was going to try the autorun next. I am going to reinstall, and maybe all will be well.
ASKER
I reinstalled in safe mode since I was unable to install in regular mode, but the program hangs again when launching (in safe mode). I seem to remember something about a missing file yesterday. I wonder if there is a Windows file that is corrupted or missing that this app relies on.
ASKER
what a bother - methinks I will have to rebuild my OS
I suspect it is your anti-virus preventing it from running.
ASKER
I'll try disabling NOD32 and try. It's been working fine for weeks until Friday. Thanks, I'll report back later.
If you are going to rebuild the OS, you can try running combofix if it resolves the issue and then if you want you can rebuild it.
ASKER
right - re combofix - I could uninstall the program in safe mode, but then could not reinstall except in safe mode, and now cannot get it to run. The program is fine - I have it running on a second laptop.
I may not get to this until the weekend - thanks everyone.
I may not get to this until the weekend - thanks everyone.
ASKER
I have not forgotten everyone's kindness about this - not sure what to do. I'll probably just rebuild the machine and divide points among everyone who made a reasonable suggestion.
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ASKER
Thanks - I was able to install by deleting the directories because the registry was not involved. I downloaded the application again, and get the same hang I was getting before. So uninstall is not the problem now. I guess I should close the bug and reopen with a different title.
Have you run Combofix?
ASKER
no, can't really do anything until the weekend due to work demands -
ASKER
tried running Combofix, it won't run, probably the same reason TOS won't run.
I am going to rebuild my computer.
thanks for the help, everyone.
I guess the fairest thing to do is award points to everyone for offering a solution?
I am going to rebuild my computer.
thanks for the help, everyone.
I guess the fairest thing to do is award points to everyone for offering a solution?
ASKER
No solution fixed my issue, but everyone offered a solution that could help a similar problem.
ASKER
Thanks everyone, I think I gave each of you 62 points (there were 4 left over and I just closed my eyes and pointed for those). For some reason, the system gave the first comment the rating (which is not inaccurate as it stands).