Malicious Software Removal Tool in Win10 Home won't run

Anonymous
2017-06-12T20:10:34+00:00

I am running Windows 10 Home 64bit. I used to run the Malicious Software Removal Tool, but, all of a sudden, it doesn't run any more.

I've downloaded the most up to date version available from the MS website.

I've tried running it as Admin as well.

But, the tool just doesn't run.

Any ideas, please?

Moved from Windows

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-06-15T18:49:46+00:00

    First lets check the ownership of MRT.exe in the system 32 folder. From properties >security tab click your user account to highlight it then click on Advanced. In the resulting window >Permissions tab, what is shown as Owner, or include a snapshot of the window in your reply. (Don't change anything yet).

    To check the permissions for your account select the Effective access tab then click on Select user, type in your account name then click on Ok and then on View effective access. (Do not change anything yet).

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-06-15T18:02:32+00:00

    Hi Wayne.

    The 'Windows-KB890830-x64-V5.48.exe' file I downloaded from the MS Website, I did as you suggested. put a tick in the box for 'Run as Administrator'.

    Rebooted my Lapltop and tried to run it.

    It doesn't run.

    The 'MRT.exe' file I copied onto the desktop from the System32 folder, well, that runs without any problems.

    However, if I try to run this 'MRT.exe' file from within the System32 folder, or by typing MRT in the run box, then I get a message that says that this app has been blocked by the system administrator.

    I did do an SFC /scannow and that didn't report any issues.

    So, it may be a permission issue, which I'm having difficulty understanding as I'm set up as not just a user, but Administrator.

    So, why doesn't the MSRT file run from my desktop, or why doesn't MRT run from the run box?

    Whilst I'm not an IT expert, I'm not a novice either.

    But, to start messing with permissions for any of the Windows folders, such as System32 or any other folders, I'm a little reluctant.

    But, if someone has exact instrctions as to what to change, I don't have a problem with that.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-06-15T17:26:09+00:00

    RikDatta, Richard,

    I found something of interest, by right clicking your desktop mrt.exe file.>selecting properties >selecting compatibility>at the bottom you will find a box to "Run this program as an administrator" > check the box.

    1.  Reboot to desktop, attempt to execute mrt in run box.  If successful, no need to perform #2.

    2.  Attempt to run the desktop file mrt.exe by clicking it.

    Worth a try in any case....let me know.

    Wayne

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-06-15T15:04:27+00:00

    RikDatta,

    As an aside, you can regain 1.89 GB of disk space by performing a "disk cleanup" from June 2017's Windows Cumulative Update.  If you multiply that amount times twelve months/year  you recover 20 or more GB of disk space.  On a laptop, that's a lot.  Always perform a disk cleanup after monthly Patch Tuesday Updates.

    Later,

    Wayne

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-06-15T14:48:29+00:00

    Richard, RikDatta,

    Thanks Richard for your excellent information.  RikDatta will explore the integrity of his shortcut mrt.exe desktop file and his WinFile 32 location of the same file for corruption and replacement. 

    I am unaware if RikDatta has performed a sfc /scannow   , dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. and a chkdsk /f  as of yet, all to rule out file and disk corruptions.  If not as yet, please do.

    User Account Controls (UAC) in the control panel, has a sliding gauge adjusterworth lowering a notch,, to determine if this has an effect upon administrator permissions.... if this has not been tried already....  found in "Change user account control settings".  

    Carpe diem,

    Wayne

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