Malicious Software Removal Tool in Win10 Home won't run

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

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

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.

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).

RikDatta,

I understand your hesitancy to mess with permissions.    

I did forget to mention to click the identical box in the system32 file mrt file....so that they don't conflict with each other.  You could just try this out, and reverse the changes made afterward once you determine that it made no difference..  You did previously create a shortcut for this file for your desktop...so I know you can do it.

There is always a within Windows 10 Repair installation, that can be performed by first creating installation media to a USB flash drive.  That flash drive is then opened within the Windows Desktop and install is executed there within the Windows 10 system.  This is called a repair installation, and this option can preserve all your files, apps, and programs if you choose to do so.  This is something to consider.

On the other hand, if you can live with running the mrt.exe file by clicking it, then nothing further would need to be done.  It's up to you.  I can't say why the run box method used to work, but no longer does.

Wayne