Virus Spybot S&D Won't Run

If Spybot stops running, it needs to be fixed quickly.

Spybot: Search and Destroy is a spyware detection and removal program offered free-of-charge by Safer Networking. Spyware is transferred to your computer in similar fashion to viruses in that an email attachment or a website can download the content to your hard drive without your knowledge. Spyware will download pop-up ads to your system and send your personal information to marketing firms. Over time, spyware can make your computer inoperable. Spybot is an effective program for spyware removal and if it stops running, it is important to get it working again as soon as possible.

Instructions

1. Disable any other security software temporarily. It may be interfering with Spybot's ability to run. Once the other software is turned off, try restarting Spybot.

2. Uninstall Spybot by accessing your Control Panel through the Start Menu. Choose "Add or Remove Programs" and select Spybot from the program list before clicking "Remove." Re-download the program and install it again to see if this fixes the error.

3. Restart your computer in Safe Mode by holding down F6 while the computer reboots. Try opening and running Spybot again in Safe Mode. If a spyware program is preventing Spybot from functioning, Safe Mode may disable it temporarily and allow Spybot to function and locate the spyware program.

4. Rename Spybot.exe to another file. Access the program file and click on "Folder Options" in the Tools menu. In the tab "View," uncheck "Hide protected operating system file (Recommended)" and click "Apply." You should now see the Spybot.exe file. Click on it and change the name to either firefox.exe or iexplorer.exe and try to run it again.

References

• Spybot: Overview
• Spybot FAQ: Program Not Opening
• Spybot FAQ: Program Freezes

Resources

• Safer Networking: Spybot