topic "inststab.exe" appearing multi times In Windows Task Manager...can't find...can't remove!! in Norton Internet Security / Norton AntiVirus

"inststab.exe" appearing multi times In Windows Task Manager...can't find...can't remove!!

rgurley4 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:31:12 GMT

"inststub.exe" (56 kb) appears multi times (~10) in Window Task Manager
Ctrl + Alt + delete (processes tab).
"Access denied" when try to stop.

Search: auto and manual can't find "inststub.exe".
4 wierd overlays on MS Outlook email app on standard toolbar.

Outlook closed/opened.
Chat: No help...Performance OK

Your Priority ID is [removed]

http://www.norton.com/virushelp

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=ZIRDRHYTINMHDKDCWLL

[edit: removed support session ID per the Participation Guidelines and Terms of Service.]

Re: "inststab.exe" appearing multi times In Windows Task Manager...can't find...can't remo

rgurley4 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:57:26 GMT

BACKGROUND: 2010 Norton NIS / NAV
1. Stand alone Compaq computer with MS Windows XP op sys
2. cable modem HS
3. MS IE 8 web browser
4. Metacrawler.com search engine
5.Surfing top ~10 hits on "Jeanne Crain"...multiple popups were quickly "closed"
BEWARE: MAYBE: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002022/bio
http://www.fanpix.net/photo/gallery/jeanne-crain-picture-gallery-2.htm
PROBLEM:
"inststub.exe" (56 kb) appears multi times (~10) in Window Task Manager
Ctrl + Alt + Delete (Processes tab).
"Access denied" when try to stop.
Searches: auto and manual and Norton can't find "inststub.exe".
4 wierd overlays on MS Outlook email app on standard toolbar. Outlook closed/opened.
Norton Self Support and Chat: No help
Norton Icon disappeared from bottom right toolbar,
and Norton shortcuts to "Program" were disabled except for "Support" short cut

SOLUTION:
"inststub.exe" was manually found "hiding" in Norton Internet Service!
When I clicked on it, an invitation to uninstall + replace Norton appeared! Closed... Then "inststub.exe" disappeared!
For the first time: Off/Restart:
1. all ~10 "inststub.exe" in Window Task Manager processes disappeared.
2. Norton icon reappeared / Norton fully rebooted and functional
3. "My Web Search" / "Mindstart" app removed in normal way: 4 wierd overlays on MS Outlook email app disappeared
4. Restart
5. Ran Norton live up dates + system scan with no problems detected.

EXPLANATION:
1. While surfing for "Jeanne Crain", popups downloaded "inststub.exe".
2. "My Web Search" / "Mindstart" is VERY invasive and a complex web marketing tool:
Smiley Central, Zwinky, My Fun Cards, Popular Screensavers, Cursor Mania, and/ or Webfetti

Re: "inststab.exe" appearing multi times In Windows Task Manager...can't find...can't remo

delphinium — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:31:49 GMT

We have seen MyWebSearch often on the forum. I recommend another cross-check with either Malwarebytes free version or Superantispyware to remove the marketing stuff that doesn't trigger Norton.

http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

www.superantispyware.com

http://www.superantispyware.com/portablescanner.html