I know that there is a real msiexec.exe that is okay, but today I began to get persistent alerts that "An unidentified program wants access to your computer" for msiexec.exe, which I have never seen before. It is very persistent. Previously I ran a scan using Norton 360, but since that alert began Norton fails to complete its scan. I am concerned this is a trojan spoofing msiexec.exe , want the alerts to stop, and want Norton 360 to complete its scan. Any word on this?
Jon_Roland wrote:I know that there is a real msiexec.exe that is okay, but today I began to get persistent alerts that "An unidentified program wants access to your computer" for msiexec.exe, which I have never seen before. It is very persistent. Previously I ran a scan using Norton 360, but since that alert began Norton fails to complete its scan. I am concerned this is a trojan spoofing msiexec.exe , want the alerts to stop, and want Norton 360 to complete its scan. Any word on this?
Welcome Jon
The first thing I'd try is to run a full scan in safe mode. Then
I'd suggest downloading the free version of Malwarebytes scanner, installing it, running the update and then doing a full scan.
After that I'd download the Norton Power Eraser and run it. If all of this also messes with your 360 make sure you have your key handy, Download the Norton Removal Tool then use the control panel to delete 360. Run the removal tool to do a final cleanup. Reboot and reinstall 360. Run live update and reboot until the program tells you that all of the updates have been downloaded and installed.
Hope this helps
Hello,
This is almost the exact problem that I've been encountering lately. Msiexec.exe was asking for permission to make changes to my computer. Publisher is Unknown, file location: hard drive on this computer. Norton 360 fails to complete the scan. Found lots of information about msiexec.exe on the internet saying that it's a safe file but then I came across this blogspot page http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2011/06/remove-msiexecexe-trojan-uninstall.html that is probably the only site where I found this exact problem that I've been encountering. I think I should use the Norton Power Eraser but I'm not sure not sure if it's safe to run. From the webiste:
"Because Norton Power Eraser uses aggressive methods to detect threats, there is a risk that it can select some legitimate programs for removal. You should use this tool very carefully."
I'm afraid that it will mess up my computer and I won't be able to access my computer properly. I don't want to lose my family photos and other files. So, how dangerous is Norton Power Eraser?
Thanks,
Adam
AdamW wrote:Hello,
This is almost the exact problem that I've been encountering lately. Msiexec.exe was asking for permission to make changes to my computer. Publisher is Unknown, file location: hard drive on this computer. Norton 360 fails to complete the scan. Found lots of information about msiexec.exe on the internet saying that it's a safe file but then I came across this blogspot page http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2011/06/remove-msiexecexe-trojan-uninstall.html that is probably the only site where I found this exact problem that I've been encountering. I think I should use the Norton Power Eraser but I'm not sure not sure if it's safe to run. From the webiste:
"Because Norton Power Eraser uses aggressive methods to detect threats, there is a risk that it can select some legitimate programs for removal. You should use this tool very carefully."
I'm afraid that it will mess up my computer and I won't be able to access my computer properly. I don't want to lose my family photos and other files. So, how dangerous is Norton Power Eraser?
Thanks,
Adam
Welcome Adam,
The Norton Power Eraser should be downloaded and run from your computer. Running programs across the Internet can leave room for a multitude of problems. Some of which can be very hard to solve. While it is powerful it is not dangerous as such.
If you want to use a program that is a little less aggressive download the free version of Malwarebytes scanner. Install it, update it and run a full scan. The free version is compatible with your Norton product so it can stay on your system and be ready to use whenever you feel the need to run it.
I would also hope that you have been making backups of those things you don't want to lose. For photos and the like I find that a DVD/CD backup is better. They aren't going to be changed or edited so they can be called up to print from the CD/DVD media just as easily as from a hard drive. Takes a minute or two longer but maybe not as long as searching through several Gabs of hard drive to find 'that' picture.
One other suggestion after doing the scan with one of the above. Do a control panel uninstall of 360, reboot and reinstall it. Run live update and reboot. Do this sequence until the program tells you that all of the updates have been downloaded and installed. This will insure that you have a clean copy and you should be good to go 
Hope this helps. Do report back and let us know how it works out
Thank you dickevans!
Unfortunately, Malwarebytes can't find this virus. But Norton Power Eraser did the trick! My computer is running smoothly again. Can't thank you enough!