How to get rid of computer virus msiexec.exe?

Question

I have windows 7 and an alert keeps popping up that msiexec.exe is trying to make changes and asks if i want to allow it, and it also says that it originates from the hardrive. Everytime i say no, the same thing keeps popping up. I currently have avast free virus protection, and I'm running a scan.It's been 6 minutes and it's still 0% done. I just really want to know how to get rid of it, I'm also worried about it getting my debit card information since I made some online purchases.

Answer 1

Why don't you try a system restore. Apparently an installation was in progress which never finished. In addition to that you can also try http://download.cnet.com/Sweepi/3000-2094_4-10396038.html . Sweepi has included with it a boot manager. When you get don't installing the program, if you run as the Administrator( not user with admin priv. ), run the boot manager. This will show you the programs which start when your computer does. You can choose to stop programs from auto-starting. Just click the program in the boot list of the Sweepi boot manager and click delete. It has a brief explanation of the programs in the bottom. If it doesn't or you don't completely understand why a program is started you should research that online. As others have said msi.exe is an installer from microsoft. There are self extracting programs that use the install shield and many other different installing methods. msi is just one of the many. Do NOT see your Anti-Virus as GOD. It is flawed. yes all Anti-Viruses are flawed. Well anti virus anti malware worm fighters anti adware and the list goes on. The point is there are programs which give instructions to the computer which are completely normal and expected and are in no way being malicious. Aggressive? Maybe. When this type of error happens it is known as a FALSE POSITIVE. This is almost expected when it comes to anti-virus programs. It is up to the user to differentiate the real trojans and what-not from the integral parts of programs and their operating system. As you're surfin the MS Anti-virus says it has detected 1 virus. Please click here to remove it. OK. MS has seen something bad. Let's get that virus out of here. You click it and your system still responds badly and your system screws up. Quickest way out click again, pay the $49 and move on to even worse viruses. You now can't use your task manager and so many other things that one would use to stop a program that was unwanted and unsolicited. But wait MS said I have a virus. Microsoft made my operating system for pete sake. Ah hah. MS implies Microsoft. It is a clever ruse to infect a computer and then they buy the program which infected their system thinking all the while that MS stood for Microsoft when in fact the MS stood for absolutely nothing.I just said that to make a point. Acting immediately because of an anti-virus's or an operating system's initial assessment of a situation is irresponsible. Yes the majority of malicious programs found by avast, avg and the like as well as problem errors generated by your OS are legitimate and need to be addressed very quickly but only after the proper research has been made. It's a tenuous rope walk that only by experience will someone learn.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Hi Sarah,



You`re a lot sharper than some answerers ;) You are absolutely right that there is a virus/trojan that calls itself msiexec.exe - http://gsa.ca.com/virusinfo/virus.aspx?ID=43062



Malware can call itself anything it wants,so there may be others.

The one above comes in via AIM (aol instant messenger).It`s sent in a message with a link in it.



Of course that`s not to say your msiexec.exe is malware - it could just be the real msiexec playing up -but you should run a few antispyware programs,like Malwarebytes and Hitman Pro.



You might also check what other programs are running when the msiexec appears.

I`m thinking some program you installed recently is not quite installed properly.

Try and remember what program you installed recently.



Malwarebytes - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/how-to-use-malwarebytes-anti-malware-tutorial



Hitman Pro - http://download.cnet.com/Hitman-Pro-3-32-bit/3000-2239_4-10895604.html



CCleaner (junk remover) - http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/

Answer 4

Msiexec.exe is part of the operating system.

Answer 5

msiexec.exe isn't a virus, it's an installer program from microsoft (msi= microsoft installer)