Malwarebytes 3.0.6.1469 Premim Bugs - Fix Schedule, Risks, Strategy?

Hi all. Pardon my putting up another MB thread, but despite lots of chat there's gaps in the information I've seen about so far.

My version is mentioned in places as a possible fix to the protection problems, but definitely not in my case.

I have a first time installed fully updated MB3 Premium comp package v 1.0.75, update package v 1.0.1651 on a new Zenbook Pro with Kasperksy Total Security - so older versions are not involved in the issues here which seem a little different to the norm. It ran fine from installation for almost 3 wks, but in the past days started to pop up occasional warnings about not being protected.

It's worsened, by now I'm seeing web protection, scan for rootkits and exploit protection switching off continuously and more or less randomly. i.e. there's perhaps more modules affected than has been the norm, and it's happening so fast that manually switching back on isn't an option.

They anyway often won't switch back on (the switch shows green/on, but the message says 'starting up' - or they switch off again very quickly. Or they seem switched on, but the dashboard is still claiming there is a problem. (the orange exclamation mark)

Some questions:

1. Does this create a genuine security exposure. Is it down to bugs, or could it be the result of something malicious switching off functions?
2. Does MB3 switch off other protection e.g. Defender despite being in this compromised state? i.e. would it be safer uninstalled until a fix is available, or is there some other best security strategy in this situation?
3. It doesn't seems very likely since there's been so many false dawns so far, but has the company announced any credible schedule for a fix?
4. Should a fix not emerge, what's plan B to cover this base?

The problem has now been around for so long that it starts to feel that it's out of control. Either not easily fixed, or so many problems that it's taking a lot of time.

I noticed on one MB3 support page the advice to buy Premium as a possible solution to the current problems. Questionable advice it seems based on my experience...

ian

HI there

I've had no end of issues with MBM 3 with modules turning themselves off. It is something that you have to constantly watch. With my work, I need this protection.

I am keeping a constant eye on it on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Currently it seems ok but I don't trust it to leave it unattended. If it does it again then I will have to think about alternatives which would be a shame. There are no alternatives which have lifetime or one time payment but my leading alternative contender currently is Zemana Antimalware which has had good reviews on youtube.

I don't think MBM messes with Windows Defender at all.

Hi guys. Malwarebytes support didn't answer my questions regarding the nature of the problems and the likely reliability of any fix offered, but were commendably up front about having messed up on the fixes so far.

They have just come back with the following presumably 'one size fits all' advice.

Has anybody tried it? The version numbers are a little later than mine (and i ran an update before the original post of a short while ago), probably because they require a re-install:


'As of March 29, 2017 we have released a new component update to address the known issues since the release of Malwarebytes 3.0. We regret that our previous two component updates failed to address these known issues as they were meant to and we offer our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and for sticking with us during this time.
We recommend performing a clean install to obtain this new release.
Please follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Uninstall
1. Download our mb-clean tool from the following link. Download MB-Clean tool: http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/mb_clean
2. Double-click the downloaded item to run the tool on your PC which will remove Malwarebytes and any remnants.
3. A black command prompt window will appear and will prompt you when the tool is complete.
4. Reboot your computer. This is very important.
Step 2: Installation
1. Download and run the Malwarebytes 3.0 installer from the link below. This download will include our newest component updates:
• Download MB3 Installer:http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/mbam
2. Locate and double click the file, mb3-setup-consumer.exe, to run the installer.
• Be sure to check your downloads folder if you do not see the file.
3. Launch Malwarebytes when the setup is complete.
4. Go to "Settings" -> "About" tab. Under the *Version Information* you should see the following:
Malwarebytes version: 3.0.6.1469
Component package version: 1.0.96
Step 3: Activation (Premium Subscribers Only)
Note: If you do not already have your license key on hand, you can obtain your license info with the instructions provided in the following link.
https://support.malwarebytes.com/cus...ail-?b_id=6400
1. Press the “Activate” button in the top right.
• Note: If you only see a “My Account” button in the top right your license has already migrated over. Please click "My Account" to verify.
2. Copy and Paste your License info to the appropriate boxes.
• Note: If your activation info has an ID check the "My license came with a License ID” box.
3. Click the Activate License button to activate your Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium license.
4. Restart your PC one more time.
If you have any questions or still have issues, please let us know.'

OK. I've just followed the above procedure and re-installed the updated version of Malwarebytes.

So far, so good. It's up and running and showing as providing full protection. Hopefully it'll stay that way.

The link provided by Malwarebytes Support in the document above accesses a cleaner/full removal tool which judging by comment elsewhere may be important to avoiding problems with the new install - there's been reports of issues if the stock Windows uninstall tool is used.

I'm not sure if it works for the free version as well as the paid/Premium, but it seems likely that it does.