Auto-kill a process

Is there a way to auto-sense that a process has started and automatically kill it, without user intervention? I am aware of Auto-kill any process v.2.2, but that, according to one reviewer, requires user input. Thanks.

Hi, you can create a small Autohotkey script containing a loop in which you would, at intervals, test if the process exists and then close it or kill it.

Simply search for Autohotkey. It comprises an extensive syntax with which simple programs can be written, interacting with Windows and GUI features.

In your case, just a simple loop with a couple of statements would be needed.
I use this to close Ashampoo advertising popups, for example.

Appreciate the suggestion. I use a .bat file here to do essentially what you describe, but my aim is to automate the process - no user intervention. A specified process opens; it spots and kills it. Closest that I have seen is an app that claims to do this on a schedule.

If you're already using a batch file, perhaps the built-in TaskKill utility would work for you?
You can then add delay times, etc, in the batch file.
You could also add it to a scheduled task to run one time x minutes after the computer starts.

Yes, TaskKill is in use. Unfortunately, the process/es in question repeatedly reassert themselves. Thus, the kill util would need to detect that, and take the appropriate action - repeatedly. A method to prevent a process from running in the background would be an alternative, while still allowing the app itself to run on demand.

To wit: the BG process for a specific app here does not appear when the app is run. It pops up randomly in Task Manager after the app is closed; that's what should be prevented or killed.

Expanding on the batch file possibility, you could use the tasklist command (appropriately filtered) to determine if the task is running, including if it appears randomly, then take action with the taskkill command if it is. Again, you can use Task Scheduler to run a batch containing all the commands, repeatedly. Not sure if that helps. Also it doesn't cater to running the task on demand.

Appreciate your suggestions, Kanata. Thanks.

borgus said:

Appreciate the suggestion. I use a .bat file here to do essentially what you describe, but my aim is to automate the process - no user intervention. A specified process opens; it spots and kills it. Closest that I have seen is an app that claims to do this on a schedule.

As I said, a trivial Autohotkey script - a permanent loop
loop {
If process exists - kill it
sleep n
}

(very roughly)

Or how about a couple of alternative approaches:
a. Registry/group policy:
How to Block an Application or .EXE from Running in Windows

b. or use your firewall (some firewalls allow you to block processes from running)