Vista - STARTUP.EXE

Every time I boot into Vista I get a window that pops up saying

"The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this
software?

Name C:\Windows\system31\startup.exe"

I have already tired unchecking the "always ask before opening this file"
box and clicking "run" so that it will just automatically do it every
time…..but alas, when I restart……it still pops up asking me if I should run
it or now.

Can anyone suggest why this is happening and what I can do to stop it please.

COLIN wrote:
I assume the path is really C:\Windows\System32 and not System31. If it
really is System31, then most definitely you should scan for viruses and
malware, which is your next step in any case. Do not skip the prep work and
follow instructions to do all scans in Safe Mode.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Sorry, typing error - sysytem32 is correct. This is a brand new computer -
definatley no malware present.

"Malke" wrote:

COLIN wrote:
Brand-new as in "I just opened the box 5 minutes ago and it's never been on
the Internet since I'm just setting it up" or brand-new as in "I've had it
a few weeks, it's been on the Internet, and I'm just assuming it's clean"?

If the latter, I've already suggested the next troubleshooting step. If the
former, manage your Startup items since obviously something is starting
with Windows and trying to install. Use the System Configuration Utility or
the free Autoruns to find out what it is.

Start Orb>Start Search box>msconfig [enter]

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation,
type the password, or click Continue. Then see what is on the Startup tab.
You don't need to restart immediately, but the next time you do you'll get
a dialog saying you've used the Utility. Usually in Vista this will be
blocked by Windows Defender and you'll need to allow it so you can then
tick the box that says in effect, "don't bother me about this again".

Important - Do not use the System Configuration Utility to stop processes.
Instead, use Start>Run>services.msc [enter] and do not stop any services
unless you really, really know what you're doing.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys...s/default.mspx - for Autoruns

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Brand new as in today! Only been connected to the Internet less than 6 hours
- and i've had a security suite installed for most of that time.

Thanks for your help. Will try what you suggest in the morning - time for
bed!!

"Malke" wrote:

COLIN wrote:
Then it's probably something the OEM preinstalled that is trying to finish
the installation/configuration.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

It is not just a Vista thing; it does it in XP as well.
If a program has been written and a fee not paid to microsoft for a
certificate.
--
Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia


"COLIN" wrote:

Yes, I did hear that it was also a problem in XP. However, I have been
computing for a while now and this is the first instance of the probelm for
me.

What is the best way to work out which program is causing the problem? Am I
safe in assuming that it will not be a Microsoft program? Anyone have any
suggestions how to narrow the search firld down even further?

I have Autonruns from Sysinternals to list all the startup files but there
is an awful lot of them!!

"Mick Murphy" wrote: