University Computer Help Desk

Unable to launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Some malware and spyware can prevent Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from running. If Malwarebytes Anti-Malware does not open, rename the application's executable file name to something else.

To rename the executable file for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware so it will open and run, do the following:

  1. Click Start > Computer.
  2. Double-click on your C: drive.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • In 32-bit Windows, double-click Program Files.
    • In 64-bit Windows, double-click Program Files (x86).
  4. Double-click Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
  5. Locate the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware executable file.
    • This file appears as either mbam.exe or mbam (depending on whether or not you can see file name extensions).
  6. Right-click on the file and choose Rename.
  7. Do one of the following:
    • If you can see file name extensions, rename mbam.exe to temp.exe.
    • If you cannot see file name extensions, rename mbam to temp.
    • It doesn't really matter what you rename the file so long as you change the name.
  8. Restart your computer.
  9. Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

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