How do I prevent Microsoft from installing Compattelrunner.exe malware on my comptuer?

Question

This is the fourth time I have found this malware running on my computer after removing three previous updates responsible for it.

I have accordingly written all Windows products lousy recommendations in every possible venue (e.g. Amazon.com) and filed a complaint with the FTC. The bottom line is, in fact, that it is illegal to install unwanted software on somebody's computer, and Microsoft is ignoring the permission settings for automatic updates. Please tell me if I need to act on this, or if the problem is going to stop.

Here is the review I just posted for you on Amazon.

Based on my experience with Windows 7.

Installs malware (compattelrunner.exe, an executable that can take over more than 70% of your CPU) while disregarding your update settings ("download updates, but ask me which to install"). Reinstalls this malware after you remove it; this review was prompted by finding it on my computer for the fourth time after I removed it three previous times.

http://searchmidmarketsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/malware

"Malware (for "malicious software") is any program or file that is harmful to a computer user." which includes Compattelrunner.exe due to its effect on computer performance even though it obviously does not damage files, hold the computer for ransom, and so on.

Answer 1

There is no problem with the KB descriptions, but rather with what Windows Update tells you; that is, you have to go to the KB page to check every update (unless it says security or Windows Defender). They actually sent out a Windows Defender or other security update a day after I installed another update.

Answer 2

This response is not relevant because I found the Compattelrunner.exe malware running on my computer again yesterday, even after I uninstalled the update I thought was responsible.

I have accordingly written Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 a "worst possible" recommendation on Amazon.com to discourage other people from buying these products. I also filed a complaint with the FTC due the the unauthorized installation of unwanted software on my computer, and software that has no legitimate or useful purpose. This is, in fact, the definition of malware. http://searchmidmarketsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/malware

Malware (for "malicious software") is any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and also spyware, programming that gathers information about a computer user without permission.

Answer 3

I also get this file running on my pc each and every time I start up or resume from hibernation. Sometimes it shows with a delay sometimes its part of the initial boot. This file has popped up in front of all my programs including full screen video. If it ran in the background I wouldn't give a c r a p but each time it runs it puts itself in front of anything I have on the screen. Somewhere I read that it has something to do with Windows 10 compatibility but i have disabled anything and everything to do with Windows 10 with a program called GWX Control Panel so I don't get any prompts to upgrade and the Windows 10 icon is not loaded in my system tray. I am running Windows 7 x64 Ultimate on a SSD so the compattelrunner.exe only stays on the screen for about a minute or so each time it loads. I can of course minimize the window but i am afraid to just close it as I dont know if I need it or not. I hope someone can explain the need for this file to exacute on every single reboot AND run in front of all other applications.

Answer 4

This is the third time my computer has exhibited slow performance, and the third time I have found this malware (as defined by unauthorized installation and highly undesirable effects) on my computer. I deleted two previous Microsoft updates that caused this problem, but now it is back again. Microsoft Update, despite my settings, does not ask my permission to install this.

I am accordingly taking the following actions.

(1) I am posting the indicated screen shot, and accompanying story, on social networking sites to make sure as many people as possible know that Microsoft is distributing what is effectively malware to its customers, and reinstalling it after it is deleted. The screen shot is an excellent visual description of the effects of this unwanted software/

(2) I will be writing Windows 7, 8, and 10 the worst possible recommendations on Amazon.com and elsewhere.

(3) I will see if I can file a complaint with the FTC regarding Microsoft's effective sabotage of my computer.

Answer 5

• What exactly do you mean when you say, "How do I keep it from reinstalling"?
• Has the update being uninstalled?
• Do you want to keep it from NOT re-installing?
• Are you using multiple security software or 3rd party virus scanners in the PC?

I definitely recall uninstalling it because of problems it was causing (computer running slowly and even freezing up momentarily) and it appears to have no value, which is why I regard it as the equivalent of malware. It took me considerable effort to remove the .exe file. I think I also uninstalled the specific update responsible for its presence.

However, I found it running again last night and discovered that it had somehow gotten reinstalled. I found that I found that KB2952664 was installed on March 10, and I uninstalled it again. My settings are "Download updates but let me choose whether to install them," but the automatic update system never asks my permission to install anything. I would never have approved Compattelrunner.exe had I known about it. Should I uncheck Microsoft Update to prevent this in the future?

I am using Frisk FPROT as an antivirus security system and Malwarebytes as anti-malware.