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

if you are unable to disable automatic updates, and

if you are the owner of the computer with administratives rights,

I suggest you to :

• 1°) make a deep scan against viruses and others malwares with different softwares ;
• 2°) make the "windows update" service to start manually then Windows Update will only start if you ask for it. (this is not the best solution but can be achieve in a few clics).

anyway, there is something wrong in your computer because if you say "ask me before install", then Windows Update should not be able to install without prompting you before...

I don't think that a malware is causing that behavior, but more certainly a dysfunction in some Windows's file, but i have no more precise idea about that... else a fresh new install. :/

Regards.

Answer 3

Microsoft installs the updates without asking me even though I set the updater to download updates, but ask me before installing. My directions are being ignored.

Answer 4

hi,

search for update KB2952664 installed in your updates list and uninstall it.

This KB check your pc "for the eventual case" you wish to upgrade to the latest OS and for that, make a lot of tests with telemetries (transmit some info about your pc to Microsoft's servers...).

If you disagree with this KB, after uninstall, restart your PC, run search for Updates, mark KB2952664 as 'hidden'.

Hope that helps you.

(in my case, all the files listed by MS as part of this KB, including CompatTelRunner.exe, have disappeared from my "C:\Windows\System32" dir and my PC is quiet again)

tip : before installing updates, search for the KBnnn on Microsoft's sites to understand what they do inside (and also on other sites as MS is frequently obscure about what they exactly do with some updates).

Answer 5

You can use Task Manager to crash Compattelrunner.exe, but this fixes the problem only until you restart your computer. You must delete the Microsoft update responsible.

Adding contents from a new thread created for same issue:

Bill Levinson asked on

This is at least the third time I have caught Compattelrunner.exe malware ("any program or file that is harmful to a computer user") running on my computer as shown below. This was after I uninstalled it and the responsible Microsoft updates for the previous two times. It made its presence known by slowing my other applications noticeably and even freezing them. As a result, I have written Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 "worst possible" recommendations on Amazon and in other venues, and also filed a complaint with the FTC. I also posted this image on Facebook so my friends will recognize Microsoft's poor quality and disrespect for its customers, and will probably use it as a bad example in quality management presentations (yes, that is my professional field).


Windows Update installed it yet again a couple of days ago without my authorization regardless of my update settings as shown below:


and also my specific instructions to download updates, but ask me before installing them. Windows ignores the latter instruction and installs them anyway, thus underscoring the trash quality of Microsoft products.

How do I keep this Compattelrunner.exe malware off my computer?