Getting error when deleting MsMpEng

Question

Split from this thread.

I'm following step 7 and have found MsMpEng. Every time I try to delete it comes up with an error. The error just says an error occurred, no error code.

Any help please?

Answer 1

Hi, CarolLJ.

The post was split from the Wiki and the article was not written for Windows 7.

It is unclear if the question was about deleting the registry key, but as read and as replied by Ernie San, the assumption is that the question involves deleting the actual exe and not the registry key.

Assuming the registry key:

7. Delete conflicting Registry Entry

Some malwares adds malicious entries in registry that blocks real antiviruses from running. To remove these entries, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for 'Run'.
2. In Run dialog box, type 'regedit' and hit enter. This will open Registry Editor.
3. In Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options.
4. In this key, if you find any entry for MSASCui.exe, MpCmdRun.exe or MsMpEng.exe then right click on it and click on Delete. If you do not find any of these entry then it is normal and you don't need to do anything.

Are you seeing msmpeng.exe as an entry in this specific key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options

You would need to start Regedit by running as Administrator. Type regedit in the search box, right click on regedit that appears in the results as run command and select Run as Administrator.

-steve

Answer 2

@Stephen This is the title of that article, says nothing about Win7. Do you think this should be looked at by an FO? I'll report it in Mod requests, in that case.

Problems starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10

Answer 3

It appears that someone split this from the Wiki article

**********************

The reply provided by Ernie San should *not* be considered as the solution unless you are using Windows 7, Since you posed your question in a reply to the article, we have no idea what Operating System you are using and why you are attempting to remove msmpeng to begin with.

-steve

Answer 4

Hello Mark,

When deleting the MsMpEng.exe you need to log in using administrator access. We recommend checking if you are using administrator access when attempting to delete the MsMpEng.exe. For additional information, you may check Le Boule'spost on this link.

Regards.