Can't Install Malwarebytes

Guys, I'm running Win 7 Pro on an ACER Aspire laptop that was running reasonably well until popups started enmasse and at the same time began to drag. Took forever to boot, navagation was slow both online and on the pc.
I tried to run Malwearbytes (one of my favorite anti-malware programs) and it wouldn't launch. I eventually uninstalled it and attempted to install a newly downloaded version. I got an error msg telling me that "a legacy unsupported version was detected" and to uninstall it as the new version can't be installed otherwise.
I had uninstalled what showed up in Programs and Features, and nothing else was in there named MB. I ran CCleaner....found some stuff. Also cleaned up the browsers extensions, getting rid of anything I didn't need. I was in safe mode for most of the process. While most of the popups disappeared, I still couldn't install a fresh version of MB.
I ran Avast...found a couple things, but still unable to install MB. I also ran SuperAntiSpyware, and just found a bunch of tracking cookies. Still no joy.
Any guidance would be muchly appreciated!
Thanks, dondd

 

Have you tried to download malwarebytes from here https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/malwarebytes_anti_malware.html just to make you aware the version 4 is a bit slow loading up.

 

Try installing malwarebytes in safe mode and run it through there.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Yes, I did download it from MajorGeeks, and I started the whole process in safe mode. Somehow, it thinks there's still a version of MB installed. I generally don't fool with the registry, but do you know if there's any way of checking the registry for anything MB? If so, I'll need some guidance. Also, I'm going to try installing and running ComboFix which is generally more effective than some other anti-malware utilities. Appreciate the input.

 

OH...I just read plodr's response. Thank you, I'll give that a shot before I run ComboFix.

 

Guys, I ran ESET full scan (took 3.5 hrs), and it found a bunch of stuff...PUPs, PUMs, and 2 Trojan Downloaders. It found a total of 23 detection's and corrected all but 3. The 3 was associated with my Avast AVI, and denied access to ESET. So, I just dumped AVAST, per your suggestion. The pc runs much better, and got rid of a bunch of popups (I installed UBlock Origin). So, all is well except it still thinks there's a legacy version of MB installed, and won't install a new version until I delete it, which is what started the whole process. If anyone has a suggestion as to how I can find the "legacy" version, please let me know.
Thanks for all the responses.
ps. I also ran ComboFix, but it didn't help the MB issue either.

 

Try this uninstall method from malwarebytes. Most security suites or programs now have a tool to help completely remove their product.

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/253473-malwarebytes-4-how-to-uninstall/

 

I would run these software to make sure your system is cleaned.Run roguekiller after Adwcleaner

AdwCleaner
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

RogueKiller 14.1.1.0 https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/roguekiller.html

HitmanPro 3.8.16 https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/hitman_pro.html

Download the https://www.avast.com/en-us/uninstall-utility Avast uninstaller it will leave bits and files behind.

 

I would use this setup as further protection.
Waterfox
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/waterfox.html

install these blockers.through firefox addons.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/

uBlock Origin
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/?src=search

Adblock Plus
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/?src=search

Popupblocker
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/popupblockerall/?src=search

This will add more security.Make sure you adjust the Popupblocker by clicking on the icon.I would set it to smart settings.But some sites use popup tabs so when this happens you can fully block them.By selecting the Block all new tabs.It will prevent random web pages from opening.

There is a setting in adblock plus that must be disabled it will be labeled as Acceptable Ads un check this in the Adblock plus settings.

 

Wow!! Great responses. I will follow up on those latest suggestions and post the results. Thanks guys!

 

Guys,
Here's the latest. Regarding relentless pop-up's, they're all gone. Installed UBlock Origin, and another ad blocker. This piece is solved. Regarding slow, sluggish operation...after running the online scan, CCleaner, and a few others, the pc is flying. This piece is solved. Regarding installing MBam, not so much. I ran their Uninstall/Cleanup tool (tried to upload it, but it ran into an error). Here's the txt file:
2020-02-07 13:19:25.251 mb-clean:3.1.0.1035 @ Malwarebytes. All rights reserved.
2020-02-07 13:19:35.117 No Malwarebytes software installed.
2020-02-07 13:19:46.825 HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ESProtectionDriver does not exist.
2020-02-07 13:19:46.827 HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MBAMChameleon does not exist.
2020-02-07 13:19:46.827 HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MBAMFarflt does not exist.
2020-02-07 13:19:46.828 HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MBAMProtection does not exist.
2020-02-07 13:19:46.829 HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MBAMService does not exist.
2020-02-07 13:19:46.830 HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MBAMSwissArmy does not exist.
2020-02-07 13:19:46.830 HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MBAMWebProtection does not exist.
2020-02-07 13:19:58.799 Trying to delete path C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes\
2020-02-07 13:19:58.801 Cannot delete path C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes\, reasonThe system cannot find the path specified.(error=3))
2020-02-07 13:19:58.804 Trying to delete path C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Malwarebytes\
2020-02-07 13:19:58.805 Cannot delete path C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Malwarebytes\, reasonThe system cannot find the path specified.(error=3))
2020-02-07 13:19:58.806 Trying to delete path C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware\
2020-02-07 13:19:58.807 Cannot delete path C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware\, reasonThe system cannot find the path specified.(error=3))
2020-02-07 13:19:58.811 --------END OF LOG FILE ----------

I'm leaning towards installing a different Malware program and forget about Malwarebytes. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for all the responses....very, very helpful.

 

Love them or hate them the best free I have used is Kaspersky Security Cloud free:

https://usa.kaspersky.com/free-anti...nl_b2c_kasperskydaily_wpplaceholder____kfa___

This has everything Malwarebytes has plus more. Great web filtering, and superb malware and ransomeware protection. I use it on the laptop, but I may be using it on more PCs before long as FortiClient, what I was using, is no longer free. I use it with Comodo Firewall...pretty good protection...