Program tries to Install upon right-click?!

Windows XP Pro -- normal stable system.... except that whenever right-clicking on either a desktop icon or on an entry in windows explorer a certain 3rd party app tries to install. Every time windows install window appears with the "please wait while windows installs...". Rather harmless, but time consuming having to cancel it every time...

Not a virus
Not spyware
Not malware
Not adware

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Can I ask what makes you so certain of this?

This sounds an awful lot like malware activity. Something has hooked into a Windows API. Possibly a rootkit, which have a tendency not to show up on malware scans.

If all you've done is run your AV and AS apps (which is what a lot of users think is sufficient), then you really haven't done enough to confirm you're malware free. Have a look at the READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide (Besides, this is supposed to be followed before ever asking for support.) I also see that you've recently done this procedure, but didn't post anything in the malware forum???

At the very worst, you will have put your system into a known state, where we can begin to troubleshoot further, should your problem still persist.

 

Edited to nothing, Sorry posted the wrong answer in the wrong thread.

 

I have this issue with Skype and Live messenger.every time I try to open them windows installer comes up.

PS: I'm bug-free.

 

@ Goran.P

Try running the Windows Installer CleanUp utility here, http://www.majorgeeks.com/Windows_In...ity_d4459.html

Here is an explanation of the utility http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;290301

Steve

 

Thank you Steve problem solved.

 

Good deal.

Steve

 

The Microsoft link doesn't work with the "..." (ellipses). Here's a link

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301.

Don't know why the link for the Installer Utility works with the ellipses but not for the explanation link (???)

 

That's odd. confused

Thank's Ken3.

Steve