Windows – How to prevent these executables from starting up

bootkillprocesswindows 7

After removing the following executables from starting up, in the near future they reappear again:

  • DDMService.exe: Re-enabled when visiting a DivX video online.
  • DivXUpdate.exe: Re-enabled when visiting a DivX video online.
  • GoogleUpdate.exe: Re-enabled task, I think by Google Chrome? I see no auto-update option.
  • iPodService.exe: Re-enables after starting iTunes.
  • iTunesHelper.exe: Re-enables after starting iTunes, useless on SSDs.
  • Reader_sl.exe: Re-enables when updating Adobe Reader, useless on SSDs.

It bores me that these processes keep popping back up, while my software functions well without them.
I'm smart enough to update the software weekly through FileHippo so I don't need automatic updates.

What can I do to never see these processes again? Even after reinstallation of those applications…

A general solution is also welcome! 🙂

Best Answer

Permanent solution (this will work even when an application is updated or reinstalled):

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  1. Press Start and type Local Security Policy, and press Enter.
  2. In the left pane, click on Software Restriction Policies.
  3. Then, in the right pane, double-click Additional Rules.
  4. Right-click on any empty space in the right pane and select New Path Rule....

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  1. Click browse and select the program you need to block. For example, DivXUpdate.exe could be in C:\Program Files\DivX.
  2. Make sure the drop-down list under Security level says Disallowed.
  3. Click OK and you're good to go.

I'd suggest not doing this for GoogleUpdate.exe, as it could interfere with Chrome's auto-update. Instead, just remove GoogleUpdate.exe from your system startup (use msconfig or google how to work the registry to remove startup items). Also, run Task Scheduler and disable the Google Update task.

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