MS Generic Host Process for Win32 Services

Question

I have Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition, Microsoft AntiSpyware, and WinXP. Very frequently a popup window appears on bottom right corner saying 'Rules automatically created for program Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 Services'.  What is this and should I be concerned? This popup never used to appear as frequently in the past. Have I done something to cause this? TIA.   vin35

bamajim · Answer

Vin35,

Which program are you getting this warning from, Norton or Microsoft Anitspyware?

Second question; Did this warning come up after the installation of one of these programs?

Could be a software conflict

Please reply

bamajim

Vin35 · Answer

I am getting this popup from Norton Internet Security. And it started coming up after I had to uninstall and then reinstall Norton Internet Security because of an unrelated problem. NIS is working quite okay now, but just was getting concerned about the popup. Sometimes it pops up 2 to 3 times in an hour and sometimes not even once in 4 to 6 hours. Thanks for your prompt response.

Vin35

bamajim · Answer

vin35

I still suspect a software conflict

1. Lets disable Microsoft AntiSpyware

Open Microsoft AntiSpyware.

Click on Tools, Settings.

In the left pane, click on Real-time Protection.

Under Startup Options uncheck Enable the Microsoft AntiSpyware Security Agents on startup (recommended).

Under Real-time spyware threat protection uncheck Enable real-time spyware threat protection (recommended).

After you uncheck these, click on the Save button and close Microsoft AntiSpyware.

Right click on the Microsoft AntiSpyware icon on the taskbar and select Shutdown Microsoft AntiSpyware.

2. After you do this Re-install Norton

3. Then Update Norton

After the reinstall and update are complete

4. Disconnect from the internet

5. Reboot your PC

It is very important that you re enable Real-time Protection On Microsoft Antispyware but reversing to above info.

That should solve your concern. If you still have problems please reply.

Bamajim

Vin35 · Answer

Thanks so much, bamajim, for your very clear and complete instructions which I will try in a day or so and come back if the problem still persists.

But one question in the meanwhile: Do I really need Microsoft AntiSpyware even though I have Norton Internet Security AntiSpyware Edition? Should I not just shutdown MS AntiSpyware which is a beta version anyway?

Vin35

joe53 · Answer

Just as you should have only one antivirus program running, so it is with antispyware apps that run in the background.  Running both NIS and MS Antispyware at the same time can cause conflicts (and perhaps the problems you are having).   I can't comment on the relative merits of NIS vs MS beta, since I use neither. But you should definitely disable one of them.

Vin35 · Answer

Thanks, Joe53, for your suggestion. In my case it will be the MS AntiSpyware that I will disable since it is a free product to be replaced by something coming out of Microsoft Live arsenal, whereas Norton has been a good anti-virus and anti-spyware program so far -- for me at least.

Vin35

vosamis · Answer

We are getting it too. Wot a nuisance. Every minute or so, as often as 60 times an hour, up from the right hand corner pops up

"Rules automatically created for the program: Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 services."

We are considering getting rid of Norton just to stop that annoying popup. At least they should tell you what to "do" about it if they are constantly going to shove that thing in your face.

We wanted to follow the advice of Mr. Benjamin (above) which was

I still suspect a software conflict

1. Lets disable Microsoft AntiSpyware

Open Microsoft AntiSpyware.

Click on Tools, Settings.

...problem is we are unable to find any program called "Microsoft AntiSpyware." Where is it located?

P.S. just in the course of writing here, that dopey message popped up 6 or 7 times.

Message Edited by vosamis on 03-12-2006 03:25 PM

bamajim · Answer

vosamis

Go control panel - add/remove programs - once the window is open in the top of the window make sure there is a checkmark in the "show updates" box
and then you should be able to see it and remove it

Bamajim

lesterd · Answer

A year ago 'vin35' and 'vosamis' had  'Rules automatically created for program Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 Services' popping up frequently and annoyingly, and 'bamajim' proposed a solution which included shutting down MS antispyware and reinstalling Norton Internet Security 2005. I am now suffering with the problem. Can anyone tell me whether the proposed solution worked? And if not, what else might be done? Thanks.

Virus & Spyware

MS Generic Host Process for Win32 Services

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