unable to locate component - wtKERNEL -

Question

Can anyone out there help me please?   I keep getting this error message as I load my start screen.. and it also appears to be causing my PC to not close down properly, I am having to do it manually which is going to ruin the hard drive!   What is wtKernel and how do I repair/replace this?   I have tried working through the webpages but nothing seems to relate to this specific problem but I notice someone else on a Dimensions board had the same problem.   I was directed to a Windows board by a community assistant.

dunedin · Answer

Hi,

This could be Wild Tangent spyware/malware

Go to Control Panel/ Add/Remove Programs
Look for WildTangent

If it is there you can find removal instructions here.

http://www.pchell.com/support/wildtangent.shtml

You will have to uninstall it from Add/Remove Programs and then run HijackThis to remove all traces of it.
You can post your HijackThis log in the HijackThis forum here.

sparrowlady · Answer

Successfully located and removed Wild Tangent.. so now asking a second favour.  How do I protect myself from this kind of stuff.. when I already have AOL spyware loaded and running all the time?    Thanks for your help, this little problem has been driving me crazy.   Eileen

dunedin · Answer

You are very welcome.

Now, are you ready for this?? :smileyhappy:

First of all, you can never be totally protected, it`s just not possible.

I don`t know anything about AOL spyware protection, but did you read in the link I gave you that "Wild Tangent" has even made a partnership with AOL to include itself as part of the AOL Instant Messenger for their AIM games section. No.no.no. Not good at all:smileymad:

Here are my suggestions.
1 There are a couple of good programs which run unseen in the background and stop SOME of these horrors installing themselves without your knowledge.
Get one of them
Microsoft Windows Antispyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

SpywareBlaster http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
You have to open it and update it regularly.

2 Run a check for malware on a regular basis. MS Antispyware can also be used for this.

Here are another 2 good ones for scanning with
Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Update it before running. Get it to fix all the RED entries it finds

a-squared http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
I like a-squared as it detects quite a wide range of nasties. Always keep it updated too.

Remember that all of these programs are only good if you keep them updated to keep up with all the new threats

And of course, you will have an antivirus and a firewall.

Lastly, be careful not to click "Yes" if something you do not recognise is asking to download.

sparrowlady · Answer

You are very welcome.   Now, are you ready for this??   Oh yes, was I ever ready for it.. LOL   This is the first time I've been able to reply to you since receiving your post - because *somehow* I ended up with corrupt registry files and Windows telling me if I didn't do something soon the PC would crash within hours.  I kept getting windows with sites to go to download spyware, registry cleaners etc so I just went where directed and several downloads later I am - finally - virus free and running smoothly (saying that with fingers crossed).   I have eAnti-Spy v.4   and   RegistryCleaner32.com   Both seem to have helped the situation, and I now intend to load myself with as many protective measures as possible.   Thanks for your assistance - I am going to check out all the sites you sent me as links.

dunedin · Answer

It is so easy to get infected these days.  I just can`t understand why some people get pleasure from hurting others. :smileymad:   Anyway, you are sorted now, so choose 2 or 3 of these programs and remember to keep them updated. You might still catch something but the chances will be less. Just be careful where you visit and run the programs regularly.   Try to stay safe :smileyhappy:

IDKwutIshouldUse · Answer

Uninstall it. It's spyware. Windows 10 refuses to support it for a reason. If you desperately need your childhood back again, then get those games digitally from the Wild-Tangent Store. If you've (really) still got old CD copies of the games, then please shove all of them into the garbage.

Windows General

unable to locate component - wtKERNEL -

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