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In add/remove programs there is a entry called Bridge and I get a missing DLL error when I try to remove it. What is wrong?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by crunchie

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As noted, a missing Bridge.dll error when you click the "Bridge" entry usually means one of two things: the Add/Remove entry points at a DLL that no longer exists (a broken uninstaller), or malware left a bogus uninstaller entry. Before changing anything, create a System Restore point and export the registry key you plan to edit.

First, identify the origin. Search the drive for bridge.dll and check the file properties (publisher/path). Inspect the Add/Remove registration under the registry keys:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
on 64-bit Windows also check:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Look for a subkey whose DisplayName is "Bridge" and examine its UninstallString. If the string invokes a missing DLL, that explains the error.

Safe clean-up options: run a modern offline/bootable scan if you suspect infection (Microsoft Defender Offline), and a current on-demand scanner (for example, Malwarebytes). Use Sysinternals Autoruns to find startup tasks or services referencing "bridge" and remove only clearly malicious entries. If the DLL exists but needs unregistering, use an elevated prompt (in Safe Mode) to run regsvr32 /u <full-path-to-dll>; if the problem is only the listing, export and then delete the specific Uninstall registry key (back it up first) or use Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter to remove corrupted entries.

If following ’s suggestion to produce a HijackThis log, post that log here but do not run fixes blindly—HJT reports many false positives. If scans show active infection or the system behaves oddly after edits, consider rescue media or a clean reinstall. Links: Autoruns, Regsvr32 docs, , .

Member Avatar for crunchie

Bridge.dll is added by a nasty that has gotten into your computer. Please do the following;

Download & instal Adaware from here
& update it B4 scanning.
In settings under 'scanning,' have it set to
'scan within archives,'
'scan active processes,'
'scan registry,'
'deepscan registry'
'scan my IE Favourites for banned URL's,'
'scan my host's file.'
In 'tweaks' under 'scanning engine' set it to 'unload recognised processes during scanning.'
Also in 'tweaks' under 'cleaning engine' set it to 'Automatically try to unregister objects prior to deletion' & 'let Windows remove files in use at next reboot.'
Select 'activate in-depth scan' before starting scan.
When the scan is finished select 'next.'
Remove what it finds by placing a check in the box to the left of the object. Reboot

Download & instal Spybot S&D from Update it B4 scanning. Go into settings & have it check for Beta releases also & download if available.
After the scan is complete, have spybot fix everything marked RED.
On the page that first opens when you start Spybot there is an option to immunise, you should do this. In the immunise section there is also a link to download Spywareblaster. Download that & you can keep it updated by selecting the same link that you use to download it. Reboot

Download HijackThis from & unzip it into it's own, permanent folder, (not a temporary folder & not on the desktop). Start HJT & press the scan button. When the scan is finished the scan button will change to save. Save the log to a text file, copy the entire contents of the text file & paste it into the body of your post. DO NOT FIX ANYTHING YET.

Please post the log in the security forum.

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