Member Avatar for zeez0r

My spybot deleted this regiestry key wscntfy.exe, it doesn't have any recovery. But what the problem is, I don't have windows update enabled, so now its saying enable it, and if I don't it has the warning thing in the icon tray, so I need the regiestry key so I can install it into the system so it will leave me alone, can anyone help?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jaishankar

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Short summary and safe fixes for : wscntfy.exe is the Windows Security Center notification process (the tray notifier that reports on Windows Update, firewall and antivirus status). It normally lives in the Windows system folder; third-party references and process databases identify it as the Security Center Notify application (introduced with XP SP2). (neuber.com)

If Spybot removed it, try these steps in order (least invasive first): check Spybot’s quarantine/restore log and restore the item if available; use System Restore to roll back to a point before Spybot ran; run the System File Checker to replace missing protected files (sfc /scannow) — SFC may prompt for your Windows/Service Pack media if it must pull originals. These are standard recovery options that avoid copying random executables from the net. (safer-networking.org)

If those fail: you can extract the original file from the Service Pack or install media (or perform a repair/repair-install), or copy the file only from a machine with the exact same Windows build and Service Pack. Verify any restored wscntfy.exe is located in the system folder and is digitally signed by Microsoft before trusting it—files with that name in other folders are commonly malware impersonators. If you prefer not to restore the notifier, silencing Security Center alerts is possible (this only hides warnings; it does not restore the system file). (file.net)

Quick checklist: (1) check Spybot quarantine, (2) try System Restore, (3) run sfc /scannow with XP media if prompted, (4) if needed extract from SP/i386 or run a repair install, (5) confirm digital signature and scan for malware. Enabling Automatic Updates (as suggested) will eliminate that specific warning; alternatively, ’s advice about changing Security Center alerts will hide the tray messages but won’t replace a deleted system file.

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Member Avatar for zeez0r

Uhh...yeah...is anyone gonna respond...or try to help at least..? :-|

Member Avatar for MartyMcFly

Could you not go, Start --> contol panel --> Automatic updates.

Then enable it to automatic.

I would of thought that would replace the registry setting.

let me know if that is no help.

Member Avatar for zeez0r

It does help, but I usually leave it off, is it recommanded to keep it on?

Member Avatar for MartyMcFly

I think that is a question that has many mixed views, all based on how much you trust Microsoft. i keep mine on, because I feel willing to take any risks, that I could recover from. I don't know what is best to advise, I have never had any problems on my two PCs, but others will avoid it at all cost.

Maybe get it to alert you of any updates, to install yourself, or leave it off altogether, and just keep an eye out for any critical updates you may want.

Member Avatar for jaishankar

My spybot deleted this regiestry key wscntfy.exe, it doesn't have any recovery. But what the problem is, I don't have windows update enabled, so now its saying enable it, and if I don't it has the warning thing in the icon tray, so I need the regiestry key so I can install it into the system so it will leave me alone, can anyone help?

If u dont want that warning to be displayed in the system tray

Go to start-control panel-double click Security Center and click on 'Change the way Security Center Alerts me' and uncheck Firewall, Automatic Updates, Virus Protection and click on ok

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