wcmdmgr.exe

Louisa_Jane_2

I've recently updated my Zone Alarm and now I keep getting the security alerts - this is probably a very stupid question, but what is wcmdmgr? It could be something that I use everyday, but I don't want to allow it before I know what it is !

Rex_Mundi

Name: wcmdmgr.exe

Description: Web Driver delivery system for WildTangent on-line games. Periodically checks for updates - can be disabled within the programs control panel. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case

Recommendation: Not required - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary

pchelpman

Rex's reply is exactly right but I have to say I cringe whenever I see anything to do with Wild Tangent.

Wcmdmgr.exe process is a part of the WildTangent games system that used to be installed by default with certain models of HP computer.

It could potentially collect information about you and share it with other parties.

Because of this wcmdmgr.exe is considered to be a security risk not only because spyware removal programs flag Automatic support driver as spyware but also because a number of users have complained about its performance.

My view ... get rid of it but be careful how you do it.

Louisa_Jane_2

So if I just deny it access through zone alarm, it could still be a problem ?
How do I get rid of it then? (I'm not very good at being careful!)

pchelpman

Blocking is good but removal is better.

Given the presence of this trojan I'd suggest you download the fully working trial version of Ewido here.....

http://www.ewido.net/en/

Install/run it/scan your PC with it and let it fix anything it finds bad.

Then download HijackThis to your main hard drive from here...

http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe

Again, install it and open it. From the menu of options chose "Do a system scan and save a log file". Two things will happen. The program will scan your PC then present you with a logfile in Notepad.

Copy that Notepad report and paste it into a new post to this thread. We'll check it over.

Rex_Mundi

This is all a bit heavy just for the driver update for WildTangent. If it is blocked from the net, it won't be able to pass on any info from the users PC. It is not a trojan.

WildTangent have changed their privacy policy, and now don't collect info anyway.

If feel that using Hijackthis in this instance is like trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer, totally unneccessary.

intel

I agree with Rex on this one....

I think a HiJack log is a bit OTT as wildtangent have reviewed the privacy policy
and no info is accessed.. also Its mainly cookies that were in use in the first place...

:beer:


http://www.wildtangent.com/default.asp?pageID=privacy_WT

pchelpman

Maybe my approach seems heavy handed but I've learnt over the years not to trust sites that make statements like this. It's just that my middle name is "better safe than sorry".

Ewido is a good thing to run anyway - as we all know - and, if the HJT log is clean, it won't take more than a few seconds to tell.

Louisa_Jane_2

Thanks chaps for all your help - I have now blocked it. I looked at Ewido, but I'm still on windows Me, so could not install it. (I'm waiting for the next blockbusting offer from Dell to get a new computer with XP- but now read on here that there is going to be yet another thing to have - Vista, Help!!!)

intel

Louisa_Jane wrote:

Thanks chaps for all your help - I have now blocked it. I looked at Ewido, but I'm still on windows Me, so could not install it. (I'm waiting for the next blockbusting offer from Dell to get a new computer with XP- but now read on here that there is going to be yet another thing to have - Vista, Help!!!)

Dont worry about Vista Its not worth getting until all the bugs are fixed
its a bit of keep up wioth the Jones's.. so If you get a new PC just go for it
and donate your old one or give it to the needy.. :beer:

After a back to Factory Settings restore. :beer: