What is pboot.exe? Is it Safe or a Virus? How to remove or fix it





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What is pboot.exe?

pboot.exe is an executable file from EtherCD XL by 3Com, with the Windows 98 98 version 1.0.0.0 typically being around 3436 bytes. The .exe file could be a standard part of the software, but it's essential to verify if it's a legitimate application file or harmful malware/virus. Check its properties and origin to ensure its validity.

 

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Is pboot.exe a virus or malware?

Is pboot.exe safe, or is it a virus or malware?

To check if pboot.exe or any file is safe or a virus:

  1. Verify its location: The legitimate path should be something like C:\Program Files\3Com\EtherCD XL\pboot.exe
  2. Use Task Manager: Add "Image Path Name" in the columns to see the file location.
  3. Use Microsoft's Process Explorer: Check the "Verified Signer" status. If it's "Unable to Verify," further investigation is needed. Not all legitimate processes have a verified signature, but no malicious ones do.

The most important facts about pboot.exe:

  • Name: pboot.exe
  • Software: EtherCD XL
  • Publisher: 3Com
  • Expected Location: C:\Program Files\3Com\EtherCD XL\ subfolder
  • Expected Full Path: C:\Program Files\3Com\EtherCD XL\pboot.exe
  • SHA1: 038CD5A52ABE395FB71723730FB58E71DE626E22
  • SHA256:
  • MD5: 9BB5F3BE94FABA183E7DB94D083BF0A6
  • Known to be up to 3436 bytes in size in Windows 98 98
  • Version: 1.0.0.0

If experiencing issues with pboot.exe, first verify its trustworthiness using Task Manager by checking its location and size.

If it seems suspicious and you suspect a virus, use a comprehensive security application to attempt removal. Since not all tools detect every type of malware, you might need to try multiple security programs.

If the virus affects the ability to delete pboot.exe, boot into Safe Mode with Networking for a more secure environment, allowing you to run security scans and perform a thorough system analysis.

 

Can I remove or delete pboot.exe?

Do not delete pboot.exe if it's a safe file, as it could impact related programs. Keep your software and drivers updated to prevent issues.

If you suspect the file is malicious, perform a thorough system analysis with tools like Fortect or a reliable antivirus and malware remover. If these tools identify the file as harmful, they will help remove pboot.exe and any associated malware.

If it's not a virus and you need to uninstall it, remove EtherCD XL via its uninstaller or the Add/Remove Program feature in the Windows Control Panel.

  • 1. In the Start menu (for Windows 8, right-click the screen's bottom-left corner), click Control Panel, and then under Programs:
    o Windows Vista/7/8.1/10: Click Uninstall a Program.
    o Windows XP: Click Add or Remove Programs.
  • 2. When you find the program EtherCD XL, click it, and then:
    o Windows Vista/7/8.1/10: Click Uninstall.
    o Windows XP: Click the Remove or Change/Remove tab (to the right of the program).
  • 3. Follow the prompts to remove EtherCD XL.

 

 

Common pboot.exe error messages

The most common pboot.exe errors that can appear are:

  • "pboot.exe Application Error."
  • "pboot.exe failed."
  • "pboot.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."
  • "pboot.exe is not a valid Win32 application."
  • "pboot.exe is not running."
  • "pboot.exe not found."
  • "Cannot find pboot.exe."
  • "Error starting program: pboot.exe."
  • "Faulting Application Path: pboot.exe."
  • "pboot.exe is not responding."
  • "Access Violation at address [address] in module 'pboot.exe'."
  • "pboot.exe has stopped working."
  • "Cannot start EtherCD XL. A required component is missing: pboot.exe"

 

.exe error messages related to pboot.exe can arise during various instances: program installation, while running EtherCD XL software, during Windows startup or shutdown, or even while installing Windows 98 98. Recording the specific timing and context of these errors is crucial for effective troubleshooting.

 

How to fix pboot.exe

Maintaining a clean and organized computer is crucial for preventing issues with pboot.exe. This includes conducting regular malware scans, cleaning your hard disk with tools like cleanmgr and sfc /scannow, uninstalling unnecessary programs, managing auto-start programs through msconfig, and enabling automatic Windows updates.

Regular backups or setting recovery points are also important. If you encounter a major issue, check your recent actions and use the resmon command to identify problematic processes.

Rather than reinstalling Windows, consider repairing your installation or using the DISM.exe command. Tools like Fortect can help analyze the pboot.exe process, identifying if it is spyware, malware, or a Trojan horse, while antivirus software can assist in removing such threats.

 


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Download or reinstall pboot.exe

Avoid downloading replacement exe files, like pboot.exe, from download sites due to the risk of viruses. Instead, reinstall the main application associated with it, which is EtherCD XL, for a safer solution.

 

Operating system information

pboot.exe errors can occur in any of the following Microsoft Windows operating systems:

  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista




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