Why do I get a dialog box that reads Windows Essencials (sic) Media Codecs Update Service on startup?
by cefenix on February 8, 2009Q: A couple of weeks ago, I had something odd pop up on my screen at re-start. A dialog box that reads: “Windows Essencials (sic) Media Codecs Update Service” then proceeds to list a laundry list of codecs with misspellings such as “AVI Splitrer”. When “X” off the box, it pops up “Are you sure?” Have I got something nasty that is going to get nastier if someone inadvertently clicks to install when I don’t happen to be in front of it (read: wife, child)?
Read Answer Here
Looks like someone downloaded and installed this program:
http://www.mediacodec.org/
Some of the spelling errors you’re seeing are apparently from a spanish version, so I don’t think this is mal-ware. You can either update to a newer version of this software from the author’s website or remove it through Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs.
Additionally, I’d suggest taking a lot at this eariler answer about how to protect your pc from spyware: http://www.askageek.com/2007/09/25/what-anti-spyware-applications-should-i-use/
Mark (Uber Geek) says: on February 8, 2009 at 10:16 am
Bingo. Spot on, Mark! Thanks a million.
cefenix (Newbie) says: on February 8, 2009 at 9:10 pm