Tech: Universal Media Player??? -spyware??

Subject: Tech: Universal Media Player??? -spyware??
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 08:09 PM

When I booted up this afternoon, a "Universal Media Player" started to install itself. I did a CTRL-ALT-DEL, and the unusual programs running were wowexec.exe, isdel.exe, and inso576.mp. Others looks usual, but I can't be sure. I searched for the files and fount that wowexec.exe and isdel.exe were normal Microsoft install and delete programs. Couldn't find inso576.mp.

So, I stopped the installation process. Not knowing what wowexec.exe was, I renamed it to wowexec.ex When I searched the win32 folder, there was another copy of wowexec.exe in the folder - plus the file I had renamed.

I downloaded and installed Windows Media Player 10 the other day - is that what's creating this "Universal Media Player"? I suppose there's one more possibility. I tried to play a Kathy Mattea enhanced CD, and maybe it had software that was trying to install. I wish they'd identify this "Universal Media Player" better, if that's what it is. Maybe I'll take a chance and see what it does. It's a great CD - The Innocent Years, released in 2000.

What's going on with my computer?

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Tech: Universal Media Player??? -spyware??
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 11:09 PM

well, Joe...a search says it's by RealMedia....I have no idea how it got on your machine.......but I don't allow anything by Real on mine just on principle. Unless Real and M$ have joined forces, I can't guess....If there are no answers by morning, I'll bet I can find out, though.

I use "Media Player Classic" with RealMedia plugin.