Here is what SYMANTEC - i.e. the Norton Anti-virus software site - says:

From my limited techie knowledge it looks like it's meant to be there but it interferes with some programs, so there is info further down on how to keep it out of harms way.

Helen

PTSNOOP.EXE Interferes with Installation and Running of REALHELP

Situation: You have installed REALHELP, but it will not work correctly. REALHELP locks up at random times, either while trying to start REALHELP, run Full System Check, or the individual Diagnostics. However, there are no errors.

When pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete, you see that PTSNOOP is running on your system.

Solution: PTSNOOP.EXE interferes with the proper running of REALHELP. It can also cause interference with the InstallShield process.

To resolve this:

1. Click Start and choose Run. 2. Type SYSEDIT and click OK. The System Configuration Editor opens. 3. Click the WIN.INI title bar. 4. In the LOAD= line, you will see PTSNOOP.EXE. Place a colon in front of this line. For example:

;LOAD=PTSNOOP.EXE

5. If there are other items in the LOAD= line, place them on a new LOAD= line directly below the original. For example:

;LOAD=PTSNOOP.EXE LOAD=

6. Choose File, Save, then File, Exit. 7. Restart the computer. 8. Now run REALHELP. If REALHELP runs correctly, the installation is OK. If it still does not run correctly, then reinstall REALHELP.

NOTE: PTSNOOP is a token program that waits for a program to request the COM port to be opened. Then it makes sure that the modem drivers get loaded if they are not.

PTSNOOP can be found with several different modems, such as the MICOM HSP PCTEL and EPS Technology COMM WAVE PCMCIA modems. It is not mandatory for proper operation, and the manufacturers list removal of PTSNOOP in various steps of their troubleshooting procedures.

Product(s): REALHELP 1.0, REALHELP Extra Strength 1.0 Operating System(s): Document ID: 1998120111641926 Date Created: 12/01/98 Last Modified: 01/25/99

http://service2.symantec.com/SUPPORT/qdeckkb.nsf/c34094d8cd670e6e852566d600710c8c/06d8439c1d3d76e7852566d00010eb3b?OpenDocument