VistaMessage.exe : What the Hell?
Today, I saw a process named vistamessage.exe running in the task manager. At first glance, it seems it is a spyware, but strangely there is absolutely no information on the Internet about this file/process. I have no idea from where I got this thing installed!
There are only two references to this file/process-one at WarriorForums and the other at DigitalPoint. At the WarriorForum somebody mentioned that this is the work of an “Internet Marketing Genius” and also recommended the creator to register the domain “malwaremarketing.com” 
The discussion at DP wasn’t completely relevant.
Whatever this file is, here is how to get rid of it:
- Go to Start > Run and then type msconfig
- Click on the Startup tab.
- In the bottom you will see something like this:
- Just deselect VistaMessage and press Ok. You will be prompted to restart.
- Restart and check.
If you want to get rid of the reference completely you can download and install CCleaner [Google for it]. Also install a Anti-Spyware tool if possible. See download.com for some free anti-spyware tools.
I don’t fully understand as to what this program is. It may be a spyware or it could even be a program from MicroSoft that will one day start bugging all Windows Xp users to upgrade to Vista Who knows which snake is hiding in which bush!
March 18th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Thanks for the tip.
I also just did notice this little bugger. At first I thought it was there because I had downloaded and installed Web Traffic Machines, then removed all the “machines” and deleted all the files and folders, after which a desktop pop-up appeared a few times advertising for Web Traffic Machines.
The one day after starting up my PC, my Zone Alarm asked if I wanted to allow access to VistaMessage.exe. I was like, what the heck is THAT?!? So I looked for it and found it. And discovered that I could not delete it.
Then I went to Task Manager and found that it was taking up lots of resources. But when I wanted End Task, Windows gave a warning and I didn’t dare proceed, not knowing what might happen.
Next, I went to Zone Alarm, Program Control, changed the permissions for VistaMessage.exe, allowing it no access.
What happened next was annoying. Pages took forever to load. Went back and changed the permissions, allowing it access only to the Trusted Zone but not the Internet. Not much improvement.
Only when I set it for access rights to both Trusted Zone and Internet (but still no rights to Server), then and only then I no longer get annoying pop-ups, and my pages load as usual.
But I will surely try your method and remove that bugger completely.
Almost forgot to mention… I use CC Cleaner. Does not do a thing to it.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:48 am
Hi I think it comes from software designed by Bishop Anders
Have you installed any Special Operations Software .
Check program files for a folder named as above
and you will probably find in there a file named vistamassegae.exe.
April 6th, 2008 at 2:04 am
That’s a stealthy software that’s automatically added by that A-hole bishop anders of marketersos.com.. maker of black hat tools like youtube genius and other shit.
He keeps popping you this little window at the bottom right of the screen that shows you his ads.. and this is the product hes selling that makes these damn popups
seotrafficsuite.com/software/lmag/index.htm
So if you install any of his software and even uninstall it later, it remains on your PC..
To get rid of it, right click on start> and in the programs.. see for an entry called “Startup”
There you will see an entry called “VistaMessage”
Right click on that and select properties and in the “details” tab youll see the folder where its on your PC. Delete it and restart your PC
April 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Ya, I found it too.
I will need to read all the terms of use before installing software. That will take forever.
I really dislike marketers that use those kinds of sneaky tactics. I will be sure not to use any of there stuff.
It is really sneaky stuff and people that are not as tech savvy as I am really get hit hard with this stuff.
Thanks for the post here I resolved it pretty quickly.
Rod
April 20th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Oh just a quick update I had 2 instances of it running when I used task manager. I had to end both to delete it. I tried to delete it and access to it was denied until I ended the process, At that point it deleted fine.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Had them as well. for simple removal, you could just delete \VistaMessage.exe from your start-menu
June 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
RESOLVED!
Had the same issue. Tried all recommendations. NONE worked. The program refused to allow itself to be removed using ANY of the recommended tips.
So, I did the only logical thing left–put the ‘puter in SAFE MODE and tried the same process.
IT WORKED!!
To reiterate, once you find the application in the startup folder, right click to delete it. If the program refuses to delete, you’ll know it immediately (application in use error message).
If that happens, then just put the ‘puter in safe mode, repeat process, and it will delete just fine.
But, before you delete it, run msconfig. Remember, this is SAFE mode–virtually NO programs are running–EXCEPT that stupid vistamessage.exe! It is the only program that escapes SAFE MODE start up shutdown of background programs.
Whoever put this thing together and starting sticking it on people’s ‘puters should be hung upside down by the balls until his head explodes! What an asshole!
June 26th, 2008 at 4:05 am
@ Chuck Mason
Its not a great task to remove the programme !
Just stop the process and then delet = Start>Startup>VistaMessage.exe !
If its ain’t there … use the registry trick or simply search your root directory for the file !
=================================================
As far as the privacy is concerned … I didn’t got a single popup while the SOS programmes were installed for more than two days … Until I discovered the process !
It might be a process to support SOS process For Vista … As the Name Suggests !
Lokesh Sharma
July 1st, 2008 at 7:38 am
Thanks everyone, my old computer is back.
Charles
July 1st, 2008 at 7:39 am
Oh…what did I do?
I stopped the process
Ran Autoruns
Deleted the program from autoruns.
you can download a safe copy of this from Trusty CNET.
Charles