Avast is not the only one anti-virus program that flag ‘C:\Program Files\Common Files\ComObjects\update.exe’ without stop during browsing session. Some reported that the threat message about update.exe popped up with search redirect issue and even when browser directs to web sites started with ‘hxxp’ substituted for Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) by the victim for safety. And a Firefox logo was detected by the side of update.exe. Some made known that update.exe would popup and crash a lot. Some told that update.exe popup message would not stop after locating and deleting it.

What Is Update.exe?

Update.exe is a compiled file in a format that the computer can directly execute. Such file, ended in ‘.exe’ file extension, can be run through a command or a double click and is utilized to install and launch programs and routines. Update.exe is generally taken as a program assisting in automatic update of certain installed software. However, one should attach extra attention to its constant pop ups as it can stand a chance to be affected by virus since update.exe contains the information on where one has been on the Internet, the user account and password typed.

Dysfunctions Caused by Update.exe
Update.exe popup message acting weirdly can truly cause problems on computers. They are listed herein for reference:

• CPU is consumed significantly.
• Browser may encounter ad popping issues and search redirect problems.
• Crashes happen on computer or browser.

What Incurs Update.exe Popup?
■ Virus infection: virus affects update.exe to make it popup frequently in a bid to gain click on it to proceed its evil conducts such as opening up a backdoor, collecting information, introducing additional virus to gain large profit out of this.

■ Registry problems: incomplete registry key is frequently seen to cause constant .exe message；incomplete registry key is caused by missing files and accidental deletion of files.

■ Outdated driver: a driver is a wizard embedded in Operating System containing codes, among which are mainly related to the data of hardware equipment; if the hardware is not compatible with driver, the hardware cannot function, and the .exe message will popup as a consequence.

■ Damaged .exe file: damaged update.exe file can result from force shutdown or system failure.

■ Programs conflict: low compatible system can easily cause .exe file popup issue
Steps to Troubleshoot Update.exe- Mozilla Firefox Pop up Issue
Step1. Uninstall and Reinstall Firefox from Control Panel.

※ instructions for Windows 8 users:
> Move mouse to bottom-right corner of your desktop.
> Choose ‘Control Panel’ in the pop-up sidebar.
> “Programs and Features”.
> Uninstall Firefox there.

※ instructions for Windows 7/XP/Vista users:
> Start menu.
> Select Control Panel.
> Go in to ‘Uninstall Program’.
> Uninstall Firefox there

Step2. Check any available Windows update.

※ instructions for Windows 8 users:
> Open Charms bar.
> Select Settings.
> Choose Change PC Settings.
> Navigate to Windows Update settings menu.
> Click on ‘Check for updates now’ button.

> Restart the computer to finish Windows update.

※ instructions for Windows 7/XP/Vista users:
> Go to Control Panel
> System and Security
> Select Windows Update.
> Click Update button
> Click ‘Restart now’ button to confirm the change.

Step3. Check any available update for drivers.

※ instructions for Windows 8 users:
> Type ‘Device Manager’ from Home Screen.
> Click on Settings tab in the search menu.

> Find the device used to FireFox.
> Right click on it.
> Select Update Driver Software.

※ instructions for Windows 7/XP/Vista users:
> Go to Control Panel.
> Select Device Manager.
> Locate the device you want to update the drivers for.
> Right click on it.
> Choose Properties.
> Click Driver tab.
> Click Update Driver button.

Step4. Run reputable anti-virus programs to check if any virus is alive in the computer.

Step5. Employ cmd to repair update.exe file.
> Press Ctrl and R key together.
> Type ‘cmd’ (without quotation) in the Run box to bring up a little black window.
> Type sfc /scannow to scan system files and see if they are integrated
> Repair problem files.

Step6. Repair damaged files.
> Press Ctrl and R key together.
> Type ‘chkdsk’ (without quotation) in the Run box to bring up a little black window.
> Restart the computer and wait for the process to complete without hitting any keys.

Step7. Re-manage database (registry) to troubleshoot update.exe popup issue radically.

※ instructions for Windows 8 users:
> Move your mouse over lower right screen
> Click Search charm
> Type ‘regedit’/‘regedit.exe’
> Hit Enter key to
navigate to Extensions under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Microsoft\Mozilla\ Firefox to find update.exe file > right-click on the editor screen > choose option to create a new name, value for update.exe file extension > troubleshoot update.exe popup issue.
navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Microsoft\MozillaPlugins to find update.exe file > right-click on the editor screen > choose option to create a new name, value for update.exe file extension > troubleshoot update.exe popup issue.
navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MozillaPlugins to find update.exe file > right-click on the editor screen > choose option to create a new name, value for update.exe file extension > troubleshoot update.exe popup issue.

instructions for Windows 7/XP/Vista users:
> Press Ctrl and R key together.
> Type ‘regedit’ (without quotation) in Run box.
> Access Registry Editor.
> Hit Enter key to follow the same process depicted in preceding section Windows 8 users.

Attention:
Follow the steps listed in sequence to rule out the possibility that update.exe is being affected by vicious infections. Given that update.exe still pops up after all the steps are done, it is recommended to uninstall FireFox before one apply the last steps to remove update.exe. Do not forget to unveil hidden files in an attempt to find out related files and folders and remove them all after removing update.exe from database. A kind reminder should be mentioned that it would be better to backup the registry before you make any change to Windows registry in case improper changes are accidentally made to result in dysfunctions.

For more information about the exe error, you also can visit here: http://blog.vilmatech.com/category/pc-tune-up-optimization-service/