How to Remove “ShellExecuteEx failed; code 5. Access Denied” Malware?

I cant access programs as "You may not have the appropriate permissions to access". I think I'm infected. I am running Window 7. I've tried installing Malwarebytes to check for malware and I get the "ShellExecuteEx failed; code 5. Access Denied" error come up.

I've tried right clicking it and running as administrator and then I get the " You can not access the specific device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item" message.

I have also noticed I now have the hao123 site as my home page and I did not set this up...

What is “ShellExecuteEx failed; code 5. Access Denied”?

Once you get this message, it seems that you don't have the permissions to run the programs. You should deal with it by creating a new user account as Administrator account. If it didn’t help or there is no "Run as Administrator" when you right click on the program, your computer or some programs in your computer might have been infected by malware.

This kind of malware (if any) usually comes alongside free software, email attachments, or share files. It can also sneak into your computer by compromised websites/pop-up ads/links or just by exploiting your system vulnerability. Once inside, the malware may infect your system files and even programs, making them inoperative or messing your computer. Besides, it may trigger other unwanted or even malicious programs to your computer. And then your computer will become more dangerous. Here are some detailed problems brought by the malware:

It may trigger adware and multiple pop-up ads to your computer;
It may modify your browser settings by falsifying home page and search engine;
It may replace, add or delete your system files and registry entries;
It may cause some of your software/application out of use;
It may steal your important information or data.

How to Remove “ShellExecuteEx failed; code 5. Access Denied” Malware?

You can manually restore your important settings and remove malware in your computer. You can refer to the removal guide below to try removing malware. However, you may not identify the variant malware if you are lack of specific computer knowledge. So you are recommended to use Powerful SpyHunter Anti-Malware/Spyware to fix your computer.

>> Click Here for Quick and Efficient Removal Tool <<

Suggestion 1: Watch Relevant Removal Video for Help

Suggestion 2: Manually Fix Problems Caused by “ShellExecuteEx failed; code 5. Access Denied” Malware

Step 1: Boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking
Please be careful for this part and make sure you can handle it on your own. If not, you should follow the automatic removal guide.

Firstly, please restart your computer and before Windows interface loads, hit F8 key repeatedly. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” option, and then press Enter key. System will load files and then get to the desktop in needed option.

Secondly, you can follow these steps to get rid of ”SOS.Messaging has stopped working” manually: it’s to end virus related processes, search and remove all other relevant files and registry entries. Follow the removal guides below to start.

Step 2: End suspicious process in Windows Task Manager.

Launch Windows Task Manager by pressing keys Ctrl+Alt+Del or Ctrl+Shift+Esc, search for ”SOS.Messaging has stopped working” processes and right-click to end them.

Step 3: Remove unwanted program or malicious program from control panel.

Windows 8 & Windows 8.1

1. Slide the mouse cursor to the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Click Settings on the Charm bar and go to Control Panel.
3. Select Uninstall a program and remove unwanted program.

Windows Vista & Windows 7

1. Open the Start menu and click Control Panel.
2. Go to Uninstall a program and remove unwanted program.

Windows XP

1. Open the Start menu and navigate to Control Panel.
2. Select Add or remove programs and uninstall unwanted program.

Step 4: Show hidden folder and remove additional files.
Open Control Panel in Start menu and search for Folder Options. When you’re in Folder Options window, please click on its View tab, check Show hidden files and folders and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) and then press OK.

Click on the “Start” menu and then click on the “Search programs and files” box, Search for and delete these files created by malware (sample):

%AppData%\<random>.exe
%CommonAppData%\<random>.exe

C:\Program Files

C:\Documents and Settings

Step 5: Delete or edit Windows Registry.

Open Registry Editor by pressing Windows+R keys, type regedit in Run box and click “OK” to proceed. When Registry Editor is open, search and get rid of all the malicious registry entries:

Thirdly, reboot the computer normally to check whether the virus is completely removed or not.

Step 6: Erase Hao123.com from web browser.

Internet Explorer

Open Internet Explorer, then click on the gear icon (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right), then select Manage add-ons.

 Navigate to Search Providers, remove Hao123.com from the list and enable the one you want.

Follow the pictures below to get back your Home Page. If you fail to remove this website, you can reset your browser settings.

Delete random URL in the homepage box and type in www.google.com or other.

Mozilla Firefox

Open Firefox, simultaneously tap Alt+T keys and select Options. Click the General tab and move to the Home Page. Type in www.google.com or other. and click OK.

Open Firefox, press Alt + H, and select Troubleshooting Information > Refresh...

Google Chrome.

Click on the Customize icon(wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar. Select Settings from the drop-down list and then navigate to  Search > Manage search engines…Click X on the URL of the search tool you want to remove. Click Done.

Find Show advanced settings...and then go to Reset settings.

Suggestion 3: Automatically Remove Potential Malware with SpyHunter

SpyHunter has the ability to detect and remove rootkits, which are used to stealth install rogue anti-spyware programs and other trojans. It is designed to assist the average computer user in protecting their PC from malicious threats. Maybe the inexperience users can get help from it. If you find it hard to remove with the manual removal instruction, you can also use this automatic removal tool. 

SpyHunter's free scanner is for malware detection. You have the choice of buying SpyHunter for malware removal. Here are some install procedures for it. You can read it for reference.

Step 1: After finishing downloading, click Run to install SpyHunter step by step.

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Step 2: After finishing installing, SpyHunter will scan and diagnose your entire system automatically.

Step 3: As the scanning is complete, all detected threats will be listed out. Then, you can click on “Fix Threats” to remove all of the threats found in your system.

Good to know:

SpyHunter responds with advanced technology to stay one step ahead of today’s malware threats. It offers additional customization capabilities to ensure every user is able to custom tailor this anti-malware application to fit their specific needs. It is great if you remove the threats on your own. If you cannot make it yourself, SpyHunter will be another choice for you.