This article has been created in order to explain how to find and fix the error, going by the name of “pleasewait.exe” and how to remove the malware that may be associated with it.
A new problem for Windows users has been detected to cause a BSOD error on the computers that are affected. The error displays a Windows pop-up, claiming that a vital file, called pleasewait.exe is missing from the user PC. The outcome of this is that the computers showing the error often tend to go into a BSOD (blue screen of death) state and then restart. This error is likely malware-related and this is why it is strongly recommended to read the following article in order to fix it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Pleasewait.exe Error |
| Type | Trojan/Virus |
| Short Description | Causes BSOD errors and pop-up errors and the system cannot function properly. Likely spyware or destructive type of malware. |
| Symptoms | You start seeing pop-ups claiming Windows cannot find “pleasewait.exe” and then you recieve the Blue Screen of Death with error c000021a. |
| Distribution Method | Via spam e-mails or malicious sites. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Pleasewait.exe Error Download Malware Removal Tool | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Pleasewait.exe Error. |
Pleasewait.exe ERROR – How Did I Get It
For the moment, it cannot be said for sure how this malware infects computers. However, one possible scenario could be via Windows activation software. The Pleasewait.exe ERROR is the type of malware, that may be included in hacktools, like activators that legitimize Windows licenses, such as fake versions of KMS activator or Loader by Daz.
Once the user downloads and installs the activator on his computer, the Pleasewait.exe error may start to pop-up. Another variant is for the error to begin to show up after some time has passed by. Either way, software cracks are probably the main reason why you may start to recieve this error.
Pleasewait.exe Virus – More Information
The Pleasewait.exe file is usually located in the following Windows directory:
→ C:\Windows Activation Technologies
C:\Windows Activation Technologies\wait.exe
In this folder, a file wait.exe which is most likely related to pleasewait.exe is located. It triggers the following warning on the victim computers:
Text from Image:
Windows cannot find ‘pleasewait.exe’. Make sure you typed the name correctly and then try again.
When the warning is closed, users may experience a BSOD immediately or after several moments. The BSOD returns the following error:
On newer Windows systems, the error appears like the following:
In addition to this, the error corrupts a multiple Windows System Files, which you can find in the CBS.log file after runnign Windows Command Prompt as an administrator and performing an “sfc /scannow” virus scan. The .log file has the following location:
→ C:\Windows\Logs\CBS.log
It is very likely that the wait.exe file may belong to a wide range of Trojan horses or viruses that may not only cause BSOD’s on the infected computers, but also perform other malicious activities on them, like:
- Take screenshots.
- Steal any saved passwords and login names.
- Obtain personal information.
- Copy and steal files from the victim PC.
- Log the keystrokes you type via a Keylogger component.
- Obtain your browsing history.
How to Fix Pleasewait.exe Error and How to Remove Viruses Infecting Your PC
To make sure that you fix the Pleasewait.exe error, we would strongly reccomend that you perform the following activities:
1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode using the steps below.
2. Remove the C:\Windows Activation Technologies folder.
3. Uninstall your default Antivirus Protection.
4. Run Windows Command Prompt as an administrator and in it type:
→”sfc /scannow”
.
This will check Windows for any error files and fix them.
5. Follow the manual instructions for virus detection (for experienced users) or automatically scan for any malware using the instructions in step “3” below to remove any viruses that may have come on your computer as a result of this malicious hacktool.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Video containing step-by-step removal and file recovery instructions for Pleasewait.exe Error:
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Pleasewait.exe Error and other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Pleasewait.exe Error.
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Preparation before removing Pleasewait.exe Error.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. We highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Pleasewait.exe Error
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Pleasewait.exe Error on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Pleasewait.exe Error there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click “Modify” to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find files created by Pleasewait.exe Error
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Before starting the Automatic Removal, please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Pleasewait.exe Error with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pleasewait.exe Error.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software.
Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors.
If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
Method 3: Using Shadow Explorer
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Video containing step-by-step removal and file recovery instructions for Pleasewait.exe Error:
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Pleasewait.exe Error and other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Pleasewait.exe Error.
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Preparation before removing Pleasewait.exe Error.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. We highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Pleasewait.exe Error
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Pleasewait.exe Error on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Pleasewait.exe Error there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click “Modify” to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find files created by Pleasewait.exe Error
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Before starting the Automatic Removal, please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Pleasewait.exe Error with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Video, containing step-by-step removal instructions for Pleasewait.exe Error:
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Pleasewait.exe Error or other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Pleasewait.exe Error.
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Pleasewait.exe Error follow these steps:
1. Uninstall malicious programs from Windows
How to Uninstall malicious programs from Windows:
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
2. Clean your Browser and Registry from Pleasewait.exe Error
Remove Pleasewait.exe Error by cleaning your Browser and Registry.
Remove an extension from Mozilla Firefox
Remove an extension from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Internet Explorer
Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
Fix registry entries created by Pleasewait.exe Error on your PC.
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
Select the unwanted extension and click “Remove“
After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” button at the top right corner and start it again.
Select the extension you want to remove and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
From the drop menu select “Extensions”.
Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
Before starting the Automatic Removal below, please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Pleasewait.exe Error with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Pleasewait.exe Error and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Pleasewait.exe Error.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup .
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Video, containing step by step removal instructions for Pleasewait.exe Error:
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Pleasewait.exe Error and other threats.
Scan Your MAC with Combo Cleaner
Combo Cleaner is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Pleasewait.exe Error.
Keep in mind, that Combo Cleaner needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check Combo Cleaner’s EULA and Privacy Policy.
Manually delete Pleasewait.exe Error from your Mac
Step 1: Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
Step 2: Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
Step 3: In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Pleasewait.exe Error:
To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.
Step 4: Click on the “Go” button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
Step 5: In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Pleasewait.exe Error. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
Step 6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Pleasewait.exe Error. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“–“) icon to hide it.
Step 7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
1.Go to Finder.
2.In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
3.Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
4.If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
Remove Pleasewait.exe Error – related extensions from your Mac’s browsers.
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
Select the Extension and click “Remove“
After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Step 1: Remove Safari extensions
Start Safari
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on the extension you want removed.
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Pleasewait.exe Error will be removed.
Step 2: Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.
Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.
Automatically remove Pleasewait.exe Error from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Pleasewait.exe Error, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
