Windows Cannot find 'pleasewait.exe' Error- How to Fix

by Ventsislav Krastev | January 14, 2019 | 0 Comments malware, trojan, virus

Threat Summary Pleasewait.exe ERROR – How Did I Get It Pleasewait.exe Virus – More Information How to Fix Pleasewait.exe Error and How to Remove Viruses Infecting Your PC

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.

Update September 2019. 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 malware 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 is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

How to Remove Pleasewait.exe Error from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Pleasewait.exe Error

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

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

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Pleasewait.exe Error and related software 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: 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:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", 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

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. 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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Pleasewait.exe Error from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Pleasewait.exe Error and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Pleasewait.exe Error:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

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”.

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.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
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.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove Pleasewait.exe Error via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Pleasewait.exe Error. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Step 2: Scan for and remove Pleasewait.exe Error files 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. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Pleasewait.exe Error:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Pleasewait.exe Error from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase Pleasewait.exe Error from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall Pleasewait.exe Error from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Pleasewait.exe Error from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: 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.

How to 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate Pleasewait.exe Error from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: 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'.

Step 5: 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.