Resolved Macrovision Update Service ActiveX Control question

I just ran a Secunia PSI 2.0 scan that produced a notification of my Macrovision Update Service ActiveX Control 6.0.100 60146 reaching End-of-Life status. There also is no Install Solution option for it.

A Google search shows numerous items regarding that file and its being highly vulnerable, but nothing since way back in 2010. Is there a fix, or should I delete the thing? Control Panel's Programs and Features doesn't even list it. Running a system Search doesn't bring up anything for "Macrovision," and "ActiveX" brings up Manage browser add-ons which shows the Shockwave ActiveX Control but nothing at all about Macrovision. So now what?

(Expanding the Secunia search results display shows the file to be in C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files folder, so at least I now know where it is if deleting it is advisable.)

 

Could you rename the file extension to .old ?


EDIT: I found a little bit about the file here...

MSIE InstallShield Macrovision ActiveX BO ​

The Secunia forum has a thread or two about this issue too...

Secunia Forum​

 

Yes, I'm pretty sure I could. Is there a reason I should do that?

I don't know what the "BO" part of that means. I checked several of the items shown there. Most of them, even the fixes, apply to WinXP, not my Win7, and they tend to be from 2011 and earlier.

This link was far more current. Two Secunia users had the same experience today I had. The replies to them mostly just explained rather than solved anything.

The original file probably got installed on my computer's system when it was very new. Why or how, I don't know. Some comments I read lead me to believe it's for programmers. I don't do code or develop programs or apps. Do I have any use for that file or need to keep it?

LATER: I just attempted to change the file's extension to .old. I got a pop-up warning me that changing the file's name could make the file unusable. Not sure whether that would be a good or bad thing, I left it unchanged.

 

Renaming the file extension to .old will make it unusable.

I'm not sure, but BO may mean browser object.

The posted link mentioned your Macrovision version number, so I thought the article might be of some help.

Excerpt from web page...

These issues affect InstallShield Update Service 5.01.100.47363 and 6.0.100.60146.

The dates were current from what I could tell. One poster's problem resolved itself, and the other thread is waiting for a reply from the thread starter.

http://secunia.com/community/forum/thread/show/14819/macrovision_update_service_activex_control_6_x

http://secunia.com/community/forum/thread/show/14820/macrovision_update_service_activex_control_6_x

I really don't as of yet. It sounds like possibly an update tool for some kind of program on your computer.

It *will* make the file unusable. I suggested that to do away with the file's vulnerability. You can always make a restore point before renaming the file, or you could back up the file itself before renaming it.

Worth mentioning, renaming a file extension to .old can make it available for deletion by file cleaning programs like CCleaner, etc.

I understand your concerns. Maybe you could wait a few days and see if the second Secunia thread is updated with more info before making a decision. My suggestions were just ad-hock.

 

That file has been there for over 3 years, so waiting a few more days certainly won't put me to any strain. And as far as I know, it hasn't been the cause of any problems.

By the way, until your link got me to it, I didn't know Secunia had a forum to check when a question or problem with their program arose. I've now bookmarked it. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

You're welcome, BOBBO.

Keep an eye on that 2nd Secunia thread in case it gets updated soon, or you could start one yourself.

Post back if you find a solution.