Maleware found using DesktopX

SDMCP.exe

from Stardock Forums
I found while analysing my HDD, that there was that file with the word -server- in my list of openned files in Windows that was executing itself. Thought i should investigate. The file name is SDMCP.exe and it shown as MCPServer as said up.

I found also that that file was started by winlogon.exe. The file was clean and was in it supposed folder. All good up. But using some prg I've dloaded ealier I deleted and entry in the startup list of the MCPServer and had to unregister 3 dlls using regsvr32.

Any anwser as of what is the purpose of this running server that -IS- still running up good even after an uninstall of your stardock product. Any f. good reply is -really- appreciated.

As far as I know it is the

Stardock MCP Core Services (System Extensions and Hooks)

What's it purpose running even after uninstall? Hook in the winlogon startup list. As good as I know the daily user of Windows may not be aware of how to unregister dlls, and delete an entry in the winlogon startup list.

How do you f. explain this?
Integrate it in the uninstaller?

I'm not aware of the developement issues but I just think this is a weird behavior. The server shouldn't hook onto the winlogon else if needed and I'm not aware of.

Well, I'm here for a good explanation...

Thks in advance!

OnKn0wn.
3,912 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Stardock MCP is needed to run the System tray (hence its deep integration into Windows) in both DesktopX and ObjectDock. If you have installed any of those programs, it is unlikely that sdmcp.exe and its components are uninstalled upon uninstallation of StardockCentral, since SDC most likely realizes that it is still needed.

However, if you still have StardockCentral installed you can actually disable SDMCP by opening Tools > Settings > and unchecking 'Enable MCP smart startup'. Note that if you use systemtrays in one of your DesktopX themes or in your ObjectDock, they will no longer work.

You should know though that SDMCP does nothing else and is not malware.

Maybe someone else can give you some more information about it.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It has a male programmer, so it is most definately 'maleware'. *runs*
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As per aufisch's comment this application does have a specific purpose and you should not worry about it. Because it has use across a range of Stardock applications it is (I believe) installed by Stardock Central. It isn't practical to uninstall this immediately you uninstall a specific application as this may cause problems with other installed applications.

As has been stated this can be switched off using Stardock Central if you are really worried about it.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
I did't switch it off I removed it manually.

Thanks for the informations.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
There was really no reason to take it out manually but I guess that's one way. Bear in mind if you use any of the products that have systrays (objectdock, desktopX, maybe objectbar) the system trays with those won't work.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
OnKn0wn,

You say that SDMCP.exe was still present and running after uninstalling a Stardock program. Do you mean that you have no more Stardock applications on your machine? If that's the case I can understand the confusion.

A little more detail as to your specific situation? There are probably more Stardock apps installed, or possibly just Stardock Central... Wincustomize Browser?
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Okay, I found out that the stardock product was still on my computer. Thought I had it removed but maybe I remebered before I formated my HDD. But anyways, nowaday with malewares everywhere we're never too much securized.

A good thing even I noticed it, imagine if it would have been a true maleware, at least I woul have been able to track it down. And as you said, when I deinstalled stardock product the SDMP was removed, tho mine was already. It was -my- mistake. But -hey!- I learned something good.

Thanks ya'll it's greatly appreciated.

OnKn0wn.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
No problem.
If you reinstall SDC it should come back.
It is used for systray notification in various SD products. As in creating your own DesktopX theme with task bar and system tray so you can hide the default.

And yeah, it is good to keep an eye on things.