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Обзор процесса
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Как исправить ошибку?
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Как удалить?
Если вы читаете эту статью, значит любите играть в онлайн игрушки. В таком случае мы ответим на два главных вопроса о PnkBstrA.exe: что это и как его удалить.
Обзор процесса
Каждая игра нуждается в античитерской защите, т.к. жульничество увеличивает количество недовольных геймеров. Соответственно, аудитория уменьшается и компания-разработчик несет убытки.
PnkBstrA.exe – один из компонентов программы PunkBuster, защищающий многопользовательские онлайн игры от взлома, использования читов и искусственной накрутки рейтинговой статистики. Реализуется за счет регулярного сканирования памяти компьютера на предмет присутствия читов или патчей, ведения и отправки зашифрованных логов на сервера компании для дальнейшего анализа.
В основном софт устанавливается на ПК вместе с игрушками, но вот удалять его зачастую нужно отдельно от игры.
Как исправить ошибку?
Среди наиболее часто встречаемых ошибок процесса PnkBstrA.exe является «Service Communication Failure: PnkBstrA.exe». Для исправления ошибки:
- Проверьте настройки своего антивируса: убедитесь, что активная защита не блокирует процессы, связанные с PunkBuster. При необходимости добавьте файлы PnkBstrA.exe в папках C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ или C:\Windows\System32\ и PnkBstrB.exe в папке %LOCALAPPDATA%\PunkBuster\BF4\pb\ в исключения защитной программы.
- Попробуйте открыть PnkBstrA.exe от имени администратора.
- При неудаче в двух предыдущих пунктах попробуйте удалить приложение, запустив файл pbsvc.exe. После этого перезагрузите компьютер и снова запустите этот файл, но от имени администратора. Попробуйте повторно установить сервис и проверить работоспособность игры.
Как удалить?
Сделать это можно стандартным способом:
- Перейдите в «Этот компьютер» – «Удалить или изменить программу».
- Найдите PunkBuster Services, кликните по полю ПКМ и выберите «Удалить».
- Следуйте подсказкам программы установщика.
- Удалите неактуальные записи в реестре с помощью CCleaner.
- Перезагрузите компьютер.
Надеюсь, эта инструкция помогла решить проблему с появлением ошибки или с деинсталляцией приложения. Теперь вы знаете ответы на два основных вопроса о PnkBstrA.exe: что это и как удалить. Если есть дополнения, исправления или вопросы – пишите в комментарии.
PnkBstrA.exe is a crucial component of software called PunkBuster. It is a dedicated anti-cheat application for multiplayer online video games. It’s a trustworthy component to detect cheats if any other player is using it while in multiplayer mode. PunkBuster’s anti-cheat characteristics are only triggered while playing a game supporting it. The files are automatically installed with the supported game. It is available for Mac, Linux, and Windows.
Which Games Uses PunkBuster Services?
Some of the popular games using PunkBuster include:
- Battlefield Series: Battlefield Hardline, Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4
- Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad
- Far Cry 3
- Ghost Recon Future Soldier
- Medal of Honor
- Medal of Honor Warfighter
How Does PunkBuster Work?
The software runs in the background and automatically updates its databases to get new definitions for new cheats or hacks for different games. While playing a game, the component receives silently connected to the server and checks for associated cheat codes via various tools such as taking screenshots of your game and viewing information about your key bindings. Upon noticing anything suspicious, the PunkBuster-enabled servers can permanently ban you, disabling you from playing any PunkBuster-enabled games.
Is PunkBuster Spying On Me?
Picture Courtesy: HowToGeek
Once the PunkBuster is installed, it starts operating on your PC’s background. You’ll see PnkBstrA.exe in the Task Manager and the PnkBstrA in the Services application.
It gets instantly active when playing online games, but it downloads the definitions when connected to the Internet and not while playing games. So, it doesn’t do anything more; hence the service is not spying on you.
Common Errors That Appear Due To PnkBstrA Process
Although PunkBuster is responsible for protecting against hackers and detecting in-game cheating, it sometimes creates a couple of errors to hamper users’ experience. For instance, players who are playing honestly receive the message “Kicked by PunkBuster,” which is unfair and needs to be fixed. It can be due to various causes as follows:
- Malfunctioned PunkBuster service running on your desktop: It is one of the most generic causes, and the solution is uninstalling the previous component and reinstalling the latest version.
- Interference by Antivirus services:The antivirus program and firewall sometimes disturb the PunkBuster service, resulting in various errors.
You might want to read: How Antivirus Helps in Protecting Your PC
Should I uninstall PnkBstrA.exe?
Picture Courtesy: Removefile
A legitimate PnkBstrA.exe doesn’t use many resources and is 100% safe to be installed on your computer, but it does not mean you should always consider keeping it. Whether you want it to be stored on your device depends on whether you need to play the associated game. If not required, then uninstalling it is a clever choice.
The principal reason for removing the PnkBstre.exe file is if it gets corrupted. If it is required for the next game? In such a case, consider reinstalling it. Otherwise, it must be permanently removed!
So, what are the potential signs that indicate you should remove PnkBstra.exe? For starters, if the illegitimate file consumes much of your CPU’s power or RAM, consider removing it immediately. Secondly, start observing the precarious nature of the PnkBstra.exe file. Finally, if the file’s location is in a different folder or subfolder than C:\Windows\System32 folder, you should remove it immediately.
Must-Read: How to Fix COM Surrogate High CPU Usage Windows 10/11?
How To Deal With PnkBstra.exe?
Before removing the PnkBstra.exe, if you are suspicious about the virus or malware attacking your system, we highly recommend installing and running a security software like Systweak Antivirus to eliminate potential threats.
Install the latest version of Systweak Antivirus and initiate the scanning process for identifying underlying security threats and vulnerabilities. Once the infections are detected, you can further quarantine them!
Remember, in this process, we did not remove PnkBstrA but can decide if we have to reach that step or not. Systweak Antivirus is a fantastic security solution, equipped with an advanced heuristic mechanism and some security features like real-time protection, exploit and malware protection, etc. Besides, you will also get a 30 Days free trial. Hence, you can test the product before investing in the same.
To know more about the tool, visit the official website: Systweak Antivirus – Best Antivirus for Windows PC.
To uninstall the Infected PnkBstrA.exe variant, here’s what you need to do:
1. Open the Control Panel window.
2. Click on the Programs module and navigate the Uninstall a program window.
3. Select the associated file. In this case, you have to uninstall PnkBstrA directly.
Once you’ve successfully removed the file, consider updating your operating system to implement
Perform the steps as shown to update your operating system in Windows operating system:
1. Go to the search bar and type “update.” Once the relevant result appears, click on the “windows update” option.
2. Click “Check for updates.” Choose the available updates to install.
3. Click the download button to install the new update.
Additional Tip: Consider using a reliable PC Cleaner and Optimizer
System Optimizers are professional software that implements a variety of cleaning and optimization tasks. We recommend users running Advanced System Optimizer on their Windows PC to execute a multitude of tasks like free up RAM, clean junk files, delete duplicate files, fix invalid registry entries, uninstall apps/games (with their associated services) and do more to boost system speed and prevent unwanted crashes and slowdown issues. It even offers a dedicated Game Optimizer module that helps users smooth the gaming experience. And, it comes quite handy, in case you are reinstalling PnkBstrA.exe.
Final words
PnkBstre.exe has a critical role in keeping the gaming process free from malpractices, which is undoubtedly good, but sometimes the process has some errors that need to be fixed. We have discussed those processes and the solutions above. But if you don’t play the game at the current time, then you should remove PnkBstrA from your device. We have also discussed the steps to do so earlier.
And now, you know all you need to know about PnkBstrA.exe and how to fix issues associated with the file. We also discussed the property and behavior of the file and the reasons to remove it from our PC. Although we have discussed five ways to do so, it is vital to decide on the best option available to remove PnkBstrA. Amongst all the alternatives discussed, it will be recommended to go for system optimizers. Therefore, one of Systweak’s advanced system optimizers is strongly suggested. It is chosen over other options because it provides much more than uninstalling PnkBstrA.
You are highly encouraged to ask your questions or share feedback in the comments sec; we will be glad to answer and resolve queries. Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q.1. Is PunkBuster a virus?
No, it’s neither a virus nor malware. It’s just a program whose purpose is to keep a check for cheating or hacking during online multiplayer video games.
Q.2. Can I delete PnkBstrA?
Yes, you can delete it. There are many ways to delete it. You can search for methods and delete them from your PC.
Q.3. What is PunkBuster used for?
It is used to detect software or other means to prevent cheating or other malpractices from occurring during online gaming.
Q.4. Can you uninstall PunkBuster?
Sure! You can take the help of a Control Panel or dedicated PC Cleaner & Optimizer to uninstall the games and associated services.
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You all know how to operate a computer and which file is more important and which is not. Similarly, there is a file in your computer, which is a .exe file, meaning an executable file named PnkBstrA.exe.
This file is located in your program file’s folder as we will further disclose its location to you but for now, let us study what this file does to your computer.
Some people hypothesize that this file works like a computer virus, and some say it works to protect the operating system from other viruses.
If you have seen the file format of this PnkBstrA.exe so you can determine various things; this file is an executable file, and many executable files can harm your computer in some cases.
With that said, in this article, you can learn about the file and decide whether the file is a virus for your operating system or belongs to the system.
PnkBstrA.exe is an executable file that is a component of Punk Buster, and it is developed by Even Balance. The file is a cheat detector that detects cheats if someone is using video games played online in multiplayer mode.
The file is a trustworthy component of Punk Buster clients. It is not an essential file for Windows. That’s why it can be removed at any time and cause fewer problems.
Punk Buster is a program that offers real-time protection to kernel-based systems that helps in dynamic and permanent scanning of the video game player with the help of heuristic and generic detection of the system.
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The program will give you protection against hackers and in-game cheating that can improve your online gaming experience. It also provides you with updates and scripts in the background.
It provides you with various features that are administrative tools as well, such as taking screenshots, managing ban lists, and live video streaming.
Let’s talk about the leading company providing this program to you. Even Balance inc. is an American company that offers various anti-cheat software so you can have a great online gaming experience.
The company also provides a license of its program to video game developers and publishers who wish to include the program in their video games. The company was founded in 2010, and its headquarters is in Austin, Texas, USA.
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PnkBstrA.exe is the abbreviation for Punk Buster Service Component A. If you think this software is malware or a virus, or if you think the software is safe, please tell us your opinion in our comment section under the conclusion heading after deciding what you think of the software.
PnkBstrA.exe File Information
As we go under the file information of this PnkBstrA.exe, we would like you to know that this file is also known as Medal of Honour Airborne and is a component of PnkBstrA or Medal of Honour Airbourne, which was invented by Even Balance.
As this file is not essential for Windows operating system, it can cause a few problems for the operating system.
The location of this is not confidential because if it would, then it could cause some more significant problems in your operating system, so you should know the original location of this file which is C:\ Windows\ System 32 folder.
The file size on all the Windows operating system is 66872 bytes. This process is a service that provides service in various games; its name is Punk Buster Service Component.
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The file is a Verisign-signed file, meaning it is safe to use and does not contain any malware.
The file contains no information about what it does, and it is a hidden file that can be found if you allow all the hidden files to show; plus, the file does not contain a visible window either.
Although, the file is not a Windows operating system original file. However, it does contain a digital signature, meaning that the operating system takes full responsibility for this file.
The software works by sending signals to its company or sending data to an open port with the help of LAN and the internet. The file can monitor applications, therefore, the technical rating that the reviewers give to this file is 50% dangerous, but it does not mean that the file is harmful to your system.
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However, if the file is located in the subfolder C:\ Windows rather than its original folder, the technical rating of danger will be decreased to 41%. And if the file is located in C:\ Program files subfolder, then the technical rating of risk will be 44%.
To uninstall the file, you should go to Control Panel and click on Program and Features. After that, scroll to find the Medal of Honour Airborne name program, select the program, and hit uninstall button.
We want to share another vital piece of news with you that will benefit you if you are interested in knowing more about PnKBstra.exe. Sometimes malware camouflages through your system and names itself PnKBstra.exe.
The malware can be located in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System 32. Therefore, you should keep a check on this file to see if the process is a threat or not. Plus, we would like to recommend Security Task Manager that will automatically verify your computer’s security.
This Task manager was the top download pick for PC world and The Washington Post.
Best Practices for Resolving PnkBstrA.exe Issues
The best practices for resolving Punk Buster Service Component A issues can be various. If you keep cleaning your computer daily, that will avoid all the problems this file will create.
Cleaning a computer means running an anti-virus malware scan every day, so if there are any viruses, they can be detected and removed.
You should clean your drive every day with the help of Clean Manager (cleanmgr), with the help of Scan Now (sfc/scannow), and uninstalling the programs you no longer use.
You can check which programs auto start by using Microsoft Configurations (MSConfig) and should update your operating system daily by enabling Windows Automatic Update.
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Always back up your data so it can be saved if something gets wrong.
After checking on all these things, something goes wrong, and a severe problem occurs. You should check if the last thing you did means the last thing you installed on your computer or check where the problem started by checking the last thing you did.
The resmon command can help you identify the problem causing you this much trouble.
If a problem occurs, you are advised to repair the installation instead of reinstalling the whole operating system. If you have Windows 8 or a bigger version of Windows, you are advised to execute the DISM.exe/online/clean-image/Restorehealth command.
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This command will allow repairing the operating system without losing your data. If you want to analyze the PnkBstrA.exe, there are only two ways.
First, Security Task Manager will show you all the running processes and programs, including the hidden programs that are anonymously working in the system, such as the keyboard, browser monitoring, and autostart entries.
The Security Task Manager will tell you the security risk rating of every program because every program has a unique security rating that will help you identify which is malware, spyware, or a Trojan.
Second, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will instantly detect and remove all types of viruses from your hardware, such as sleepy spyware, adware, malware, Trojans, keyloggers, and trackers.
Conclusion!
We hope that you have learned all the things that you came to read. In the beginning, we asked you a question. If you have decided on your answer, please share it with us.
We are here for your assistance if you have any queries regarding this article. Feel free to ask any question by commenting in our comment section. We will try our best to answer your queries.
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Click Here to Run a Free Scan for PnkBstrA.exe Related Errors.
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If you discover the PnkBstrA.exe process in the task manager, you are probably wondering what it is all about. We will explain where the file comes from.
Windows process PnkBstrA.exe — What its all about
PnkBstrA stands for “PunkBuster Service Component A”. The file has an .exe extension.
- This is not a file from the Windows operating system. Rather, it is a PunkBuster anti-cheat tool developed by the American company Even Balance.
- You download the file to your computer when you install certain games such as Medal of Honor Airborne.
- In principle, the file is not dangerous. It should be located in the C:windowssystem32 folder. The file size is either 66,888 bytes or 66,872 bytes.
- If you uninstall the corresponding program, the file and the associated process will also disappear.
- However, malware can also hide behind the file name. You should definitely be skeptical if the file is located under C:Programs and has a size other than those mentioned.
- Its definitely worth scanning your computer regularly for malware. If you are unsure, it is best to remove the file. You do not need the file for Windows to function.
(Image: Nicole Hery-Moßmann)
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You a gamer? Tired of the PunkBuster process? No worries! We got you covered.
E-sports have been growing all over the world with an excellent growth rate. When they got access to the gadgets, many teenagers dreamed of earning a living out of playing games. Well, humankind has made it true. Gaming is one of the topmost careers you can pursue and make a good living out of it. Today, we will discuss a PunkBuster program, of which many gamers and many users are tired. So hop along!
So basically, PunkBuster is a computer program developed by Even Balance that detects if you are using any software to cheat in online multiplayer games. It is like an anti-cheat program. It is installed in numerous popular multiplayer games. For example, Battlefield 4, Far cry 3 onwards, etc. It is a program that is mandatory to play an online game.
In 2000, the problem of online cheating was growing to a great extent. Thus, with the release of PunkBuster, a new hope was born. For more than 15 years, it has been the leading program in the industry to stop cheating. Having understood the basics, let’s move on.
Is PunkBuster a virus? Is it safe for me?
Now the program of PunkBuster is always running in the background. You can check your task manager or the services running tab to see if it is there on your device. Probably if you have multiplayer games, then it will be present with the name PnkBstrA.exe.
Coming to the security PunkBuster is a safe program for your device. It does not utilize a lot of your resources for its work. It is not a virus. You can keep the program on your device and seek no danger from it.
But again, any program can be infected and become dangerous if you are not aware, like downloading harmful and sus things, not protecting your device from antivirus, etc.
You can find the program on your game path in the folder names PB
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Features of PunkBuster.
Now PunkBuster is not found in the newer games, irrespective of the fact that they are multiplayer. Nowadays, games use their own security technologies to keep their usage fair. You will find this program in most of the games released around 2008-2016.
Talking about the system features, it is divided into two parts- The client and the server. Basically, one part is installed on the device of the user of the game, and the other is on the developer’s server. Furthermore, many multiplayer games will not allow you to play them if you do not have anti-cheat software on your device.
Coming to the basic features of the program.
- It does real time scanning for hacks, cheats, using built-in database.
- PunkBuster admins can also stream their server logs to another location that too real time.
- The admins can also temporaririly or permanantly remove players manually.
- It is compatible with major game engines
- It offers cross platform support
- If also offers environment modification detection
- It has an auto update system on background
- It sends frequent status reports to the server.
Service Communication failure- Kicked by PunkBuster
Now many users receive this error where they get disconnected from the game, and this error shows up:
Many users face this error, which can be caused by various reasons even if you are not cheating or using faulty methods.
Maybe your PunkBuster is not working properly, or it came in contact with some malicious content affecting its working. Maybe the service is not running in the background properly, and as a result, the game cannot modify or configure the anti-cheat system. Lastly, it may be blocked over by the Defender Firewall. Thus below are few fixes for this.
Solution 1
- Try reinstalling the program first. Go to Control panel and head to Programs and features. Now locate the name PunkBuster services and uninstall it. Thereafter, head to this link: http://www.evenbalance.com/pbsetup.php and download the program selecting For All Windows Games. Once downlaod the setup, reinstall the program and check to see if the problem still persists.
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Solution 2
- For the next solution, open the Services window by searching it directly in the search bar and locate the name PunkBuster or PnkBstrA. Double click to open properties and make sure its start-up type is set to automatic. Now retart the service and also restart your device. See if the problem still persists.
Other advanced solutions
- If the problem still persists, then go to settings annavigate to security. In there go the the firewall option and check if that service is blocked by the firewall. If yes, then resolve the issue and allow it on your device. The problem will be solved.
- If your problem waws still not solved then head over to this link: http://www.evenbalance.com/downloads/pbsvc/pbsvc.exe and download it. Run the application and this should solve the problem. Only try this solution if others dont work for you.
If you have used unfair means, your game may be permanently blocked, and these solutions will not work for you.
Now you may face other issues as well regarding this program. However, the most common and the only issue people get is solved above. You can try these below fixes for other errors you get. These fixes do not have any side effects on your game or device.
- Run a complete scan using cmd with the command sfc/scannow
- Use your antivirus to scan the game files and the punkbuster service to see if they need any resolvement
- Try reinstalling the program(s)
- Clean the drives where you have the game and the program stored. This will remove all the harmful files affecting the usage.
You can try using the alternatives of PunkBuster. You can uninstall this program and install another anti-cheat program and solve your issues.
How to uninstall PunkBuster
If you do not play any multiplayer games or play the game in single-player mode, you do not need to keep this program. Below are the steps to uninstall it.
Head over to the search button near the start button and type Add or Remove Programs. Now locate unknown in the list. Click the program and uninstall it.
Another way of deleting it is through the services tab. Open services window and search of the service. Open its properties, and you can disable the service first and then obliterate the service.
If your program was installed externally, you can head to the control panel and click on Uninstall a program. Now locate the program and uninstall it.
Always perform an antivirus scan after uninstalling the program to check for cache and other junk files in the directory.
For the fourth solution for downloading an application, is it safe?
Yes, it is completely safe. This application is from the developers of PunkBuster and will surely help you.
If I disable the service, will it still use my CPU?
No, the service won’t use any of the resources if it is disabled.
Is there any solution for unblocking the ban if I used unfair means in the game?
You have to contact the developers of the program for assistance as there is no fix for that.
Final Thoughts on the program
PunkBuster has an excellent mindset behind the work. It was the first initiative taken to prevent unfair means in online gaming. The main issue of Service Communication failure and being kicked out by PunkBuster is solved above. If no solutions work out for you, you try some alternatives of PunkBuster and see for the action. I hope this article helped you. Ciao!
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