Safer Networking Ltd. Spybot - Search & Destroy EXE SDHookHelper.exe

How to Update, Download, and Fix SDHookHelper.exe

Last Updated: 11/26/2023
[Time to Read Article: 5 minutes]

SDHookHelper.exe uses the EXE file extension, which is more specifically known as a Live Protection Helper file. It is classified as a Win32 EXE (Executable application) file, created for Spybot - Search & Destroy by Safer Networking Ltd..

SDHookHelper.exe was first released in the Windows 10 Operating System on 07/01/2014 with Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.4.40. The most recent version [file version 2.6.46.2] was introduced on 06/19/2017 for Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.6.46.

In this article, you will find detailed SDHookHelper.exe information, a EXE file troubleshooting guide, and a list of versions that are available for free download.

File Analysis Provided by Jason Geater (Author)

File Overview

General Information ^✻
File Name:	SDHookHelper.exe
File Extension:	EXE file extension
Description:	Live Protection Helper
Object File Type:	Executable application
File Operating System:	Win32
MIME Type:	application/octet-stream
User Popularity Rating:

Developer and Software Information
Software Developer:	Safer-Networking Ltd.
Software Program:	Spybot - Search & Destroy
Legal Copyright:	© 2010-2017 Safer-Networking Ltd. All rights reserved.

File Details
Character Set:	ASCII
Language Code:	Neutral
File Flags:	(none)
File Flags Mask:	0x003f
Entry Point:	0x26ef
Code Size:	39936

View Other SDHookHelper.exe Information

File Info	Description
File Size:	135 kB
File Modification Date/Time:	2020:01:01 15:57:03+00:00
File Type:	Win32 EXE
MIME Type:	application/octet-stream
Machine Type:	Intel 386 or later, and compatibles
Time Stamp:	2015:06:15 09:48:19+00:00
PE Type:	PE32
Linker Version:	10.0
Code Size:	39936
Initialized Data Size:	76288
Uninitialized Data Size:	0
Entry Point:	0x26ef
OS Version:	5.1
Image Version:	0.0
Subsystem Version:	5.1
Subsystem:	Windows GUI
File Version Number:	2.6.46.2
Product Version Number:	2.6.46.0
File Flags Mask:	0x003f
File Flags:	(none)
File OS:	Win32
Object File Type:	Executable application
File Subtype:	0
Language Code:	Neutral
Character Set:	ASCII
Company Name:	Safer-Networking Ltd.
File Description:	Live Protection Helper
File Version:	2.6.46.2
Internal Name:
Legal Copyright:	© 2010-2017 Safer-Networking Ltd. All rights reserved.
Product Name:	Spybot - Search & Destroy
Product Version:	2.6.46.0
Comments:
Legal Trademarks:	Spybot® and Spybot - Search & Destroy® are registered trademarks.

^✻ Portions of file data provided by Exiftool (Phil Harvey) distributed under the Perl Artistic License.

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What are SDHookHelper.exe Error Messages?

SDHookHelper.exe Runtime Errors

Runtime errors are Spybot - Search & Destroy errors that occur during "runtime". Runtime is pretty self-explanatory; it means that these EXE errors are triggered when SDHookHelper.exe is attempted to be loaded either when Spybot - Search & Destroy is starting up, or in some cases already running. Runtime errors are the most common form of EXE error you will encounter using Spybot - Search & Destroy.

In most cases, SDHookHelper.exe runtime errors occurring while the program is running will result in the program terminating abnormally. Most of these SDHookHelper.exe error messages mean that Spybot - Search & Destroy was either unable to locate this file on startup, or the file is corrupt, resulting in a prematurely-aborted startup process. Generally, Spybot - Search & Destroy will be unable to start without resolving these errors.

Some of the most common SDHookHelper.exe errors include:

SDHookHelper.exe - Bad Image.
SDHookHelper.exe Application Error.
SDHookHelper.exe could not be found.
SDHookHelper.exe could not be installed.
SDHookHelper.exe could not be launched. Class not registered.
SDHookHelper.exe could not be started.
SDHookHelper.exe failed to initialize properly.
SDHookHelper.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
SDHookHelper.exe is not a valid Win32 application.
SDHookHelper.exe is not running.
Cannot find SDHookHelper.exe.
Error starting program: SDHookHelper.exe.
Faulting Application Path: SDHookHelper.exe.
The file SDHookHelper.exe is missing or corrupt.
Windows failed to start - SDHookHelper.exe.

System Error

The program can’t start because SDHookHelper.exe is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.

Thus, it's critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

Finding the source of the SDHookHelper.exe error is key to properly resolving these errors. Although most of these EXE errors affecting SDHookHelper.exe will happen during startup, occasionally you will encounter a runtime error while using Spybot - Search & Destroy. This can occur due to poor programming on behalf of Safer-Networking Ltd., conflicts with other software or 3rd-party plug-ins, or caused by damaged and outdated hardware. Also, these types of SDHookHelper.exe errors can occur if it has been accidentally moved, deleted, or corrupted by a malware infection. Thus, it's critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

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How to Fix SDHookHelper.exe Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your SDHookHelper.exe issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

Step 1: Restore your PC back to the latest restore point, "snapshot", or backup image before error occurred.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

Hit the Windows Start button
When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
In the search results, find and click System Restore.
Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the SDHookHelper.exe error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

Step 2: If recently installed Spybot - Search & Destroy (or related software), uninstall then try reinstalling Spybot - Search & Destroy software.

You can uninstall Spybot - Search & Destroy software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

Hit the Windows Start button
In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
Find the entry for Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.6.46 and click "Uninstall"
Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall Spybot - Search & Destroy software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.6.46

Safer Networking Ltd.

Step 3: Perform a Windows Update.

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many SDHookHelper.exe error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

Hit the Windows Start button
In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the SDHookHelper.exe error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

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If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your SDHookHelper.exe File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate SDHookHelper.exe file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free SDHookHelper.exe files for every applicable version of Spybot - Search & Destroy. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download SDHookHelper.exe Files".
Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
Copy this file to the appropriate Spybot - Search & Destroy folder location:

Windows 10: C:\SpybotPortable\App\Spybot\
Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\
Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.

GEEK TIP : We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve SDHookHelper.exe problems. To avoid data loss, you must be sure that you have backed-up all of your important documents, pictures, software installers, and other personal data before beginning the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.

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Download SDHookHelper.exe Files (Malware-Tested 100% Clean)

CAUTION : We strongly advise against downloading and copying SDHookHelper.exe to your appropriate Windows system directory. Safer Networking Ltd. typically does not release Spybot - Search & Destroy EXE files for download because they are bundled together inside of a software installer. The installer's task is to ensure that all correct verifications have been made before installing and placing SDHookHelper.exe and all other EXE files for Spybot - Search & Destroy. An incorrectly installed EXE file may create system instability and could cause your program or operating system to stop functioning altogether. Proceed with caution.

Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.6.46

File Name

Software Version

File Version

Architecture

SDHookHelper.exe

2.6.46.0

2.6.46.2

64-bit (x64)

Expand for Detailed File Information +

OS Version:	Windows 10
Software:	Spybot - Search & Destroy
Software Version:	2.6.46.0
File Version:	2.6.46.2
File Size:	138296
File Date:	01/01/2020
MD5 Checksum:	85160987624139e512cdc5be69c3abb0
SHA1 Checksum:	90ebf15fb93e4d22ea9450468045bad8e7c89332
SHA256 Checksum:	91b76de7910535b1b2bc6bea2c703848e639721a7fd71dae6e813d7f85ed2dc2
CRC32:
File Directory Location:	C:\SpybotPortable\App\Spybot\

File Version, System, and Machine Information
File Type:	Win32 EXE
Image Version:	0.0
Initialized Data Size:	76288
Linker Version:	10.0
Machine Type:	Intel 386 or later, and compatibles
PE Type:	PE32
Subsystem:	Windows GUI
Subsystem Version:	5.1
File Modification Date/Time:	01/01/2020

Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.4.40

File Name

Software Version

File Version

Architecture

SDHookHelper.exe

2.3.39.0

2.3.39.2

64-bit (x64)

Expand for Detailed File Information +

OS Version:	Windows 10
Software:	Spybot - Search & Destroy
Software Version:	2.3.39.0
File Version:	2.3.39.2
File Size:	127152
File Date:	10/02/2019
MD5 Checksum:	46027885d6c6183ad8487082de6f34cd
SHA1 Checksum:	f38edfd2ab3c81dc08382ba29753c3496267ae95
SHA256 Checksum:	1371e451b8d0212de6847ca1fc3b702deba43eefa1cfa8628ff71f174a9fc218
CRC32:
File Directory Location:	C:\Program Files (x86)\Spybot - Search & Destr ...

File Version, System, and Machine Information
File Type:	Win32 EXE
Image Version:	0.0
Initialized Data Size:	84480
Linker Version:	10.0
Machine Type:	Intel 386 or later, and compatibles
PE Type:	PE32
Subsystem:	Windows GUI
Subsystem Version:	5.1
File Modification Date/Time:	10/02/2019

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Files Related to SDHookHelper.exe

EXE Files Related to SDHookHelper.exe

File Name	Description	Software Program (Version)	File Size (bytes)	File Location
OneDriveSetup.exe	Microsoft OneDrive (32 bit) Setup	Microsoft OneDrive (19.192.0926.0012)	35086184	C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\
SDDelFile.exe	File remover for stubborn files	Spybot - Search & Destroy (2.4.40.0)	3253696	C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Deleted\Microsoft....
SDTools.exe	Autostart and Configuration Manager	Spybot - Search & Destroy (2.6.46.0)	5469592	C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Deleted\Microsoft....
OneConnect.exe	Windows Executable	Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.4.40	15872	C:\Windows\debug\
SDTray.exe	Spybot - Search & Destroy tray access	Spybot - Search & Destroy (2.6.46.0)	4174464	C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Deleted\Microsoft....

Other Files Related to SDHookHelper.exe

File Name	Description	Software Program (Version)	File Size (bytes)	File Location
CBS.log	Log	Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.4.40	10390813	C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\
setupact.log	Log	Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.4.40	2027260	C:\Windows\Logs\DPX\
api-ms-win-core-profil...	ApiSet Stub DLL	Microsoft® Windows® Operating System (10.0.17134.12)	17528	C:\Users\Tester\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDriv...
api-ms-win-core-profil...	ApiSet Stub DLL	Microsoft® Windows® Operating System (10.0.17134.12)	10600	C:\Users\Tester\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDriv...
api-ms-win-core-heap-l...	ApiSet Stub DLL	Microsoft® Windows® Operating System (10.0.17134.12)	18040	C:\Users\Tester\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDriv...

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