Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"

Here is a copy of an email I sent to the technical support folks at Corel, publisher of Paint Shop Pro Photo XI:

I noticed that when I install Paint Shop Pro Photo XI, a service is installed called PSIService.exe, which is a piece of software that has to run in order to run Paint Shop Pro Photo XI. After a bit of research, I've found that PSIService.exe is technology provided by Protexis, which is a software licensing/copy protection scheme.

I do not want this piece of "spy-ware" running on my computer, and furthermore I did not agree to allowing this piece of software by Protexis to be installed on my Windows machine, nor does the EULA contain any references/information regarding PSIService.exe or Protexis.

Paint Shop Pro Photo XI will not run unless PSIService.exe is running. This is not what I paid for, nor did I agree to this via the EULA. Why should a piece of software which I paid for via your website be allowed to install and run spy-ware on my machine which I assume "checks" to make sure that Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI has not been illegally distributed? I have no intention on pirating/installing Paint Shop Pro XI on any other machine other than the single machine I have it installed on, which clearly falls under the EULA.

I propose the following:

(1) Corel comes up with a solution which enables me to run Paint Shop Pro XI without running PSIService.exe

or

(2) If it is not possible to run Paint Shop Pro XI without PSIService.exe running, then I will uninstall Paint Shop Pro XI from my computer, destroy the install media (in my case, completely delete the install file which I downloaded from your site), and destroy/delete all associated install keys associated with Paint Shop Pro XI.

After I destroy all said media/files, and all associated install keys, I would then receive a full refund from Corel.

Again, nowhere in your documentation, nor in the EULA does it state that PSIService.exe or any software from Protexis is required to run Paint Shop Pro XI on my machine.

I believe this to be a violation of privacy, as well as false advertising on Corel's behalf being that PSIService.exe/Protexis is nowhere mentioned in the system requirements nor in the EULA for Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI.

I await your response.

Thanks --

*End of email*

Note:  I am not displaying the closing of the email here, for obvious reasons due to online privacy.

Print | posted @ Friday, February 16, 2007 11:33 PM

Comments on this entry:

Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Lisa W. at 2/17/2007 11:39 AM

Very interesting. Please post the response to this if you get one. I am SO SICK of invasions like this (and yes, I believe they ARE invasions).
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 2/17/2007 1:12 PM

Absolutely. I'll let you know.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Robert at 2/18/2007 6:51 PM

Interesting! I just sent them a similar message when I realized PSIService was getting installed by their software. I'll be curious to see their responses.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Vlad at 2/21/2007 3:13 AM

Don’t hold your breath. More than three months ago I e-mailed Corel with the question regarding the PSIService.exe and Paint shop (specifically, how to turn the Protexis Licensing off). I’m yet to receive their response. I miss the times when Paint shop was owned by Jasc Software and am seriously considering switching to Photoshop. Chears.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by vorhees at 2/21/2007 4:59 AM

Solution how to avoid ProtexisLicensing service after patching with 11.11 Patch:

Install PSP 11.00 and normaly license the program.
Go to program dir and find PSIKey.dll and backup it somewhere.

Now install Patch 11.11
After patch with PSP 11.11 in program directory remove PsiClient.dll
and replace with backuped PSIKey.dll and rename it into PsiClient.dll

Then go to Administrative Tools -> Services and stop ProtexisLicensing
(or just press Start-> Run -> services.msc and press Enter)
Stop the service and put on Disable.

Go to Strat-> Run -> sc delete ProtexisLicensing
and press Enter, now ProtexisLicensing will be removed from services list

Go to SYSTEM32 folder and delete this files:
- PSIService.exe
- PSIKey.dll
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 2/21/2007 6:39 AM

Thanks Vorhees, I'll give it a try tonight.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 2/21/2007 9:28 AM

I haven't yet heard back from Corel regarding this issue, and since Vlad's case has gone unanswered for three months now, I forwarded my email to the folks at onyourside@pcworld.com.

We'll see what they say.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 2/21/2007 8:49 PM

Vorhees:

Thank you so much for the information. I've posted it on the main page for those who run PSPP IX.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Volvox at 2/27/2007 12:31 AM

It is also in many other Corel products including Painter. If it is not in the EULA it is simply "ILLEGAL" I hope someone takes them to court on this.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 2/27/2007 6:13 AM

Nowhere in the EULA agreement does it contain any documentation stating that software from Protexis is required to run PSP. Nor does it state that the PSIService.exe executable is needed to run PSP either. Indeed, I think a class-action lawsuit is in order.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Mark at 3/9/2007 11:01 AM

The Protexis "Service" also appears to by causing problems with the newly released Norton 360. I too have contacted Corel, as well as Symantec, with my concerns. I will post any responses from either Corel or Symantec. Please feel free to contact me via provided email with ANY delelopment.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Ryan at 3/11/2007 9:02 AM

I came across this blog by way of Google when I tried to figure out PSIService.exe was. Just wanted to thank you guys, and especially Vorhees for the fix, and also let everyone know that the fix works for v11.20 also.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Mike at 3/13/2007 5:34 PM

Hi,

I stumbled across this thread today and thought you guys might be interested to read the brief response I received from Corel Support on 31 January 2007:

"The PSIService provides the minimal required administrative access to Corel product licensing and registration information in accordance with the new Windows Vista (tm) operating system guidelines. This service does not access any data other than the Corel product licensing and registration information, and it will not have any negative effects on your computer."

Hmm!?

Like the rest of you, I don't feel at all happy about this and, in fact, at the time posted my feelings at Avsim.com in their Hanger Chat Forum.

Sadly, this is yet another example of what is currently happening in the digital world. Legit customers are now being treated as potential thieves and certainly with little or no respect.

Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Kelly at 3/13/2007 8:34 PM

Well isnt that nice I dont use 11 but I do have it loaded on my machine. Thats invasion of privacy. Im not sure exactly what you mean on how to delete it but Id like to figure it out.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 3/13/2007 9:40 PM

Kelly:

You can disable and delete the PSIService completely, while running PSP. Check out the instructions above from Vorhees
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by pjmelect at 3/14/2007 12:24 AM

On windows XP I noticed that PSIService.exe had been installed when I installed Photo shop Pro 11. I first noticed it as I was getting corruption of some Zip files that I was using and I suspected that I had picked up some nasty virus, however this was not the case. To test that PSIService.exe is working, zip up the Paint Shop Pro 11 distribution file and then copy it to another drive (memory stick) you will find that not only will the file on the other drive become corrupted but also the original zip file as well. (To test a zip file press shift T) Unfortunately its not only Paint Shop files that are affected but also some others are occasionally affected as well making the copying of files unreliable. I disabled the PSIService.exe process. on start up but unfortunately this stops Paint Shop from working but cured my copying problems. A part of my job is to recommend Software to customers and I will recommend that they stay well clear of this software.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Alien at 3/14/2007 3:35 PM

Another alternative is to use the patch that's floating around the net. I believe it was intended to make it possible to use the trial version without the nags, reminders, time limit, etc, but it works on a registered version as well. Just disable the service in the services manager, then run the patch, then start PSP XI.

I don't have a link to the patch, as the site I found it on is currently down, but I'm sure you can find it without too much effort.

Also, re: the license agreement - whilst it doesn't mention Protexis by name, if you read the EULA & were surprised about it having spyware then you didn't read it properly, which is understandable, given that most EULAs are enough to put anyone to sleep. I had a secret weapon though, a prog that reads the EULA for you & highlights the "interesting" bits.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/eulalyzer.html
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 3/15/2007 8:58 AM

Thanks for the heads up on the eulalyzer utility from javacoolsoftware.com. On a side note, I use their "spyware blaster" utility, and it works beautifully.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Spyware Killer at 3/23/2007 11:05 AM

Well if you already have PS Vs 11.11 or higher then:
----------------------------
1. Delete PSClient.dll in the Programm dir. (backup for sure;-)

2. [win]+R --> services.msc
Stop/Disable ProtexisLicensing

3. [win]+R --> sc delete ProtexisLicensing

4. SYSTEM32 folder:
-delete PSIService.exe

-copy PSIKey.dll
-paste in Program Dir
-rename to PSIClient.dll


I HATE UGLY SPYWARE PROCESSES!
KILL PEOPLE WHICH PROGRAM THEM!


Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Denver Dave at 3/29/2007 1:59 AM

Couldn't we just stop PSIService.exe, stop it from running automatically and just start it (perhaps with a batch file) when we want to run Paint Shop Pro?
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by David at 3/29/2007 10:09 AM

Thanks, worked for me. Vista Ultimate was hanging at startup. took about 2 mins to connect to the internet then the system started normal. Found this blog and followed the instructions and vista cranks right up with no issues. Paint shop works fine also.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Andrej at 3/30/2007 5:38 AM

Well isnt that nice I dont use 11 but I do have it loaded on my machine. Thats invasion of privacy. Im not sure exactly what you mean on how to delete it but Id like to figure it out.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 3/30/2007 7:02 AM

Andrej:

Follow the instructions as provided by Vorhees. You can disable and delete the PSIService.exe service and run PSP 11 w/o it. It even works for the new patch.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Denver Dve at 3/30/2007 8:49 PM

I must be missing something here. I disabled the ProtexisLicensing using the MSConfig, rebooted my PC, verified that ProtexisLicensing is not running and Paint Shop Pro 11.11 works fine. Are we talking about the same thing?
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 3/30/2007 10:08 PM

I tried disabling the PSIService.exe and PSP Pro wouldn't function unless it was running. The only thing which worked for me was the procedure as outlined by Vorhees.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by BluePT at 3/31/2007 2:49 AM

Corel Snapfire also installs Protexis routine. The Vorhees procedure can be done here in the same way. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by stevestr at 4/5/2007 8:06 AM

I just purchased PSP XI and installed the 11.20 patch update as the program indicated. I use TUT (The Ultimate Trouble Shooter) from answersthatwork.com and noticed that and unknown service was running in c:\windows\system32\PSIService.exe
I ran across this blog and decided to first try terminating the running task using TUT, which I did successfully. I tried to start up PSP XI and sure enough it would not start. To be sure, I did a complete system search for the PSIKey.dll and found the key in two locations:
c:\Windows\system32
c:\Program Files\Common Files \Corel\Modules\Dvd Module

Can anyone walk me through this again? Vorhees (I think) would not be applicable since I already loaded the 11.20 patch. I believe that Spyware Killer's approach is correct in my case. The question is which path do I use for the PSIKey.dll? Suggestions?


Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Stevestr at 4/5/2007 8:26 AM

(cont.) as a side note...I also tried starting up Snapfire Plus 1.20 (which came free with PSP XI) with the PSIService not running and sure enough that program will not run either. I searched for PSClient.dll in my system as indicated on Spyware Killer's suggestion and found 0 files. Its actually "PSIClient.dll, which I found in these two directories:
c:\Program Files\Corel\Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI
c:\Program Files\Corel\Corel Snap Fire Plus
Would the same procedure be applicabale for Snap Fire Plus since its also dependent upon PSIService to be running?
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by stevestr at 4/5/2007 9:35 AM

(cont. Part II)..
Using Kerio Per Firewall, I noticed that when Installing PSP XI I inadvertently allowed PSIService as a "trusted and internet in/out connection. Not really knowing what it was, I supposed it was part of the program and not a 3rd party appl so I allowed it during install. In KPF PSIService wants and in/out connection under nTitles PSIService (which I just denied all access across the board in KPF Network Security with 4 red "X's"). I started up PSIService as a running task and also the PSP XI program. No problems and PSIService or PSP XI are not trying to access the internet (nor can they unless I allow it in KPF).
However, when I started up Snapfire Plus I noticed automatically the program wanted access to an OB connnection to remote point: apps.corel.com [216.191.232.90]. I checked the settings in the program to see if it was set for automatic updates. There is no setting for autoupdates, it is manual under help. Not sure why Snapfire Plus requires constant access to the corel apps site when I'm not trying to get updates or anything else from them. Ok...so I temporarily allowed the connection and checked out what other IP's the program was connecting to. Through port 1049 I could see apps.corel.com but on the same connection I found it was also connecting through port 1050 to 67.29.128.16, which is Level Three Communications, Inc. in Broomfield, CO, most likely Corel's comm carrier. I went ahead and closed Snapfire Plus and instructed KPF to deny all internet access to Snapfire Plus. Not to mention, when Snapfire Plus is running its hogging up close to 50,000K of mem resources whether or not the program is connected to the internet. I may just go ahead and delete this goofy program just because of the amount of resources it uses.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Mary at 4/5/2007 3:22 PM

Should I buy Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI, after read all your discutions? I am not a software and computer experter, but I like the software edit function after I saw someone was work on.
Where to buy is best and good price?

Thank you.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by stevestr at 4/5/2007 11:51 PM

I'm not sure I would recommend this to anyone at this time. My computer is doing funny things and I just bought the software off the Corel site. My resources are cut in half (literally) and I'm trying to sort out what in the world is running from Corel Photoshop or the Snapfire Plus when those programs are not even open. Also, my Solid Capture program from solidworks.com just plain out will no longer load. I use this program religiously for screen captures, etc. and after the Corel PSP XI install and Snapfire Plus Solid Capture just does not work anymore. I tried uninstalling and installing and still no luck.
This TechExpert

blog tells more and suggests going with Photo Impact12 from Ulead. DPReveiws has an excellent article on this Photo Editing software
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Roberto Gadelha at 4/6/2007 10:18 PM

The procedure given by Spyware Killer works great, even in my case, PSP XI v11.20. Tahnk you all for this!
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Roberto Gadelha at 4/6/2007 10:19 PM

The procedure given by Spyware Killer works great, even in my case, PSP XI v11.20. Thank you all for this!
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Nig at 4/9/2007 1:26 PM

I run PSP v10 and it installed this program, but during the install process I was clearly notified about it and it's purpose.
Incidentally, I have simply set the program to "Manual" in services and so far, PSP 10 runs without starting it.
I do also think it is also linked to the Installshield updater....
Gravatar # No problems with 11.20
by Marlon at 4/21/2007 7:21 AM

Hi all.

Uninstalling other programs, I found PSIService.exe between my running processes.

Searching over the web, I found this interesting thread.

Since I had PaintShopPro X and upgraded to XI 11.20, I first tried to stop the automatic activation of the process "ProtexisLicensing" via Windows's Admin Tools (I use XP Pro).

Once stopped, PSP XI starts and works as expeceted.

Then I rebooted my PC, checked that PSIService.exe was'nt running, then launched PSP again.
And it works as usual.

Seem that works for me.

Thank you for the help!
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by eldonjon72 at 4/21/2007 10:15 AM

Thanks so much for posting this thread, I thought it was just me! I will never use another Corel program because of this - anyone know of a good (relatively inexpensive) photo editing software package to take PSP's place?
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Bene at 4/24/2007 10:03 AM

Win2k3, PSP 11.20, service ProtexisLicensing deactivated:

PSP runs like before
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Biscuit at 4/27/2007 8:47 AM

Try FastStone Image Viewer.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by xdc at 4/30/2007 11:19 PM

One more issue here is that the PSIService is still there and running after I uninstalled PSP. My system has no other Corel program.

Hope after removing the service and deleting PSIService.exe and PSIKey.dll from SYSTEM32 it would be clean.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by someone at 5/6/2007 9:03 AM

If you installed PSP 11.20 with Snapfire, simply replace the PsiClient.dll in PSP folder with the PSIKey.dll from Snapfire folder. Disable ProtexisLicensing service and both PSP & Snapfire can run fine.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by unknown at 5/11/2007 9:14 PM

hi braden, i tried disabling the psi thing but there's one problem with my copy of corel paint shop pro 11.00 there is no psiClient.dll file on my system.....is there a way to get around this problem????
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 5/11/2007 10:50 PM

unknown: what type of install did you do in terms of PaintShop Pro? CD media or download?
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by unknown at 5/11/2007 11:57 PM

Braden:i install a downloaded version of corel paintshop pro 11.00. and have downloaded the 11.20 patch and have succesefully disabled the psi services, just wondering is there a way to patch it so that the program dosn't need to be activated??? as it keeps asking to be.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Madturtle3 at 5/17/2007 1:04 PM

Thank you Braden, vorhees and Spyware Killer. I found PSIService.exe listed in the history of Windows Defender as an unknown with "This program has potentially unwanted behavior". Found this thread doing an internet search on the file name.
I found my computer starting up slowly and a lot of activity before my desktop finally presented itself after installing Corel Paintshop Pro with patch for Vista. I also found that the control center of AVG free would cease to function, although the scanning features all continued to work. After following your fix, uninstalling and reinstalling AVG all seems to be working well. Incidentally I had to shut off Windows Defender during installation in order to get AVG to install properly, even when done as administrator.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Braden at 5/17/2007 8:01 PM

Glad to be of help. Rest assured, I'll never purchase another Corel product again. Ever.
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Souricator at 5/20/2007 4:53 PM

Spyware Killer solution worked for me . Big thanks to everyone.

Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Nemo at 5/24/2007 12:27 AM

I have the same problem, but I need a bit of help since I know nothing about the program files and such. How do I get rid of the PSIService.exe file? Can someone sum it down simple and step by step?
Gravatar # re: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI Installs "Spyware"
by Linuxboy00 at 6/9/2007 8:35 AM

Thanks Spyware Killer, followed your instructions and now I'm happy. Loads up just fine under Vista now!
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