Elara app (Removal Instructions) - updated Feb 2020

What is Elara app?

Elara app is a touchpad-related app that prevents users from logging out of their Windows machines

Elara app is a touchpad driver-related software; in some cases, its executable Apntex.exe may be infected with malware

Elara app is a pre-installed program that is usually shipped with Dell, Toshiba, or Sony laptops. It can only be found running on laptops (it runs in the Task Manager as ApntEX.exe process), as its main purpose is to support the functionality of the touchpad. Nevertheless, not all built-in apps meet the expectations of users, as many complained that the Elara app is preventing Windows from shutting down or signing out of the computer. Due to this and because the app appeared seemingly out of nowhere, many users assumed that it is a potentially unwanted program or a virus.

While the original Elara app is not dangerous, it is worth noting that its main process that runs a background might be injected with or replaced by malware. The known examples that use the name of the process include Sality, Ramnit, Fareit, and others.^[1] The first characteristic of the infection are system slowdowns and crashes, although, in some cases, users may encounter no signs at all. Thus, it is important to determine whether the Elara app's process is not affected by malware.

Note that, in case the process Apntex.exe is not infected, Elara removal might cause touchpad malfunctions, so doing so is not recommended. Instead, you can apply a Windows registry^[2] fix we provide below.

Elara is known since 2015. It is associated with the Apntext.exe file, which is the application that controls touchpad on Windows laptops. The program is located in a specific folder in C:\Program Files directory. The folder can be called DellTPad or similar, based on the machine’s manufacturer.

Users who have Elara app installed on their computers might soon start encountering the following errors when trying to shut down the machine, or simply sign out:

Elara App is preventing you from shutdown

Elara App is Preventing Windows from Restarting

Elara App is Preventing Windows from Signing Out

These errors are usually followed by other computer-related problems, such as an inability to run legitimate programs, general sluggishness of the computer, installation of unknown applications, slow Internet connection, etc.

If you are dealing with Elara app issue which is related to touchpad drivers, you should try one of these methods:

• installing available Windows updates;
• updating touchpad device drivers;^[3]
• downloading latest drivers for your computer’s touchpad;
• reinstalling the touchpad driver.

Since these issues are highly technical and are not related to malware, scanning your machine with anti-malware will not provide any positive results when trying to fix them. Nevertheless, keep in mind that Elara app virus may also be the cause of various system malfunctions, so it is essential to check the system for malware.

To check whether your system is indeed infected, you should thoroughly scan your computer with a powerful anti-virus application and remove Elara virus immediately. In some cases, only a scan in Safe Mode with Networking will work, as some malware prevents security software from working in normal mode. If you need instructions on how to reach it, please check the guide provided below.

In case Elara app issues were related to virus infection, you may find that the issues did not go away, even after its termination. This is because some malware negatively impact system-related files, and a regular anti-virus cannot fix those files. Due to this, computer users might be experiencing errors, lags, crashes, and other issues. If that is the case, we highly advise you to use FortectIntego – this repair software can fix virus damage with ease.

Elara app is a built-in application that sometimes prevents Windows computers from shutting down.

Distribution methods of malware

As we mentioned above, the background process Apntex.exe can be replaced by malware – this can happen with almost every executable running on your machine, as hackers often name malicious files by well-known names in order to mask their prescience from users and some weak anti-malware programs.

Malware developers can use a variety of methods to distribute their malicious creations to as many victims as possible. Without a doubt, more infected users mean more profit for the attackers, as one of the main motivators of malware creation is financial gain. For example, the Sality virus uses keylogging feature to steal banking and other credentials and also includes the infected system into a botnet that sends out spam, infecting more victims.

Security experts from Novirus.uk^[4] provide the following tips that would prevent most malware coming your way:

• Employ comprehensive security software with real-time protection feature;
• Use automatic updates for your operating system and all the installed apps to prevent software vulnerabilities from being exploited by malicious actors;
• Practice good web browsing habits: install ad-block extension, don't visit high risk sites, learn to spot online phishing and scam;
• Never download software cracks like KMSpico;
• protect all your accounts with strong, alphanumeric passwords (alternatively, use a password manager);
• Use two factor authentication;
• Never reuse your passwords;
• Do not allow email attachments to run a macro function (“Allow Content”) or click on links inside a suspicious email.

Get rid of Elara app-related problems

If you received Elara App is Preventing Shutdown/Restarting/Sign out error on Windows computer, you can try to fix the problem by installing available Windows or touchpad driver updates or reinstalling the touchpad driver. If these methods do not help, you can try using Windows Registry Editor (please backup the registry before performing any changes):

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run window.
2. Type regedit in the box and click OK.
3. When in Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop in the left pane.
4. In the right pane, right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Set the name of a new key AutoEndTasks and set the value to 1.
5. Click OK.
6. Close Registry Editor, and check if the problem is solved.

Access Registry editor to fix issues related to Elara app

However, if you think that you are dealing with a virus, you should opt for automatic Elara removal. This method requires scanning the device with reputable anti-malware software like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. After full system scan, all potentially unwanted applications will be wiped out from the device.

Be aware that, if you remove Elara app driver which is not infected by malware, it may cause instability issues and malfunction of your laptop touchpad. Run FortectIntego to repair damage.