How to Disable and Uninstall Protexis Licensing Service (PSIService.exe)
If you have installed trial or paid licensed version of Corel software products, you probably may notice a third-party unannounced software application makes its way into your computer too. The program is PSIService.exe by Protexis, which installs a Protexis Licensing service or Protexis Licensing V2 service in Windows operating system.
PSIService is part of Protexis copy protection DRM (digital rights management) and license management software, which intends to protect a software or application from piracy and illegal copying. Thus PSI service is normally installed by another program, such as Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2, Corel Paint Shop Pro XI (X1), Corel Paint Shop Pro X, that uses its service to gather licensing information to send home much like spyware, ensure copy protection and authenticate user that uses genuine version of the program.
To make matter worse, the ProtexisLicensing service may make PC boots up slower, and when disabled, will cause Corel Paint Shop Pro to stop working, in addition to warn you of running illegal copy of non-genuine software. Besides, PSIService.exe does not uninstall together with the application that installed it, when the application is uninstalled and removed.
In any case, whether you want to get rid of Protexis while keeping the application that dependent on it still working properly and able to run (contrary to popular belief, Protexis Licensing service is not required for program to run), or now need to clean the Protexis PSIService spyware manually due to non-removal by original application that installs it, the procedures to complete uninstall and remove Protexis is easy. In fact, the instructions to uninstall PSIservice is provided on Protexis website.
If you are certain that no applications using PSIService are still installed on your system, and this service is still running, you can remove it manually by following these instructions:
- Remove the following registry entry:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ProtexisLicensing]
- Reboot your computer.
- Delete the following files:
%windir%\System32\PSIService.exe
%windir%\System32\PSIKey.exe
Of course, in order to keep applications such as Corel Photo Shop Pro continue running without error, the complete removal instructions cannot be followed. Use the following workaround instead:
- Open Services (services.msc) in Control Panel’s Administrators Tools.
- Locate ProtexisLicensing or Protexis Licensing service. If you are seeing Protexis Licensing V2 service, use the next guide. Stop the service and then set the Startup Type to Disabled.
- Bowse to %SystemDrive%\Windows\System32 folder.
- Copy original PSIKey.dll to program folder of application that relies on Protexis, e.g. %SystemDrive%\Program Files\Corel\Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI\.
- Rename PsiClient.dll to PsiClient.bak, or simply delete it.
- Rename PSIKey.dll to PsiClient.dll
- Rename PSIService.exe to PSIService.bak, or simply delete it.
If the Protexis DRM softare installed on your system is of version 2, follow these steps instead:
- Open Services (services.msc) in Control Panel’s Administrators Tools.
- Locate Protexis Licensing V2 service. Stop the service and then set the Startup Type to Disabled.
- Bowse to %SystemDrive%\Program Files\Common Files\Protexis\License Service folder.
- Copy original PSIKey_2.dll to program folder of application that relies on Protexis, e.g. %SystemDrive%\Program Files\Corel\Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2\.
- Rename PsiClient.dll to PsiClient.bak, or simply delete it.
- Rename PSIKey_2.dll to PsiClient.dll
- Rename PSIService_2.exe to PSIService_2.bak, or simply delete it.
Now, Protexis Licensing Service is tamed and disabled properly so that PSIService no longer run in background, without affecting functionality of installed application.
Related posts:
- Corel Paint Shop Pro X and Corel Photo Album Deluxe Edition 6 Review by CRN
- How to Disable (Remove and Uninstall) Windows Defender in Vista
- Disable and Remove ThinkPad Hidden Service Partition
- Download Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 2 Uninstall Tool
- How to Disable (Uninstall and Remove) Windows Media Center in Vista
90 Comments
Pages: « Previous 1 2
gracias, me anduvo perfecto, saludos
Unfortunately this “how to” doesn’t work on VideoStudio Pro X4.
VS Pro X4 uses PSIKey-03000201.
If you use the procedure as described here, VS simply won’t start, or you’ll get ‘error 38′ asking you to reinstall.
I’ve tried everything I could think of, but in the end I had to reverse the steps and start the licensing-service again in order to get VideoStudio to work.
If someone finds a way to solve this… please… let the rest of us know.
Here’s what I did to make this work.
…removed all Corel products from my system and went elsewhere.
I have CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 and Protexis with file “PSIKey-03000201.dll”
I followed the instructions given here without success (see below).
I had copied the file PSIKey-03000201.dll to all the Corel sub-folders and renamed it to PSIClient.dll as instructed (Corel didn’t start!).
I’ve then tried the following. In the folder “…CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5\Programs” I renamed the file “PSIClient.dll” back to “PSIKey-03000201.dll” and all the programs started
to work again!
Hope it works for you too!
1. Open Services (services.msc) in Control Panel’s Administrators Tools.
2. Locate Protexis Licensing V2 service. Stop the service and then set the Startup Type to Disabled.
3. Bowse to %SystemDrive%\Program Files\Common Files\Protexis\License Service folder.
4. copy PSIKey*.dll (in my case it was PSIKey-03000201.dll and not PSIKey_2.dll)
5. search for PSIClient.dll in your Corel folder
6. rename all of them (to PsiClient.dll.bak for example)
7. copy to all those folders PSIKey dll and rename it to PSIClient.dll – EXCEPT IN THE FOLDER “…\PROGRAMS”, WHERE YOU SHOULD RENAME THE EXISTING FILE TO PSICLIENT.BAK BUT USE THE NEW FILE WITH IT’S NAME “PSIKey-03000201.dll”
Batch files need to use dos names when you have spaces. The following will work on 64 bit windows for PSPX4 as the location is the program files x86 folder:
=============================================
@echo off
sc start PSI_SVC_2 > nul
start c:Progra~2CorelCORELP~1CORELP~2.EXE
timeout 10 /nobreak > nul
sc stop PSI_SVC_2 > nul
exit
============================================
If 32 bit windows then change Progra~2 to Progra~1:
============================================
@echo off
sc start PSI_SVC_2 > nul
start c:Progra~1CorelCORELP~1CORELP~2.EXE
timeout 10 /nobreak > nul
sc stop PSI_SVC_2 > nul
exit
============================================
I tried to disable PSIService with PSP X4 fo,llowing the above instructions but with no sucess. I found the following workaround that works for me:
1. Go to services and set the PSI Serive start as ‘Manual’
2. create a .bat file (i.e.: startpsp.bat) with the following (adjust the paths as required on your system):
sc start PSI_SVC_2
start cmd /c “C:Program Files (x86)CorelCorel PaintShop Pro X4Corel PaintShop Pro.exe”
TIMEOUT /T 10
sc stop PSI_SVC_2
3. copy the bat file under the psp folder
4. Right click on the PS shortcut and change the .exe file with your bat file (i.e.: “C:Program Files (x86)CorelCorel PaintShop Pro X4startpsp.bat”)
The icon changes, but this is not a problem!
5. To start psp, right click on the icon and select ‘run as administrator’
The batch file will start PSI Service, start PSP and stop the service after 10 seconds (you can change the timeout by changing the /T parameter in the bat file).
If someone knows how to set the ‘run as administrator’ permament (the flag is disabled for bat files) it would simplfy the launch
I did the same thing, but I use the following batch:
=====
@echo off
sc start PSI_SVC_2 > nul
start “” “C:Program Files (x86)CorelCorel PaintShop Pro X4Corel PaintShop Pro.exe”
timeout 10 /nobreak > nul
sc stop PSI_SVC_2 > nul
=====
RUN IN: MINIMIZED
Then I change the icon manually back to the icon found in the EXE.
Everything works smoothly as if there were no changes !!!
I haven’t gotten any of these methods to work with PSP X4. However, I lowered the priority of the Protexis service to a minimum state and PSP seems to load a bit faster. I’m impressed with the new PSP’s speed and smooth operation. It appears to be a nearly complete rebuild of X3. Time will tell how stable it is, but ya know thar b bugs n’dat proggy, aaaarrrrrg.
I don’t think I have Corel but I followed your advice. Like others here I was informed that the Protexis feature needed updating/repairing or whatever and given a link to their website so I thought I would find out a bit more about them. Computer also became very slow, if that had anything to do with it. Obviously not needed so I have disabled it as you suggested. Many thanks.
Thanks.
PaintShop Pro X4 is of the form PSIKey-03000201.dll however when you use the current techniques of the switcheroo and rename it PSP X4 just crashes.
Yep, same here, that’s a pain.
Problem Event Name: BEX
Application Name: Corel PaintShop Pro.exe
Application Version: 14.0.0.114
Application Timestamp: 4e0f4a24
Fault Module Name: StackHash_2264
Fault Module Version: 0.0.0.0
Fault Module Timestamp: 00000000
Exception Offset: 001f976f
Exception Code: c0000005
Exception Data: 00000008
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.4
Locale ID: 2057
Additional Information 1: 2264
Additional Information 2: 2264db07e74365624c50317d7b856ae9
Additional Information 3: 875f
Additional Information 4: 875fa2ef9d2bdca96466e8af55d1ae6e
V2 solution works Great on PaintIt! Touch and Painter 12 Thnx!
Doesn't seem to work with Corel X5 15.2.0.661.
I don't have a PsiClient in my Corel folders or anywhere on my system for that matter. Now every time I try to run CorelDraw I get "CorelDraw has stopped working check online for a solution and close program."
I have Quad Core and 8 GB of RAM, but still hate all those unnecessary processes in background. That's how it worked for me (I have Corel X5 and Protexis Licensing V2):
1-3 – the same first 3 steps
4 – copy PSIKey *.dll (in my case it was PSIKey-03000201.dll and not PSIKey_2.dll)
5 – search for PSIClient.dll in your Corel folder
6 – rename all of them (to PsiClient.dll.bak for example)
7 – copy to all those folders PSIKey dll and rename it to PSIClient.dll
There's no need to delete Protexis files, disabling it in "Services" is enough.
The instructions are unclear but a slightly modified protocol works:
Open Services (services.msc) in Control Panel’s Administrators Tools.
Locate Protexis Licensing V2 service. Stop the service and then set the Startup Type to Disabled.
In the Corel panter 11 application folder rename PsiClient.dll to PsiClient.bak
Browse to %SystemDrive%Program Files (x86)Common FilesProtexisLicense Service folder.
Copy original PSIKey_2.dll to the Corel Painter application folder, e.g. %SystemDrive%Program FilesCorelCorel Painter 11.*****Then rename this copy of PSIKey_2.dll to PsiClient.dll*****
In the License Service Folder rename PSIService_2.exe to PSIService_2.bak, or simply delete it
In the License Service Folder I then renamed PSIKey_2.dll to PsiClient.dll (although this step may not be necessary)
Corel Painter 11 can now run without protexis spyware
haqy May 11, 2011 at 10:29 pm .
Is there a solution for Corel VideoStudio Pro X4? I tried this, but does not work…?
Me too..I want to use it on a pc that is not connected to the internet. Anyone can help?
Is there a solution for Corel VideoStudio Pro X4? I tried this, but does not work…
In PSP Photo X3 I needed to copy and rename the PSIKey_2.dll to this two locations:
%SystemDrive%Program FilesCorelCorel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2
%SystemDrive%Program FilesCorelCorel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2PSPClassic
It worked for me!
I am able to confirm that this works, only the folders are …..CorelCorelPaintShopPhotoProX3 and …..CorelCorelPaintShopPhotoProX3PSPClassic
I am using x3 on win 7 Ultimate 64 bit.
for Corel DRAW x5 suite, copy the PsiClient.dll file you renamed from "ProtexisLicense Service"
into all the sub folders of "CorelCorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5" that contain it.
Entire suite should then work.
In step 4 we are told to COPY (not move) PSIKey_2.dll, which leaves two copies of this file on the system.
In step 6 we are told to rename that file, without being told WHICH copy. (Or does it mean to rename BOTH?)
Ron B and RickW have both raised this, asking WHICH file should be renamed. No-one has answered the question. Hank Snow now says "Rename the file you just copied". This is still ambiguous.
More concise directions for removing the version 2 service:
To remove the Protexis Licensing V2 Service without affecting the functionality of the application:
1. Open Services (services.msc) in Control Panel’s Administrative Tools.
2. Locate the Protexis Licensing V2 service. Stop the service by right clicking on it and selecting Stop. Right click on the service again and select Properties. On the properties screen, select Disabled from the drop box under Startup Type.
3. Browse to %SystemDrive%Program FilesCommon FilesProtexisLicensing Service folder. There you will find two files PSIKey_2.dll and PsiService_2.exe.
4. Copy (do not move) PSIKey_2.dll to the program folder of the application that relies on the Protexis service. For Corel programs, this would typically be %SystemDrive%Program Files CorelCorel Graphics Suite X4Programs.
5. In that same Programs folder, you will find another file associated with Protexis called PsiClient.dll. Rename that to PsiClient.bak.
6. Rename the file you just copied, PSIKey_2.dll to PsiClient.dll.
7. Boot your computer, or hit CTRL-ALT-DELETE to bring up the task manger, and, on the PROCESSES tab, stop the Protexis Service.
This works for Corel Draw X4 with both service packs installed. You can rename PSIKey_2.dll back in the ProtexisLicensing Service folder to PsiClient.dll if the above procedure does not work as Draw X4 worked both ways.
Previous instructions had mentioned renaming PSIService_2 in the ProtexisLicensing Service folder to PSEService.bak; however this was not necessary.
Still can't get this to work
Hs anyone noticed that there is also a PSIClient.dll file located in C:Program FilesCorelCorel PaintShop Photo ProX3 and there are no instructions on whether this file also needs to be renamed or deleted!
Has anyone managed to get PSP X3 working without Protexis and could type up a quick tutorial on what to do please!
I just read this and wanted to ask if anyone has tried it:
1. Disable the Protexis service
2. Add the line "127.0.0.1 apps.corel.com" to the hosts file (located at WindowsSystem32driversetc)
This line disables the communication from the local computer running PSIService towards Corel, whilst also allowing PaintShopPro to run.
However, you will not be able to update the software.
Sounds like a workaround so I'm going to give it a go and test it now!!
I think I've noticed a big misatke in these instructions.
Does the PSIKey_2.dll file need to be copied to this location as specified above:
%SystemDrive%Program FilesCorelCorel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2.
or to this location (which is the working folder):
%SystemDrive%Program FilesCorelCorel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2PSPClassic
These instructions realy do need to be more concise.
Is "JMVS" the article's author? If so, could you please answer Ron B's question: WHICH copy of PSIKey_2.dll should be renamed in Step 6?
One more thing I forgot to say. To work with PSP X3 you should also keep PsiService_2.exe (it doesn't need to be the original executable, could be any text file renamed to PsiService_2.exe).
FOR ALL USERS:
It's important to COPY PSIKey_2.dll (NOT MOVE). If you move/delete this file the program WON'T WORK.
Working for Corel PhotoShop Photo Pro X3 13.2.0.35
Found this site while searching "Protexis". I was impressed by the clear, authoritative article. I'm grateful, but have some comments and a question…
1) A DATE on articles such as this would be nice.
2) Slight disappointment that the article has received some 60 comments to date, but none appear to be responses from the (anonymous?) author.
3) Observations from a new Win7 system that came with Corel's "WinDVD" – the cause of the Protexis (version 2) stuff. I performed these steps…
I first launched WinDVD for the first time, before disabling the Protexis service. This seemed to be a requirement for WinDVD to run subsequently, after disabling the service, though this was tried before following the other instructions in the article. I then followed the third set of instructions (for when keeping the affected application, and when having version 2 of Protexis).
Result so far: full success. However, my question relates to the three "Rename" steps given in the article (steps 5, 6 and 7).
By the time you reach step 5, you are dealing with (at least) TWO different folders: the Protexis folder in "Common Files", and the program folder for the user application. But the three "Rename" steps do not tell you to WHICH of these folders the renames apply.
In my case, for steps 5 and 7 there was only one choice as the file to be renamed resided only in the program folder (step 5) or the Protexis common folder (step 7). But for step 6, there are now TWO copies of PSIKey_2.dll. To which do the instructions refer? Both? (I have so far only renamed the dependant application's copy.)
This worked great for me BUT I need to totally reinstall which is no biggie but to spare others, you might NOT want to let psp try to add any automatic software updates once you ditch that retarded licensing crap. psp is saying it's busted now, again no biggie as my computer performance is aces without that horrid protex is crap.
Thanks but it didn't seem to work for me. Followed the instructions. Rebooted and confirmed the service was stopped and disabled. Started PSP X and it went through some fresh installation configuration. Went back to check the service. It was back on and set to run at startup again. In the System32 folder there was a fresh copy of PsiService.exe. The only change that was not reset was the PsiClient.dll in the Corel PSP X dir is still the copied PsiKey.dll file.
thanks a lot for this man, my computer's already slow as hell and this running in the background would have SUCKED.
All this fooling around with the Registry and renaming files is unnecessary.
Just go to "Services" in Admin tools, and Disable PsiKey in startup, then go to the directory and rename Psikey_2.exe to Psikey_2exp or something. Then rename the .dll as well, and you are good to go.
It seems technique doesn't work on X3.
<q>Didn’t work with PSP X3</q>
It doesn't work for my X3 either. Fortunately I didn't delete any file so I can revert these.
I'm disgusted I paid £60 for a not very good photo prog only to find it SPIES on me & was the cause of very slow boots & other stuff
HOW DARE THEY!!! this is as bad as the spyware that was around a few years ago until it was found out
Didn't work with PSP X3
Thank you sincerely. However, it may be useful to amend the final instruction thus:
"In the folder '%SystemDrive%Program FilesCommon FilesProtexisLicense Service', rename PSIService_2.exe to PSIService_2.bak, or simply delete it."
Thank you, very clear instructions and they worked perfectly.
THANK YOU
You are my Hero! Computer starts much faster without the PSIService bullshit.
And thanks to your guide, the PSP 11.2 is still working.
I love you for this guide.
I hate PSP 11.2 anyway, but sometimes I need it