Knowledgebase

The error message "Error communicating with kernel" appears

If the error message "Error communicating with kernel“ appears, use the solutions below to resolve the issue. Start with solution A and only proceed to solution B if your issue is not resolved.

A: Make sure the ESET Service is running

1. Windows Vista and Windows 7: Click Start , type services.msc and press ENTER.
   Windows XP: Click Start  Run, type services.msc and click OK.
    
2. Scroll down and double-click ESET Service.
    
3. Verify that the Startup type is set to Automatic and that the Service Status reads Started then click Apply  OK.
   

   NOTE:

   If you do not see Started next to Service Status, click Start. After the ESET service initializes, click OK.

   
   Figure 1-1
   

Restart your computer. If you still receive the error, continue with solution B below. 

B) Ensure that your computer is clean

1. Win32/Sirefef (Zero.Access rootkit) – Visit the following ESET Knowledgebase article for detailed instructions on determining if you are infected with the Zero.Access rootkit. 
   If you determine that you are not infected with the Zero.Access rootkit, follow the part II instructions below for the Win32/IRCBot.ANR stand-alone removal tool.
   How do I remove Zero.Access rootkit?

2. Win32/IRCBot.ANR – ESET has developed a stand-alone malware removal tool to remove this infiltration. Visit the following ESET Knowledgebase article for instructions:
   How to use the ESET Win32/IRCBot stand-alone cleaner from the Command Prompt window.