After applying any of the above methods:
Open 360 Security Guard → Optimization Acceleration → Services .
This halts the service if it’s currently running.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
If you prefer not to run a script, you can manually disable the service and "spoof" the necessary files. Step 1: Stop and Disable the Service Press Win + R , type services.msc , and press Enter. Locate in the list. Right-click it and select Properties . Set the Startup type to Disabled and click Stop . Step 2: Replace the Licensing DLL Corel X5 Remove Protexis-cmd
CorelDRAW X5 uses a third-party licensing service called Protexis (specifically PsiService_2.exe or protexis-cmd ). This service runs constantly in the background to verify your software license. However, it is notorious for consuming system resources, causing startup crashes, or triggering false positives in antivirus software.
Locate PSIKey_2.dll and rename it to something like PSIKey_2.dll.bak or delete it. Method 3: Fixing CorelDRAW X5 After Removing Protexis
In the black window, type the following command exactly as shown: sc delete PsiService_2
Navigate to: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Protexis\License Service . After applying any of the above methods: Open
Always check the service status via services.msc . If the Protexis Licensing V2 service is stopped, set it to "Automatic" start and reboot your computer.
For users who are comfortable working with the Windows Registry, a more thorough removal option involves directly editing registry entries. This approach is particularly useful if the service commands don’t work as expected.
You can now safely delete the folder C:\Program Files\Common Files\Protexis .
If you no longer want any Protexis components on your system: If you prefer not to run a script,
dir PSIKey*.dll
Click the button under the "Service status" section if it is currently running. Click Apply and then OK . Method 2: Use the Command Prompt ( protexis-cmd )
Uncheck the box to disable it.
For a visual guide on resolving illegal software errors and service-related issues, watch this demonstration:
Sometimes PSIKey_2.dll needs to be replaced with a dummy file or removed from the Corel installation directory ( C:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5\Programs ) to prevent "DLL not found" errors. Method 2: Manual Removal of Protexis Components