Advanced AntiVirus Removal

This post was written by admin on May 5, 2008
Posted Under: Antimalware, Browser Hijack, Fake anti-malware, Free PC Security, Free Tools, Malware Removal, Removing Desktop Hijacking Malware

Update September 16: The following 3 programs have high success rates in removing this parasite, download, install, update and scan:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware:
Select Full Scan.
Remove all infections that it finds after scan.....tutorial click here

Superantispyware:
Select Scan your Computer, select your drive and select Perform Complete Scan and remove infections, then click on Preferences, click Repairs Tab and click on any of the System and Browser Repair Items that you may have problems with then click Perform Repair.....tutorial click here

A-Squared Free Download install, update and run. Tutorial click here

No longer need to reboot into Safe Mode.

Do NOT use System Restore prior to using these programs or you will have infected Restore Points.

If your Desktop has changed or any icons / folders are missing after using these three programs use the ones listed below under the August 13 update.

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XPAntiVirus2008 / 2009 / Advanced AntiVirus is the latest in a string of counterfeit antispyware software that causes headaches for the users around the world today. XPAntiVirus2008 / 2009 / Advanced AntiVirus is usually installed onto users computers without permission via Vundo Trojan, Zlob Trojan, fake software or downloading infected codecs.

Once executed, XPAntiVirus2008/2009/Advanced AntiVirus can hijack your web browser and redirect you to undesirable web sites. It also serves unsolicited and annoying pop-up advertisements and launch false security messages in your web browser.

It is highly recommended to remove XPAntiVirus2008/2009/Advanced AntiVirus as it transfers information from the infected computer which makes it a potential for data theft.

To safely remove XPAntiVirus2008/2009/Advanced AntiVirus I recommend using only a well-known spyware removal utility such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Superantispyware, both of which are free and the links are at the end of this post.

These programs can automatically detect and remove XPAntiVirus2008/2009/Advanced AntiVirus as well as many other unwanted spyware, adware, rogue programs and rootkits.

RogueRemover FREE has been discontinued as a stand alone program and has been incorporated into Malwarebytes Antimalware.

This free application can remove rogue antispyware, antivirus, and hard drive cleaning applications with ease.

Rogue applications provide false information about the safety of your computer as well as, give erroneous scan results or put their own malware on your computer.

Malwarebytes FREE has the ability to completely remove WinAntiSpyware/WinAntiVirus, SpyAxe, VirusBlast, VirusBursters, as well as a number of other rogue applications.

Simply download Malwarebytes FREE from the link below. Double click the downloaded file to install the application on your computer. Once the application is installed, allow it to update. When the interface opens, Quick Scan is preselected simply click Scan and remove ALL infections found. Reboot if requested.

Download Wallpaper Hijacker Removal Tool as some variations are removing desktop wallpaper and icons.

Note: You should hit all "Repair" buttons even though it may not say "Found!" This will fix a wallpaper hijack everytime if all repair buttons are pressed.

Also download Smitfraudfix removes many Desktop Hijacks, browser redirects etc. More details and download click here.

Click here to download Malwarebytes anti-malware
Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista/Windows7

Click Here to download Superantispyware
Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, Windows 2003, XP, Vista, Windows7 Windows 2003

Update August 13th:

This rogue software is causing major problems and becoming more advanced. Listed below are programs that are known to work in removing this pest.

Antivirus programs will NOT remove these as they are malicious codecs, although they may find reference to them and remove it but upon rebooting it's back again.

Download, install, update the following and reboot into Safe Mode to scan: Malwarebytes and Superantispyware

Taskbar Repair Tool

Download from Majorgeeks, it's in .zip file format so you will need to Extract All, then run the program and start with 'Taskbar problems'

RogueRemover Discontinued and incorporated into Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removes Antivirus and variations
Download, install, update and select Full Scan.
Remove all infections that it finds after scan

Spybot S&D

Download, install, update and Immunize, then click 'Check for problems' then when complete select all and then 'Fix Checked'

Open Spybot, click on Mode, select Advanced, click on Tools then Resident and untick Resident 'Tea Timer'

Do NOT untick Resident 'SD Helper' as that is your protection.

SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition

Select Scan your Computer, select your drive and select Perform Complete Scan and remove infections, then click on Preferences, click Repairs Tab and click on any of the System and Browser Repair Items that you may have problems with then click Perform Repair

VundoFix

Disconnect your computer from the internet

Run vundo

Restart your computer

Run the tool again to ensure no traces are left.

If there are the reboot into Safe Mode and run FixVundo again.

If your desktop has changed or icons are missing also use:Wallpaper Hijacker Removal Tool

Note: You should hit all "Repair" buttons even though it may not say "Found!" This will fix a wallpaper hijack everytime if all repair buttons are pressed.

Scan online with Housecall or BitDefender

If the problem persists, turn OFF System Restore and scan with the above programs in Safe Mode, then turn System Restore back ON and create a new restore Point.

To turn off System Restore, Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. To boot into Safe Mode tap the F8 key during boot-up.

Removing Malicious Anti-malware Applications
List of malicious sites / fake software
Epidemic of fake anti-malware products
Fake Antivirus Programs Part 1 - How they Work
Using Malwarebytes
Using Superantispyware
SmitFraudFix
Using Spybot S&D
Web of Trust browser protection addon