How to Remove a Fraud XP Anti-virus
XP Anti-virus, known also as Spyware Protect 2009 and dozens of other names, installs itself onto computers in a variety of ways depending on the version. Commonly, it downloads itself via a website and alerts the user that their system is infected by a large range of viruses, whether the computer is or not. It then directs users to download a full anti-virus program for variable amounts of money; if you buy it, it claims to eliminate the threats it made up, when it may infect your computer more in some cases.
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Instructions
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Download an anti-virus program or run your own that recognizes XP Anti-virus (or any of its other aliases) as malware--a harmful program. Anti-virus protection that recognizes it includes Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool, Automatic XPAnti-virus Remover, MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware and Shield Deluxe Anti-virus Software.
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Check out Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool, a program which searches for specific, common threats, deletes them, and reports its actions to you afterward. The tool updates at least once a month or more often as needed, but needs you to run the program any time you want to check your computer. The creators of the program suggest running an anti-virus program along with Malicious Software Removal Tool.
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Download the Automatic XPAnti-virus Remover from the Spyware website to have the program removed in its entirety--it ends all of the processes associated with the virus, deletes unwanted files, and removes registries, which hold data similarly to folders. It also outlines what to delete manually if you don't trust the program.
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Add MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware to your computer for real-time protection, low system requirements, and a beginner-friendly interface with myriad options. It also allows you to recover files that were accidentally quarantined, though Anti-Malware rarely makes this mistake.
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Visit the Shield Deluxe 2010 website for a program that both scans and protects your computer in real time, while also determining what may be a threat at the cutting-edge of virus development based on pre-existing definitions. The program comes with bonus features, such as instant messaging protection and message encryption, a laptop version which saves battery life, and decision-making capabilities while you are busy playing a game or using another focus-intensive program. The Shield Deluxe 2010 costs $20 after rebate for one year of use.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't interact with the program once it alerts you of false infections; move the window aside and begin scanning and deleting with a competent anti-virus program.
References
- Photo Credit malware image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
