How to Uninstall Smitfraud
Smitfraud is a spyware program that infects your computer. It can install itself by tricking users to click on pop-ups on websites, by being packaged with other questionable software, or by attaching to MP3s downloaded illegally from torrents. Once installed, it tries to convince the user to purchase fake virus protection by using warnings disguised as Windows pop-ups, telling the user their computer is infected or at risk. Smitfraud embeds itself deep into the Windows operating system and cannot be deleted by ordinary means.
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Instructions
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Preparing to Remove Smitfraud
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1
Find the list of resources accompanying this article. Go to the website and download the latest version of each of these software packages; they are all free of charge: SmitRem, SmitFraudFix, MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and CCleaner.
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2
Install the software, following the installation instructions for each one carefully. Some, such as SmitRem, don't require installation. Copy the files into a folder on your hard drive.
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3
Reboot the computer after all the software is installed or extracted -- not before -- even if you're prompted to restart.
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4
Slowly tap the "F8" key on your keyboard as the computer powers up to enter the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen. Highlight "Safe Mode" using the arrow keys, and press "Enter."
Removing Smitfraud
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5
Open the folder where you placed the files from SmitRem. Double-click "RunThis.bat" to begin the removal process. A blue window will open, asking you to press any key to continue. Follow the prompts as SmitRem does its job. When its finished, SmitRem will automatically run the Windows Disk Cleanup utility, which may take some time to finish.
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6
Double-click SmitFraudFix to start the next utility. Another blue screen will appear, asking you to chose an option. Start by pressing "1" on your keyboard and hit "Enter." SmitFraudFix will generate a list of of files it determines are infected. Once it prompts you to make another choice, press "2" on your keyboard and hit "Enter" again. Answer all the prompts in the affirmative.
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7
Restart your computer following the earlier instructions to enter the Windows Advanced Options Menu. Highlight "Safe Mode with Networking" and press "Enter."
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8
Double-click on the MalwareBytes icon. Allow it to update and then run a full system scan. This will discover and neutralize any additional viruses Smitfraud may have downloaded to your computer.
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9
Run the CCleaner utility to locate any leftover data from the other programs. This data is not a real threat to your computer, but its presence can eventually degrade the computer's performance.
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Tips & Warnings
It's always important to protect your computer with anti-virus software. If you cannot afford mainstream anti-virus protection, free solutions do exist. Options include Avast! Anti-Virus and AVG, Avira AntiVir Personal. Additionally, Symantec offers a free online scan that will identify and remove threats. Using the Symantec online scanner is highly recommended after following the instructions in this article, or after manually removing any other virus from your computer.
Never click on anything suspicious or purchase unknown software, even if it appears that Windows is telling you to.
