WinAntivirusPro Nightmare

[andruwjones]

Does anyone know how to remove the WinAntivirusPro popup from Windows XP? I can't delete the files because Windows says the application is being used. Also, Norton 360 was useless. Thanks.

[JPMNICK]

boot into safe mode and try to delete it

[Fallon]

Found this on the google.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060928075918AAloVdu

[KingGeno]

It's a nasty virus, and even after the removal of it your system will be in weak state. It is disguised as a Spyware removal program, but they try to get you to purchase the program...which will then disable the trojan.

i would suggest you do research on another computer for removal instructions. Here is a great removal guide from PC Hell (http://www.pchell.com/support/smitfraud.shtml).

Good luck.


--
As for maintenance after removal, I would recommend the following programs, and they are all Free.

NOTE: Normal disclaimer regarding maintenance programs. Be careful what options you select when installing these programs. They are free, but they will try to get you to install Google or Yahoo Toolbar. Just disable the options.

NOTE 2: Be careful when selecting what files and information that these programs remove.


CCLeaner (http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10315544.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10837066) - Excellent program that will sweep and clear out garbage and excess files, such as Temporary Internet Files, old Registry entries, etc. Will clean up a lot of excess crap.

Advanced Windows Care Personal (http://www.download.com/Advanced-WindowsCare-Personal/3000-2086_4-10407614.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10833219) - Found this FANTASTIC program last year sometime. It is VERY VERY good. It will clean up a lot of excess garbage, plug holes for spyware, clean-up system issues, etc. Totally free, but you will have to update the program manually through the "Update Now" link on the Status screen. Really easy, really great.

Auslogics Disk Defrag (http://www.download.com/Auslogics-Disk-Defrag/3000-2094_4-10567503.html?tag=lst-3&cdlPid=10846650) - An excellent hard drive maintenance program. You should defrag your hard drive at least once a month. This will speed up the opening of programs and files, and keep your hardware in good shape.

[Reynolds]

I had this, and windows defender, adaware, and search and destroy would not remove it. This is the only program that completely removed it.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Run msconfig, disable all startup programs, and processes, reboot.

[KingGeno]

Run msconfig, disable all startup programs, and processes, reboot.

QFT.

I refrained from posting this, because sometimes people who are computer challenged may go to town on important stuff in there. Luckily, you can fix the issues if changes are made.

Going through MSCONFIG will help remove a lot of the start-up programs that cause issues. The program Advanced Windows Care that I posted above graphically displays what is in the Start-up Procedures, and gives explanations if they are trusted or harmful.

Either way, this will help tremendously.