XP Antivirus 2012 is a variant of the 2012 name-changing rogue program that changes its name randomly depending on the version of Windows it is installed on. This guide will cover the variant of the 2012 name changing rogue called XP Antivirus 2012. This rogue is promoted in two ways. The first is through the use of fake online antivirus scanners that state that your computer is infected and then prompt you to download a file that will install the infection. The other method are hacked web sites that attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in programs that you are running on your computer to install the infection without your knowledge or permission.

When installed, this rogue pretends to be a security update for Windows installed via Automatic Updates. It will then install itself as a single executable that has a random name consisting of three characters, such as nmi.exe, that uses very aggressive techniques to make it so that you cannot remove it. First, it makes it so that if you launch any executable it will instead start the XP Antivirus 2012 rogue and state that the executable you initially wanted to run is infected. It will also modify certain keys so that when you launch FireFox or Internet Explorer from the Window Start Menu it will launch the rogue instead and display a fake firewall warning stating that the program is infected.

Once started, the rogue itself, like all other rogues, will scan your computer and state that there are numerous infections on it. If you attempt to use the program to remove any of these infections, though, it will state that you need to purchase the program first. In reality, though, the infections that the rogues states are on your computer are all legitimate files that if deleted could cause Windows to not operate correctly. Therefore, please do not manually delete any files based upon the results from this rogue's scan.

While running, XP Antivirus 2012 will also display fake security alerts on the infected computer. The text of some of these alerts are:

XP Antivirus 2012 Alert
System Integrity Check
Warning! Sensitive data may be sent over your internet connection right now!
Threat: Trojan-PSW.Win32.Antigen.A

XP Antivirus 2012 Alert
Critical System Alert
Unknown software is trying to take control over your system!
Threat: Macro.Visio.Radiant

XP Antivirus 2012 Firewall Alert
XP Antivirus 2012 has blocked a program from accessing the internet
Internet Explorer is infected with Trojan-BNK.Win32.Keylogger.gen
Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords.

Malware Intrusion
Sensitive areas of your system were found to be under attack. Spy software attack or virus infection possible. Prevent further damage or your private data will get stolen. Run an anti-spyware scan now. Click here to start.

System danger!
Your system security is in danger. Privacy threats detected. Spyware, keyloggers or Trojans may be working the background right now. Perform an in-depth scan and removal now, click here.

System Hijack!
System security threat was detected. Viruses and/or spyware may be damaging your system now. Prevent infection and data loss or stealing by running a free security scan.

Privacy threat!
Spyware intrusion detected. Your system is infected. System integrity is at risk. Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords. Click here to perform a security repair.

Stealth intrusion!
Infection detected in the background. Your computer is now attacked by spyware and rogue software. Eliminate the infection safely, perform a security scan and deletion now.

XP Antivirus 2012 Alert
Security Hole Detected!
A program is trying to exploit Windows security holes! Passwords and sensitive data may be stolen. Do you want to block this attack?

Just like the scan results, these security warnings and alerts are all fake and should be ignored.

While running, XP Antivirus 2012 will also hijack Internet Explorer and Firefox so that you cannot visit certain sites. It does this so that you cannot receive help or information at sites like BleepingComputer.com on how to remove this infection. When you attempt to visit these sites you will instead be shown a fake alert stating that the site you are visiting is dangerous and that the rogue is blocking it for your protection. The message that you will see is:

XP Antivirus 2012 Alert
Internet Explorer alert. Visiting this site may pose a security threat to your system!
Possible reasons include:
- Dangerous code found in this site's pages which installed unwanted software into your system.
- Suspicious and potentially unsafe network activity detected.
- Spyware infections in your system
- Complaints from other users about this site.
- Port and system scans performed by the site being visited.

Things you can do:
- Get a copy of XP Antivirus 2012 to safeguard your PC while surfing the web (RECOMMENDED)
- Run a spyware, virus and malware scan
- Continue surfing without any security measures (DANGEROUS)

Just like the fake security alerts, the browser hijack is just another attempt to make you think that your computer has a security problem so that you will then purchase the program.

Without a doubt, this rogue is designed to scam you out of your money by hijacking your computer and trying to trick you into thinking you are infected. Therefore, please do not purchase this program , and if you have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a computer infection. Finally, to remove XP Antivirus 2012 please use the guide below, which only contains programs that are free to use.

XP Antispyware 2012 is a variant of the 2012 name-changing rogue program that changes its name randomly depending on the version of Windows it is installed on. This guide will cover the variant of the 2012 name changing rogue called XP Antispyware 2012. This rogue is promoted in two ways. The first is through the use of fake online antivirus scanners that state that your computer is infected and then prompt you to download a file that will install the infection. The other method are hacked web sites that attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in programs that you are running on your computer to install the infection without your knowledge or permission.

When installed, this rogue pretends to be a security update for Windows installed via Automatic Updates. It will then install itself as a single executable that has a random name consisting of three characters, such as hml.exe, that uses very aggressive techniques to make it so that you cannot remove it. First, it makes it so that if you launch any executable it will instead start the XP Antispyware 2012 rogue and state that the executable you initially wanted to run is infected. It will also modify certain keys so that when you launch FireFox or Internet Explorer from the Window Start Menu it will launch the rogue instead and display a fake firewall warning stating that the program is infected.

Once started, the rogue itself, like all other rogues, will scan your computer and state that there are numerous infections on it. If you attempt to use the program to remove any of these infections, though, it will state that you need to purchase the program first. In reality, though, the infections that the rogues states are on your computer are all legitimate files that if deleted could cause Windows to not operate correctly. Therefore, please do not manually delete any files based upon the results from this rogue's scan.

While running, XP Antispyware 2012 will also display fake security alerts on the infected computer. The text of some of these alerts are:

XP Antispyware 2012 Firewall Alert
XP Antispyware 2012 has blocked a program from accessing the internet
Internet Explorer is infected with Trojan-BNK.Win32.Keylogger.gen
Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords.

Malware Intrusion
Sensitive areas of your system were found to be under attack. Spy software attack or virus infection possible. Prevent further damage or your private data will get stolen. Run an anti-spyware scan now. Click here to start.

System danger!
Your system security is in danger. Privacy threats detected. Spyware, keyloggers or Trojans may be working the background right now. Perform an in-depth scan and removal now, click here.

System Hijack!
System security threat was detected. Viruses and/or spyware may be damaging your system now. Prevent infection and data loss or stealing by running a free security scan.

Privacy threat!
Spyware intrusion detected. Your system is infected. System integrity is at risk. Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords. Click here to perform a security repair.

Stealth intrusion!
Infection detected in the background. Your computer is now attacked by spyware and rogue software. Eliminate the infection safely, perform a security scan and deletion now.

XP Antispyware 2012 Alert
Security Hole Detected!
A program is trying to exploit Windows security holes! Passwords and sensitive data may be stolen. Do you want to block this attack?

Just like the scan results, these security warnings and alerts are all fake and should be ignored.

While running, XP Antispyware 2012 will also hijack Internet Explorer and Firefox so that you cannot visit certain sites. It does this so that you cannot receive help or information at sites like BleepingComputer.com on how to remove this infection. When you attempt to visit these sites you will instead be shown a fake alert stating that the site you are visiting is dangerous and that the rogue is blocking it for your protection. The message that you will see is:

XP Antispyware 2012 Alert
Internet Explorer alert. Visiting this site may pose a security threat to your system!
Possible reasons include:
- Dangerous code found in this site's pages which installed unwanted software into your system.
- Suspicious and potentially unsafe network activity detected.
- Spyware infections in your system
- Complaints from other users about this site.
- Port and system scans performed by the site being visited.

Things you can do:
- Get a copy of XP Antispyware 2012 to safeguard your PC while surfing the web (RECOMMENDED)
- Run a spyware, virus and malware scan
- Continue surfing without any security measures (DANGEROUS)

Just like the fake security alerts, the browser hijack is just another attempt to make you think that your computer has a security problem so that you will then purchase the program.

Without a doubt, this rogue is designed to scam you out of your money by hijacking your computer and trying to trick you into thinking you are infected. Therefore, please do not purchase this program , and if you have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a computer infection. Finally, to remove XP Antispyware 2012 please use the guide below, which only contains programs that are free to use.

XP Home Security 2012 is a variant of the 2012 name-changing rogue program that changes its name randomly depending on the version of Windows it is installed on. This guide will cover the variant of the 2012 name changing rogue called XP Home Security 2012. This rogue is promoted in two ways. The first is through the use of fake online antivirus scanners that state that your computer is infected and then prompt you to download a file that will install the infection. The other method are hacked web sites that attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in programs that you are running on your computer to install the infection without your knowledge or permission.

When installed, this rogue pretends to be a security update for Windows installed via Automatic Updates. It will then install itself as a single executable that has a random name consisting of three characters, such as hml.exe, that uses very aggressive techniques to make it so that you cannot remove it. First, it makes it so that if you launch any executable it will instead start the XP Home Security 2012 rogue and state that the executable you initially wanted to run is infected. It will also modify certain keys so that when you launch FireFox or Internet Explorer from the Window Start Menu it will launch the rogue instead and display a fake firewall warning stating that the program is infected.

Once started, the rogue itself, like all other rogues, will scan your computer and state that there are numerous infections on it. If you attempt to use the program to remove any of these infections, though, it will state that you need to purchase the program first. In reality, though, the infections that the rogues states are on your computer are all legitimate files that if deleted could cause Windows to not operate correctly. Therefore, please do not manually delete any files based upon the results from this rogue's scan.

While running, XP Home Security 2012 will also display fake security alerts on the infected computer. The text of some of these alerts are:

XP Home Security 2012 Alert
Critical System Alert
Unknown software is trying to take control over your system!
Threat: Macro.Visio.Radiant

XP Home Security 2012 Firewall Alert
XP Home Security 2012 has blocked a program from accessing the internet
Internet Explorer is infected with Trojan-BNK.Win32.Keylogger.gen
Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords.

Malware Intrusion
Sensitive areas of your system were found to be under attack. Spy software attack or virus infection possible. Prevent further damage or your private data will get stolen. Run an anti-spyware scan now. Click here to start.

System danger!
Your system security is in danger. Privacy threats detected. Spyware, keyloggers or Trojans may be working the background right now. Perform an in-depth scan and removal now, click here.

System Hijack!
System security threat was detected. Viruses and/or spyware may be damaging your system now. Prevent infection and data loss or stealing by running a free security scan.

Privacy threat!
Spyware intrusion detected. Your system is infected. System integrity is at risk. Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords. Click here to perform a security repair.

Stealth intrusion!
Infection detected in the background. Your computer is now attacked by spyware and rogue software. Eliminate the infection safely, perform a security scan and deletion now.

XP Home Security 2012 Alert
Security Hole Detected!
A program is trying to exploit Windows security holes! Passwords and sensitive data may be stolen. Do you want to block this attack?

Just like the scan results, these security warnings and alerts are all fake and should be ignored.

While running, XP Home Security 2012 will also hijack Internet Explorer and Firefox so that you cannot visit certain sites. It does this so that you cannot receive help or information at sites like BleepingComputer.com on how to remove this infection. When you attempt to visit these sites you will instead be shown a fake alert stating that the site you are visiting is dangerous and that the rogue is blocking it for your protection. The message that you will see is:

XP Home Security 2012 Alert
Internet Explorer alert. Visiting this site may pose a security threat to your system!
Possible reasons include:
- Dangerous code found in this site's pages which installed unwanted software into your system.
- Suspicious and potentially unsafe network activity detected.
- Spyware infections in your system
- Complaints from other users about this site.
- Port and system scans performed by the site being visited.

Things you can do:
- Get a copy of XP Home Security 2012 to safeguard your PC while surfing the web (RECOMMENDED)
- Run a spyware, virus and malware scan
- Continue surfing without any security measures (DANGEROUS)

Just like the fake security alerts, the browser hijack is just another attempt to make you think that your computer has a security problem so that you will then purchase the program.

Without a doubt, this rogue is designed to scam you out of your money by hijacking your computer and trying to trick you into thinking you are infected. Therefore, please do not purchase this program , and if you have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a computer infection. Finally, to remove XP Home Security 2012 please use the guide below, which only contains programs that are free to use.

XP Security 2012 is a variant of the 2012 name-changing rogue program that changes its name randomly depending on the version of Windows it is installed on. This guide will cover the variant of the 2012 name changing rogue called XP Security 2012. This rogue is promoted in two ways. The first is through the use of fake online antivirus scanners that state that your computer is infected and then prompt you to download a file that will install the infection. The other method are hacked web sites that attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in programs that you are running on your computer to install the infection without your knowledge or permission.

When installed, this rogue pretends to be a security update for Windows installed via Automatic Updates. It will then install itself as a single executable that has a random name consisting of three characters, such as ejl.exe, that uses very aggressive techniques to make it so that you cannot remove it. First, it makes it so that if you launch any executable it will instead start the XP Security 2012 rogue and state that the executable you initially wanted to run is infected. It will also modify certain keys so that when you launch FireFox or Internet Explorer from the Window Start Menu it will launch the rogue instead and display a fake firewall warning stating that the program is infected.

Once started, the rogue itself, like all other rogues, will scan your computer and state that there are numerous infections on it. If you attempt to use the program to remove any of these infections, though, it will state that you need to purchase the program first. In reality, though, the infections that the rogues states are on your computer are all legitimate files that if deleted could cause Windows to not operate correctly. Therefore, please do not manually delete any files based upon the results from this rogue's scan.

While running, XP Security 2012 will also display fake security alerts on the infected computer. The text of some of these alerts are:

XP Security 2012 Firewall Alert
XP Security 2012 has blocked a program from accessing the internet
Internet Explorer is infected with Trojan-BNK.Win32.Keylogger.gen
Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords.

Malware Intrusion
Sensitive areas of your system were found to be under attack. Spy software attack or virus infection possible. Prevent further damage or your private data will get stolen. Run an anti-spyware scan now. Click here to start.

System danger!
Your system security is in danger. Privacy threats detected. Spyware, keyloggers or Trojans may be working the background right now. Perform an in-depth scan and removal now, click here.

System Hijack!
System security threat was detected. Viruses and/or spyware may be damaging your system now. Prevent infection and data loss or stealing by running a free security scan.

Privacy threat!
Spyware intrusion detected. Your system is infected. System integrity is at risk. Private data can be stolen by third parties, including credit card details and passwords. Click here to perform a security repair.

Stealth intrusion!
Infection detected in the background. Your computer is now attacked by spyware and rogue software. Eliminate the infection safely, perform a security scan and deletion now.

XP Security 2012 Alert
Security Hole Detected!
A program is trying to exploit Windows security holes! Passwords and sensitive data may be stolen. Do you want to block this attack?

Just like the scan results, these security warnings and alerts are all fake and should be ignored.

While running, XP Security 2012 will also hijack Internet Explorer and Firefox so that you cannot visit certain sites. It does this so that you cannot receive help or information at sites like BleepingComputer.com on how to remove this infection. When you attempt to visit these sites you will instead be shown a fake alert stating that the site you are visiting is dangerous and that the rogue is blocking it for your protection. The message that you will see is:

XP Security 2012 Alert
Internet Explorer alert. Visiting this site may pose a security threat to your system!
Possible reasons include:
- Dangerous code found in this site's pages which installed unwanted software into your system.
- Suspicious and potentially unsafe network activity detected.
- Spyware infections in your system
- Complaints from other users about this site.
- Port and system scans performed by the site being visited.

Things you can do:
- Get a copy of XP Security 2012 to safeguard your PC while surfing the web (RECOMMENDED)
- Run a spyware, virus and malware scan
- Continue surfing without any security measures (DANGEROUS)

Just like the fake security alerts, the browser hijack is just another attempt to make you think that your computer has a security problem so that you will then purchase the program.

Without a doubt, this rogue is designed to scam you out of your money by hijacking your computer and trying to trick you into thinking you are infected. Therefore, please do not purchase this program , and if you have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a computer infection. Finally, to remove XP Security 2012 please use the guide below, which only contains programs that are free to use.

Cloud AV 2012 is a computer infection from the Rogue.WinAVPro family, which includes other rogues such as OpenCloud Security. This infection is classified as a rogue anti-spyware program because it uses false security alerts and fake scan results to try and trick you into thinking that your computer is infected so that you will then purchase it. This infection is promoted through hacked sites that use exploits to install this program onto your computer without your permission.

Once Cloud AV 2012 is started it will do a fake scan on your computer that will state that there are numerous infections present. It will then prompt you to remove these so-called infections, but will not allow you to do so unless you first purchase the program. Please understand, that Cloud AV 2012 is scripted to show you these fake scan results regardless of the computer you are on and how clean it is. Therefore, do not be concerned by any of the scan results as they are only being shown to scare you into thinking that you have a serious computer problem. Cloud AV 2012 also pretends to update its virus definitions from the Internet. In reality, though, when you update the program it is not actually downloading anything but rather just pretending to do so.

Some installations of the Rogue.WinAVPro family may be bundling the ZeroAccess rootkit along with the rogue. This rootkit will terminate any process that scans one of the items it is protecting in the Windows Registry or the file system. It will then change the permissions on that program so that when you attempt to run it again you will receive an access denied message. If you are infected with this Rootkit, then the following guide will not be able to remove the infection unless you first remove the rootkit. You can attempt to remove the rootkit using TDSSKiller as outlined in this guide:

How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller

If that does not work, then it is advised that you create a one-on-one virus removal assistance topic by following the instructions in this guide:

Preparation Guide For Use Before Using Malware Removal Tools and Requesting Help

Cloud AV 2012 will also terminate the majority of programs that you attempt to run. When you start an executable it will automatically be closed and you will then be shown a security warning from the Windows taskbar stating that the program is infected. The text of this message is:

Warning!
The file "firefox.exe" is infected. Running of application is impossible.
Please activate your antivirus software.

Just like the scan results, this infection message is fake and should be ignored.

While running, Cloud AV 2012 will display a variety of fake security alerts and warnings that are designed to make you think your computer has a serious security problem. The various text of the alerts that this program will show are listed below:

Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

svchost.exe
svchost.exe was replaced with unauthorized program.
It has encountered a problem and needs to close.
If you were in the middle of something, the information you were working on might be lost.
Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
We have created an error report that you can send to us. We will treat this report as confidential and anonymous.

Windows Security Alert
To help protect your computer, Windows Firewall has blocked some features of this program.
Do you want to keep blocking this program?
Name: Zeus Trojan
Publisher: Unauthorized

Warning! Infection found
Unauthorized sending E-MAIL with subject "RE:" to was CANCELLED.

Warning! Infection found
Unwanted software (malware) or tracking cookies have been found during last scan. It is highly recommended to remove it from your computer.
Keylogger Zeus was detected and put in quarantine.
Keylogger Zeus is a very dangerous software used by criminals to steal personal data such as credit card information, access to banking accounts, passwords to social networks and e-mails.

Security Warning
Your computer continues to be infected with harmful viruses. In order to prevent permanent loss of your information and credit card data theft please activate your antivirus software. Click here to enable protection.

Security Warning
Malicious programs that may steal your private information and prevent your system from working properly are detected on your computer.
Click here to clean your PC immediately.

Security Warning
There are critical system files on your computer that were modified by malicious software.
It may cause permanent data loss.
Click here to remove malicious software.

Warning: Infection is Detected
Windows has found spyware infection on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Warning: Spyware Detected
Windows has found spy programs running on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Windows Security Center
Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

Cloud AV 2012 will also configure Windows to use a Proxy Server. This Proxy Server will intercept all Internet requests and instead of displaying your requested web pages, will show fake security alerts stating the web site you are visiting is malicious. Finally, this rogue will add entries to your C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\HOSTS file that allows the developer to control what sites you ultimately go to when you attempt to visit google.com, yahoo.com, bing.com, or facebook.com

As you can see, Cloud AV 2012 was developed to scare you into purchasing your program by attempting to make you think your computer is infected. It goes without saying that you should definitely not buy Cloud AV 2012, and if you already have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a scam and a computer virus. To remove Cloud AV 2012 and other related malware, please use the free removal guide below.

AV Protection 2011 is a computer infection from the Rogue.WinAVPro family, which includes other rogues such as OpenCloud Security. This infection is classified as a rogue anti-spyware program because it uses false security alerts and fake scan results to try and trick you into thinking that your computer is infected so that you will then purchase it. This infection is promoted through hacked sites that use exploits to install this program onto your computer without your permission.

Once AV Protection 2011 is started it will do a fake scan on your computer that will state that there are numerous infections present. It will then prompt you to remove these so-called infections, but will not allow you to do so unless you first purchase the program. Please understand, that AV Protection 2011 is scripted to show you these fake scan results regardless of the computer you are on and how clean it is. Therefore, do not be concerned by any of the scan results as they are only being shown to scare you into thinking that you have a serious computer problem. AV Protection 2011 also pretends to update its virus definitions from the Internet. In reality, though, when you update the program it is not actually downloading anything but rather just pretending to do so.

Some installations of the Rogue.WinAVPro family may be bundling the ZeroAccess rootkit along with the rogue. This rootkit will terminate any process that scans one of the items it is protecting in the Windows Registry or the file system. It will then change the permissions on that program so that when you attempt to run it again you will receive an access denied message. If you are infected with this Rootkit, then the following guide will not be able to remove the infection unless you first remove the rootkit. You can attempt to remove the rootkit using TDSSKiller as outlined in this guide:

How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller

If that does not work, then it is advised that you create a one-on-one virus removal assistance topic by following the instructions in this guide:

Preparation Guide For Use Before Using Malware Removal Tools and Requesting Help

AV Protection 2011 will also terminate the majority of programs that you attempt to run. When you start an executable it will automatically be closed and you will then be shown a security warning from the Windows taskbar stating that the program is infected. The text of this message is:

Warning!
The file "firefox.exe" is infected. Running of application is impossible.
Please activate your antivirus software.

Just like the scan results, this infection message is fake and should be ignored.

While running, AV Protection 2011 will display a variety of fake security alerts and warnings that are designed to make you think your computer has a serious security problem. The various text of the alerts that this program will show are listed below:

Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

svchost.exe
svchost.exe was replaced with unauthorized program.
It has encountered a problem and needs to close.
If you were in the middle of something, the information you were working on might be lost.
Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
We have created an error report that you can send to us. We will treat this report as confidential and anonymous.

Windows Security Alert
To help protect your computer, Windows Firewall has blocked some features of this program.
Do you want to keep blocking this program?
Name: Zeus Trojan
Publisher: Unauthorized

Warning! Infection found
Unauthorized sending E-MAIL with subject "RE:" to was CANCELLED.

Warning! Infection found
Unwanted software (malware) or tracking cookies have been found during last scan. It is highly recommended to remove it from your computer.
Keylogger Zeus was detected and put in quarantine.
Keylogger Zeus is a very dangerous software used by criminals to steal personal data such as credit card information, access to banking accounts, passwords to social networks and e-mails.

Security Warning
Your computer continues to be infected with harmful viruses. In order to prevent permanent loss of your information and credit card data theft please activate your antivirus software. Click here to enable protection.

Security Warning
Malicious programs that may steal your private information and prevent your system from working properly are detected on your computer.
Click here to clean your PC immediately.

Security Warning
There are critical system files on your computer that were modified by malicious software.
It may cause permanent data loss.
Click here to remove malicious software.

Warning: Infection is Detected
Windows has found spyware infection on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Warning: Spyware Detected
Windows has found spy programs running on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Windows Security Center
Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

AV Protection 2011 will also configure Windows to use a Proxy Server. This Proxy Server will intercept all Internet requests and instead of displaying your requested web pages, will show fake security alerts stating the web site you are visiting is malicious. Finally, this rogue will add entries to your C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\HOSTS file that allows the developer to control what sites you ultimately go to when you attempt to visit google.com, yahoo.com, bing.com, or facebook.com

As you can see, AV Protection 2011 was developed to scare you into purchasing your program by attempting to make you think your computer is infected. It goes without saying that you should definitely not buy AV Protection 2011, and if you already have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a scam and a computer virus. To remove AV Protection 2011 and other related malware, please use the free removal guide below.

System Fix is a fake computer analysis and optimization program from the FakeHDD family of rogues. This rogue displays false alerts that are designed to make you think that your computer has hard disk problems that have lead to corrupt and missing data. It displays these alerts in order to scare you into purchasing the program so that you can fix these issues. In reality, though, there is nothing wrong with your hardware or data, so these error messages should be ignored. System Fix is installed through hacked sites that exploit vulnerabilities in software that may be installed on your computer or through fake online scanner pages. Once installed, System Fix will display false error messages and security warnings on the infected computer. These messages will state that there is something wrong with your computer's hard drive and then suggests that you download and install a program that can fix the problem. When you click on of these alerts, System Fix will automatically be started.

System Fix will be configured to start automatically when you login to Windows. Once started, it will display numerous error messages when you attempt to launch programs or delete files. System Fix will then prompt you to scan your computer, which will then find a variety of errors that it states it cannot fix until you purchase the program. It will then prompt you to repair your PC, where it will pretend to fix fake problems on your computer and state that it was unable to repair some of them in order to make you feel there is a problem with your computer.

If you are infected with System Fix it is important that you do not delete any files from your Temp folder or use any temp file cleaners. This is because when this infection is installed it will delete shortcuts found in various locations and store backups of them in the %Temp%\smtmp folder. It does this so that you when try to launch a program from your start menu, none of your shortcuts will appear and thus making you think that your computer has a serious problem. Therefore, you do not want to delete any of the files in your Temp folder as it will remove the backups that we will use later in the guide to restore your Windows Start Menu. For a list of folders that shortcuts are deleted and the corresponding directories where they are stored, please see this topic: Unhide.exe - A introduction as to what this program does.

To further make it seem like your computer is not operating correctly, System Fix will also make it so that certain folders on your computer display no contents. When opening these folders, such as C:\Windows\System32\ or various drive letters, instead of seeing the normal list of files it will instead display a different folder's contents or make it appear as if the folder is empty. This is done to make it seem like there is corruption on your hard drive that is causing your files to not be displayed. It does this by adding the +H, or hidden, attribute to all of your files, which causes your files to become hidden. It will then change your Windows settings so that you cannot view hidden and system files. Once the rogue's processes are terminated you can enable the setting to view hidden files, and thus be able to see your files and folders again, by following the instructions in this tutorial:

How to see hidden files in Windows

System Fix also attempts to make it so you cannot run any programs on your computer. If you attempt to launch a program it may terminate it and state that the program or hard drive is corrupted. It does this to protect itself from anti-virus programs you may attempt to run and to make your computer unusable so that you will be further tempted to purchase the rogue. The messages that will randomly be displayed are:

Windows - Delayed Write Failed
Failed to save all the components for the file \System32\00004823. The file is corrupted or unreadable. This error may be caused by a PC hardware problem.

Windows detected a hard disk problem
A potential disk failure may cause loss of files, applications and documents stored on the hard disk. Please try not to use this computer until the hard disk is fixed or replaced.

Windows detected a hard disk problem
A potential disk failure may cause loss of files, applications and documents store on the hard disk. It's highly recommended to scan and solve HDD problems before continue using this PC.

Hard Drive Failure
The system has detected a problem with one or more installed IDE / SATA hard disks. It is recommended that you restart the system.

System Error
An error occurred while reading system files. Run a system diagnostic utility to check your hard disk drive for errors.

Critical Error
Hard drive critical error. Run a system diagnostic utility to check your hard disk drive for errors. Windows can't find hard disk space. Hard drive error.

Critical Error
Hard drive clusters are partly damaged. Segment load failure.

After you close this alert you will be presented with another alert that pretends to be for a program that will attempt to fix your hard drive.

Fix Disk
System Fix Diagnostics will scan the system to identify performance problems.
Start or Cancel

If you press the Start button, it will pretend to scan your computer and then state that there is something wrong with it. This message that you may see is:

System Fix Diagnostics
Windows detected a hard disk error.
A problem with the hard drive sectors has been detected. It is recommended to download the following sertified software to fix the detected hard drive problems. Do you want to download recommended software?

or

Critical Hard Disk Drive Error
System Fix detected a bad sector on your hard disk drive.
This error may cause the following problems:

- Data corruption and loss
- Hard drive inaccessibility
- System errors and failures

These are just further alerts trying to make you think your computer has a serious hard drive problem. It should be noted that if you attempt to run a program enough times it will eventually work.

When you perform the scan or use the fake System Fix it will state that there are numerous problems on your computer, but that you first need to purchase it before it can fix any of them. Some examples of the fake problems it detects on your computer are:

Requested registry access is not allowed. Registry defragmentation required
Hard Drive rotational speed decreased by 20%
Disk drive C:\ is unreadable.
System files are damaged. System is unstable.
The problem may cause errors while loading operating system.
Ram memory speed decreased significantly and may cause system failure.
Read time of hard drive clusters less than 500 ms
32% of HDD space is unreadable
Bad sectors on hard drive or damaged file allocation table
GPU RAM temperature is critically high. Urgent RAM memory optimization is required to prevent system crash
Drive C initializing error
Ram Temperature is 83 C. Optimization is required for normal operation.
Hard drive doesn't respond to system commands
Data Safety Problem. System integrity is at risk.
Registry Error - Critical Error

While System Fix is running it will also display fake alerts from your Windows taskbar. These alerts are designed to further scare you into thinking that your computer has an imminent hardware failure. The text of some of the alerts you may see include:

Critical Error!
Damaged hard drive clusters detected. Private data is at risk.

Critical Error
Hard Drive not found. Missing hard drive.

Critical Error
RAM memory usage is critically high. RAM memory failure.

Critical Error
Windows can't find hard disk space. Hard drive error

Critical Error!
Windows was unable to save all the data for the file \System32\496A8300. The data has been lost. This error may be caused by a failure of your computer hardware.

Critical Error
A critical error has occurred while indexing data stored on hard drive. System restart required.

System Fix
The system has been restored after a critical error. Data integrity and hard drive integrity verification required.

Activation Reminder
System Fix Activation
Advanced module activation required to fix detected errors and performance issues. Please purchase Advanced Module license to activate this software and enable all features.

Low Disk Space
You are running very low disk space on Local Disk (C:).

Windows - No Disk
Exception Processing Message 0x0000013

Critical Error
Hard drive clusters are partly damaged. Segment load failure.

Just like the fake corruption messages and fake scan results, these alerts are only designed to scare you into purchasing the program.

To make matters worse, recent variants of this family have been know to install the TDSS or ZeroAccess rootkits as well. These rootkits will attempt to stop you from using security programs that may help you to remove this infection. If you are infected with System Fix and are unable to update your Malwarebytes's Anti-Malware definitions then you most likely have this rootkit installed. If this is the case, this guide will not be able to help you and you should instead follow the instructions in this topic in order to receive one-on-one help in removing this infection.

Preparation Guide For Use Before Using Malware Removal Tools and Requesting Help

Without a doubt, the methods used by this program are fraudulent and criminal. Therefore, do not purchase System Fix for any reason, and if you already have, please contact your credit card company and state that the program is a computer infection and a scam and that you would like to dispute the charge. To remove this infection and related malware, please follow the steps in the guide below.

AV Security 2012 is a computer infection from the Rogue.WinAVPro family, which includes other rogues such as OpenCloud Security. This infection is classified as a rogue anti-spyware program because it uses false security alerts and fake scan results to try and trick you into thinking that your computer is infected so that you will then purchase it. This infection is promoted through hacked sites that use exploits to install this program onto your computer without your permission.

Once AV Security 2012 is started it will do a fake scan on your computer that will state that there are numerous infections present. It will then prompt you to remove these so-called infections, but will not allow you to do so unless you first purchase the program. Please understand, that AV Security 2012 is scripted to show you these fake scan results regardless of the computer you are on and how clean it is. Therefore, do not be concerned by any of the scan results as they are only being shown to scare you into thinking that you have a serious computer problem. AV Security 2012 also pretends to update its virus definitions from the Internet. In reality, though, when you update the program it is not actually downloading anything but rather just pretending to do so.

Some installations of the Rogue.WinAVPro family may be bundling the ZeroAccess rootkit along with the rogue. This rootkit will terminate any process that scans one of the items it is protecting in the Windows Registry or the file system. It will then change the permissions on that program so that when you attempt to run it again you will receive an access denied message. If you are infected with this Rootkit, then the following guide will not be able to remove the infection unless you first remove the rootkit. You can attempt to remove the rootkit using TDSSKiller as outlined in this guide:

How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller

If that does not work, then it is advised that you create a one-on-one virus removal assistance topic by following the instructions in this guide:

Preparation Guide For Use Before Using Malware Removal Tools and Requesting Help

AV Security 2012 will also terminate the majority of programs that you attempt to run. When you start an executable it will automatically be closed and you will then be shown a security warning from the Windows taskbar stating that the program is infected. The text of this message is:

Warning!
The file "firefox.exe" is infected. Running of application is impossible.
Please activate your antivirus software.

Just like the scan results, this infection message is fake and should be ignored.

While running, AV Security 2012 will display a variety of fake security alerts and warnings that are designed to make you think your computer has a serious security problem. The various text of the alerts that this program will show are listed below:

Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

svchost.exe
svchost.exe was replaced with unauthorized program.
It has encountered a problem and needs to close.
If you were in the middle of something, the information you were working on might be lost.
Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
We have created an error report that you can send to us. We will treat this report as confidential and anonymous.

Windows Security Alert
To help protect your computer, Windows Firewall has blocked some features of this program.
Do you want to keep blocking this program?
Name: Zeus Trojan
Publisher: Unauthorized

Warning! Infection found
Unauthorized sending E-MAIL with subject "RE:" to was CANCELLED.

Warning! Infection found
Unwanted software (malware) or tracking cookies have been found during last scan. It is highly recommended to remove it from your computer.
Keylogger Zeus was detected and put in quarantine.
Keylogger Zeus is a very dangerous software used by criminals to steal personal data such as credit card information, access to banking accounts, passwords to social networks and e-mails.

Security Warning
Your computer continues to be infected with harmful viruses. In order to prevent permanent loss of your information and credit card data theft please activate your antivirus software. Click here to enable protection.

Security Warning
Malicious programs that may steal your private information and prevent your system from working properly are detected on your computer.
Click here to clean your PC immediately.

Security Warning
There are critical system files on your computer that were modified by malicious software.
It may cause permanent data loss.
Click here to remove malicious software.

Warning: Infection is Detected
Windows has found spyware infection on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Warning: Spyware Detected
Windows has found spy programs running on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Windows Security Center
Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

AV Security 2012 will also configure Windows to use a Proxy Server. This Proxy Server will intercept all Internet requests and instead of displaying your requested web pages, will show fake security alerts stating the web site you are visiting is malicious. Finally, this rogue will add entries to your C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\HOSTS file that allows the developer to control what sites you ultimately go to when you attempt to visit google.com, yahoo.com, bing.com, or facebook.com

As you can see, AV Security 2012 was developed to scare you into purchasing your program by attempting to make you think your computer is infected. It goes without saying that you should definitely not buy AV Security 2012, and if you already have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a scam and a computer virus. To remove AV Security 2012 and other related malware, please use the free removal guide below.

Privacy Protection is a rogue anti-spyware program from the same family as Malware Protection. This rogue displays false scan results in order to trick you into thinking that your computer is infected. When this infection is installed on your computer it will be configured to start automatically. Once started it will scan your computer and list numerous infections, but if you attempt to remove any of these so-called infections it will state that you first need to purchase the program in order to remove anything. As these scan results are all fake, please do not purchase this program based upon anything it states.

While running, Privacy Protection will also display fake security alerts on your computer. These security alerts are used to make you think that there are various security problems on your computer. The text of one of these alerts is:

Security Warning
Malicious program has been detected. Click here to protect your computer.

Firewall Warning
Hidden file transfers to remote host has been detected.
has detected a leak of your files through the Internet. We strongly recommend that you block the attack immediately.

In order to protect itself, Privacy Protection will also not allow you to run most executables on your computer. When you attempt to run an executable you will instead be greeted with a message that states that the program is infected. The text of this message is:

calc.exe can not start
File calc.exe is infected by W32/Blaster.worm. Please activate Privacy Protection to protect your computer.

Just like the fake scan results, these fake alerts are just another tactic to have you purchase the program and should be ignored.

Without a doubt, the warnings issued by this program are all fake, and once you realize that, the alerts become more of a nuisance rather than a concern. Therefore, do not purchase Privacy Protection for any reason, and if you already have, please contact your credit card company and state that the program is a computer infection and a scam and that you would like to dispute the charge. To remove this infection and related malware, please follow the steps in the guide below.

System Security 2011 is a computer infection from the Rogue.WinAVPro family, which includes other rogues such as OpenCloud Security. This infection is classified as a rogue anti-spyware program because it uses false security alerts and fake scan results to try and trick you into thinking that your computer is infected so that you will then purchase it. This infection is promoted through hacked sites that use exploits to install this program onto your computer without your permission.

Once System Security 2011 is started it will do a fake scan on your computer that will state that there are numerous infections present. It will then prompt you to remove these so-called infections, but will not allow you to do so unless you first purchase the program. Please understand, that System Security 2011 is scripted to show you these fake scan results regardless of the computer you are on and how clean it is. Therefore, do not be concerned by any of the scan results as they are only being shown to scare you into thinking that you have a serious computer problem. System Security 2011 also pretends to update its virus definitions from the Internet. In reality, though, when you update the program it is not actually downloading anything but rather just pretending to do so.

Some installations of the Rogue.WinAVPro family may be bundling the ZeroAccess rootkit along with the rogue. This rootkit will terminate any process that scans one of the items it is protecting in the Windows Registry or the file system. It will then change the permissions on that program so that when you attempt to run it again you will receive an access denied message. If you are infected with this Rootkit, then the following guide will not be able to remove the infection unless you first remove the rootkit. You can attempt to remove the rootkit using TDSSKiller as outlined in this guide:

How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller

If that does not work, then it is advised that you create a one-on-one virus removal assistance topic by following the instructions in this guide:

Preparation Guide For Use Before Using Malware Removal Tools and Requesting Help

System Security 2011 will also terminate the majority of programs that you attempt to run. When you start an executable it will automatically be closed and you will then be shown a security warning from the Windows taskbar stating that the program is infected. The text of this message is:

Warning!
The file "firefox.exe" is infected. Running of application is impossible.
Please activate your antivirus software.

Just like the scan results, this infection message is fake and should be ignored.

While running, System Security 2011 will display a variety of fake security alerts and warnings that are designed to make you think your computer has a serious security problem. The various text of the alerts that this program will show are listed below:

Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

svchost.exe
svchost.exe was replaced with unauthorized program.
It has encountered a problem and needs to close.
If you were in the middle of something, the information you were working on might be lost.
Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
We have created an error report that you can send to us. We will treat this report as confidential and anonymous.

Windows Security Alert
To help protect your computer, Windows Firewall has blocked some features of this program.
Do you want to keep blocking this program?
Name: Zeus Trojan
Publisher: Unauthorized

Warning! Infection found
Unauthorized sending E-MAIL with subject "RE:" to was CANCELLED.

Warning! Infection found
Unwanted software (malware) or tracking cookies have been found during last scan. It is highly recommended to remove it from your computer.
Keylogger Zeus was detected and put in quarantine.
Keylogger Zeus is a very dangerous software used by criminals to steal personal data such as credit card information, access to banking accounts, passwords to social networks and e-mails.

Security Warning
Your computer continues to be infected with harmful viruses. In order to prevent permanent loss of your information and credit card data theft please activate your antivirus software. Click here to enable protection.

Security Warning
Malicious programs that may steal your private information and prevent your system from working properly are detected on your computer.
Click here to clean your PC immediately.

Security Warning
There are critical system files on your computer that were modified by malicious software.
It may cause permanent data loss.
Click here to remove malicious software.

Warning: Infection is Detected
Windows has found spyware infection on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Warning: Spyware Detected
Windows has found spy programs running on your computer!
Click here to update your Windows antivirus software

Windows Security Center
Serious security vulnerabilities were detected on this computer. Your privacy and personal data may be unsafe. Do you want to protect your PC?

System Security 2011 will also configure Windows to use a Proxy Server. This Proxy Server will intercept all Internet requests and instead of displaying your requested web pages, will show fake security alerts stating the web site you are visiting is malicious.

As you can see, System Security 2011 was developed to scare you into purchasing your program by attempting to make you think your computer is infected. It goes without saying that you should definitely not buy System Security 2011, and if you already have, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges stating that the program is a scam and a computer virus. To remove System Security 2011 and other related malware, please use the free removal guide below.