Fake Windows Security Centre XP

hoody

A relative has been having a problem with their PC lately and I've figured out that it is the fake Windows Security Centre virus. It tells her that the PC in infected with viruses and asks her to send money to register and thus be able to delete the viruses...it also blocks a lot of websites, especially ones related to "how to remove fake Windows Security Centre"! Having read about this virus on the net, I imagine its a bit of a nightmare to get rid of.

Just wondering if anyone here has had any experiences with this, and any pointers on how to remove it. Again, internet access on the PC itself is very limited because of the virus... The PC is also about 10 years old, though I don't think that should make too much difference.

Cheers

ASJ112

Download the GMER Rootkit Scanner. Unzip it to your Desktop.

Before scanning, make sure all other running programs are closed and no other actions like a scheduled antivirus scan will occur while the scan is being performed. Do not use your computer for anything else during the scan.

• Double click GMER.exe.
  
• If it gives you a warning about rootkit activity and asks if you want to run a full scan...click on NO, then use the following settings for a more complete scan..
• In the right panel, you will see several boxes that have been checked. Ensure the following are UNCHECKED ...
  • IAT/EAT
  • Drives/Partition other than Systemdrive (typically C:\)
  • Show All (don't miss this one)
    
    Click the image to enlarge it
• Then click the Scan button & wait for it to finish.
• Once done click on the [Save..] button, and in the File name area, type in "ark.txt"
• Save the log where you can easily find it, such as your desktop.

**Caution**
Rootkit scans often produce false positives. Do NOT take any action on any "<--- ROOKIT" entries
Please copy and paste the report into your Post.

hoody

Ok, will do, won't be up til tomorrow evening. Thanks for your help

hoody

Hi ASJ112,

I cannot open the GMER Rootkit on the PC to run a scan, nor can I open things like Task Manager, or the System link under Performance & Maintenance... in fact, even simple apps like MS Paint won't open. Any thoughts on this? ...I think its beyond my limited virus removing abilities!

Cheers

ASJ112

can you try it in safe mode

try this too

Download ComboFix here :

Link 1
Link 2


* IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop

• Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. Here is a guide on how to disable them
  
  Click me
  
  
• Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
  
  
• As part of it's process, ComboFix will check to see if the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed. With malware infections being as they are today, it's strongly recommended to have this pre-installed on your machine before doing any malware removal. It will allow you to boot up into a special recovery/repair mode that will allow us to more easily help you should your computer have a problem after an attempted removal of malware.
  
  
• Follow the prompts to allow ComboFix to download and install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console, and when prompted, agree to the End-User License Agreement to install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console.

**Please note: If the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is already installed, ComboFix will continue it's malware removal procedures.

Once the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed using ComboFix, you should see the following message:




Click on Yes, to continue scanning for malware.

When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt log in your next reply.

antocann

best way around it is system restore then instal the software and proper virus protection