Revoking the Accidental Invitation: How to Remove XP Antivirus 2008
By: Elizabeth Ann West
What is XP Antivirus 2008?
Common instances of malware attach to legitimate downloads, and join the party through tagalong. XP Antivirus 2008 is the type of party crasher who arrives after intercepting an invitation. Users agree, unintentionally, to both actions of downloading and installation of XP Antivirus 2008. Next, your party is completely taken over.
XP Antivirus 2008 causes various problems for users, depending on a number of factors. These factors include the length of time XP Antivirus 2008 has remained on the system, and the previous computer settings by the user. Typical signs a system has XP Antivirus 2008 installed include changes on the desktop, such as icons and tool bar, no access to the Task Manager, disabled Internet Explorer, and even an inability for Windows to boot properly.
XP Antivirus 2008 is rogue anti-virus software, and is not a legitimate way to remove spyware and malware from a computer. A pop-up advertisement, cunningly disguised as Windows usual Security Center messages, tells the user the system is at risk and gives a "Microsoft" download recommendation for XP Antivirus 2008. There is no such product formally endorsed by Microsoft. The strong resemblance of XP Antivirus 2008 to official Microsoft messages make it common for even experienced computer users to accidentally download and install this program.
XP Antivirus 2008 Removal
Manual removal of XP Antivirus 2008 is not something for novice users, and may even be a tall order for experienced users. XP Antivirus 2008 is well-evolved in comparison to other cases of rogue anti-virus software, and permeates a great number of Windows' system files upon installation. Most users should use a reputable virus removal tool, such as STOPzilla from iS3 inc. This will save on aggravation and lower the risk of permanent damage to system and personal files by XP Antivirus 2008.
The steps for manual removal of any instance of malware is similar-- just the specific files slated for manipulation are different. Whenever a user manually removes spyware and rogue programs like XP Antivirus 2008, there are changes made to registry files. This is extremely risky and it is too easy to damage the system beyond recovery.
First, users must stop the Dynamic Link Libraries (.dll files) of shlwapi.dll and wininet.dll. From the command prompt, found by typing 'cmd' into Run at the Start menu, type 'regsvr32 /u filename.dll' for both files. Next, use Add/Remove Programs to delete all instances of XP Antivirus 2008 from the computer.
However, now users will need to prevent XP Antivirus 2008 from reinstalling when the computer is restarted. Using the 'regedit' command in the Run prompt, delete the following registry key:
HKEY_USERS\Software\XP antivirus
Using Task Manager, found by clicking CTRL-ALT-DELETE, end the following processes if they are running on your computer:
vav.exe
xpa.exe
xpa2008.exe
XPAntivirus.exe
XPAntivirusUpdate.exe
Finally, using Windows Explorer, you must delete any remaining files associated with XP Antivirus 2008. Most should be contained in the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\XP antivirus, but it is possible this folder does not exist. If th folder C:\Program Files\XP Antivirus exists, this should also be deleted. In addition, the following individual files should be deleted if they exist:
XPAntivirus.lnk
XP Antivirus 2008.lnk
Uninstall XP Antivirus 2008.lnk
XPAntivirus.url
And any of the above mentioned processes and .dll files.
Recommended XP Antivirus 2008 Remover
Manual removal of XP Antivirus 2008 should really not be attempted. This instance of malware is extremely pernicious, and leaving the program on your computer will result in serious problems to your workstation. The best solution to remove XP Antivirus 2008 is with a professional antivirus software application like iS3's STOPzilla.
iS3's STOPzilla works for all recent editions of Windows operating systems, including Vista. The interface is highly graphical for novice users-- it looks just like you are using a familiar website to scan your computer. One of the powerful punches packed in STOPzilla is the ability to remove dangerous root kits. Root kits are file packages that work to trick anti-virus software to over look their threat by controlling the computer at the core, or root of the operating system.
Removing a strong case of malware like XP Antivirus 2008 is difficult and dangerous to the operating system. Even advanced users can make a mistake, or overlook the manual delete of a file, allowing XP Antivirus 2008 right back onto the system. Save time, frustration, and minimize risk by using a professional antivirus software application. While not the only product on the market, iS3's STOPzilla is an affordable and easy to use solution for immediate removal of XP Antivirus 2008. In addition to immediate removal of XP Antivirus 2008, continued use of STOPzilla will protect the computer and operating system from other malware threats that come knocking on the door.
As soon as you've removed all pests detected by iS3, reboot your system and re-scan. This will verify the removal process is complete.
Xp Antivirus 2008 is now being changed often to evade detection. If you have any difficulties removing it with iS3 please upload your log file for analysis:
In Main window click Backup.
Click Email Log File.
A log file is generated and a window is displayed.
Follow the instructions required to send the email.
A support agent will then contact you personally to help you remove XP Antivirus 2008.
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