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Question

Removal of Antivirus Security Pro

Oct 15, 2013 2:25AM PDT

One of our older computers running XP has been infected with the Antivirus Security Pro virus. Please will someone give me advice on how to get rid of this.

I have looked at some of the removal programmes listed on the Internet but do not know which is safe and just not another scam.

Many thanks to all for the many tips received on CNET.

Gerald Gibbons

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
What program do you have that detected that virus
Oct 15, 2013 2:42AM PDT

by name? Usually it's an AV program that does this and it should attempt to remove it. Did it do so and, if not, what message did you get? Before trying to recommend a way to get rid of it, it would be good to know how you identified it and what if anything you've already tried to do to remove it.

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Removal of Antivirus Security Pro
Oct 15, 2013 7:38PM PDT

Thanks for your reply.

A small window appeared stating that a number of updates were available. I clicked download and went to lunch, On returning I was and still am unable to access Internet Explorer. My only access to the internet now is through Skpe. With the modem disconnected I am still being told that threats are being detected.

Gerald Gibbons

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Answer
Security Pro
Oct 15, 2013 2:55AM PDT

I've removed the security pro a couple of times using the standard Malwarebytes scan. Typically you'd want to go to a clean computer, download Malwarebytes, send it to a flash drive. Boot the sick unit into Safe mode with networking. Input the FD, run MWB, at the end of the scan click Show Results, items shown in red and checked, attempt removal. If all goes well, install an A/V software that incorporates features for spyware/malware monitoring, most are not free.

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Removal of Antivirus Security Pro
Oct 15, 2013 7:55PM PDT

Thanks for your reply.

I have tried pressing f8 at start-up and this opens with a white on blue window headed Select First Boot Device. All choices here result in a normal start. By disconnecting the power supply and then re-opening the safe page appears but the up/down keys will not move the highlighter. The McAfee scan will not start but I have other scan programmes on a disc. Malwarebytes. ad-aware and advanced system care.

Gerald Gibbons

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That's the wrong time to press f8.
Oct 15, 2013 8:02PM PDT

Then apparently it comes into the BIOS. Just wait some seconds until you see the POST results, then tap f8 again to come into the Windows boot menu. The keys should work then if you don't have too exotic a keyboard (a PS/2 connection is fine, a USB might be fine, wireless or bluetooth won't work).

Kees

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Answer
Specific Removal Instructions For Antivirus Security Pro
Oct 16, 2013 3:28AM PDT

Gerald,

Please follow the instructions in the link below:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-security-pro

If for some reason, you are unable to access "Safe Mode with Networking" per the instructions, then please click on the link below which describes a method to create an "Avira Rescue System CD".. You'll need to create the disc on a separate, clean computer which has a CD burner.. Once the rescue disc is created, follow the instructions at the link to boot from the disc and run a scan BEFORE Windows loads.. Once the scan is finished, then go back to the original 'Bleepingcomputer" instructions and repeat them, using Rkill, Malwarebytes, etc.

http://forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=82163

Hope this helps.

Grif