System Care Antivirus Removal Guide

System Care Antivirus is a computer virus, which masquerades as genuine security software, while actually reporting non-existent malware threats in order to scare the user into paying for this rogue security software.
[Image: System Care Antivirus virus]

What is System Care Antivirus?

System Care Antivirus is a rogue anti-virus program from the Rogue.WinWebSec family of computer infections. This program is classified as a rogue because it pretends to be an anti-virus program, but will instead displays bogus scan results, report non-existing computer infections, and does not allow you to run your normal applications.
In this case, not only is System Care Antivirus going to disrupt your system, it’s going to try and trick you into making a purchase using your credit card.
System Care Antivirus appears in the form of a fake Windows warning on your computer system that reads you have a specific number of viruses on your computer (usually in the hundreds) and that this software has detected those viruses. To get rid of them you must purchase the full-version of System Care Antivirus. It’s important to remember that by purchasing the “claimed full version to remove the viruses” you will be submitting your personal information to unscrupulous persons and may also end up being a victim of credit card or identity fraud or theft.

How did System Care Antivirus got on my computer?

System Care Antivirus is distributed through several means. Malicious websites, or legitimate websites that have been hacked, can infect your machine through exploit kits that use vulnerabilities on your computer to install this rogue antivirus without your permission.
Another method used to propagate System Care Antivirus is spam email containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. Cyber-criminals spam out an email, with forged header information, tricking you into believing that it is from a shipping company like DHL or FedEx. The email tells you that they tried to deliver a package to you, but failed for some reason. Sometimes the emails claim to be notifications of a shipment you have made. Either way, you can’t resist being curious as to what the email is referring to – and open the attached file (or click on a link embedded inside the email). And with that, your computer is infected with the System Care Antivirus virus.
The threat may also be downloaded manually by tricking the user into thinking they are installing a useful piece of software, for instance a bogus update for Adobe Flash Player or another piece of software.
The System Care Antivirus infection is also prevalent on peer-to-peer file sharing websites and is often packaged with pirated or illegally acquired software.

Am I infected with System Care Antivirus virus?

Some examples of the interface, fake alerts, fake scanning results, and pop-ups displayed by System Care Antivirus are shown below:

[Image: System Care Antivirus]

[Image: System Care Antivirus Warning]

[Image: System Care Antivirus scam]

Activation codes for System Care Antivirus

As an optional step,you can use any of the following license keys to register System Care Antivirus and stop the fake alerts.
System Care Antivirus Activation code: AA39754E-715219CE
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove System Care Antivirus from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.


How to remove System Care Antivirus virus

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the System Care Antivirus infection from your your computer. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
STEP 1: Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (OPTIONAL)
STEP 2: Remove System Care Antivirus virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
STEP 3:  Remove System Care Antivirus infection with HitmanPro

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (OPTIONAL)

Some variants of the System Care Antivirus virus will not allow you to start some of the below utilities while running Windows in its regular state.
If this happens, we recommend that you start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, and try from there to perform the below scan.
To start your computer Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, you can follow the below steps:

  1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  2. When the computer starts you will see your computer’s hardware being listed. When you see this information start to gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with the Windows XP, Vista or 7 Advanced Boot Options.
    [Image: F8 key]
    If you are using Windows 8, press the Windows key + C, and then click Settings. Click Power, hold down Shift on your keyboard and click Restart, then click on Troubleshoot and select Advanced options. In the Advanced Options screen, select Startup Settings, then click on Restart.
  3. If you are using Windows XP, Vista or 7 in the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]\
    If you are using Windows 8, press 5  on your keyboard to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
    Windows will start in Safe Mode with Networking.

STEP 2: Remove System Care Antivirus virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

The Malwarebytes Chameleon utility will allow us to install and run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free without being blocked by System Care Antivirus rootkit.

  1. Right click on your browser icon, and select Run As or Run as Administrator. This should allow your browser to open so that we can then download Malwarebytes Chameleon.
    [Image: Starting web browse on infected computer]
    If you’ll see a “Warning! The site you are trying visit may harm your computer!” message in your web browser window, you can safely click on the Ignore warnings and visit that site in the current state (not recommended) link, because this a bogus alert from System Care Antivirus.
  2. Download Malwarebytes Chameleon  from the below link, and extract it to a folder in a convenient location.
    MALWAREBYTES CHAMELEON DOWNLOAD LINK  (This link will open a new web page from where you can download Malwarebytes Chameleon)
    [Image: Extract Malwarebytes Chameleon utility]
  3. Make certain that your infected computer is connected to the internet and then open the Malwarebytes Chameleon folder, and double-click on the svchost.exe file.
    [Image: Double click  on svchost.exe]
    IF Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will not start, double-click on the other renamed files until you find one will work, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you.
    Malwarebytes Chameleon press key
  5. Once it has done this, it will update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and you’ll need to click OK when it says that the database was updated successfully.
    Malwarebytes Chameleon updating its database
  6. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now attempt to kill all the malicious process associated with System Care Antivirus.Please keep in mind that this process can take up to 10 minutes, so please be patient.
    Malwarebytes Chameleon killing malware
  7. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan for System Care Antivirus malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for System Care Antivirus]
  8. Upon completion of the scan, click on Show Result
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  9. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected.
    Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked),then click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image:Malwarebytes removing virus]
  10. After your computer will start in Windows regular mode, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats

STEP 3: Remove System Care Antivirus infection with HitmanPro

Some variants of the System Care Antivirus virus will install on victims computers a ZeroAccess rootkit. To remove this nasty piece of malware, we will perform a system scan with HitmanPro.
HitmanPro is a cloud on-demand scanner, which will scan your computer with 5 antivirus engines (Emsisoft, Bitdefender, Dr. Web, G-Data and Ikarus) for the System Care Antivirus infection.

  1. You can download HitmanPro from the below link:
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. Double-click on the file named HitmanPro.exe (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or HitmanPro_x64.exe (for 64-bit versions of Windows). When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below.
    If you are experiencing problems while trying to start HitmanPro, you can use the Force Breach mode.To start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode, hold down the left CTRL key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential programs are terminated, including the System Care Antivirus virus.

    When HitmanPro will start, click on the Next button, to install this program on your computer.
    HitmanPro scanner
  3. HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for System Care Antivirus trojan.
    HitmanPro detecting for System Care Antivirus virus
  4. When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the Next button, to remove System Care Antivirus virus.
    HitmanPro scan results
  5. Click on the Activate free license button to begin the free 30 days trial, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    [Image: HitmanPro 30 days activation button]

Your computer should now be free of the System Care Antivirus infection. If your current anti-virus solution let this infection through, you may want to consider purchasing the PRO version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future, and perform regular computer scans with HitmanPro.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove System Care Antivirus from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

19 thoughts on “System Care Antivirus Removal Guide”

  1. This horrible virus attacked my computer yesterday and immediately closed down the Ashampoo Anti-Malware software I had recently changed to (from years of Avast). So that does not seem much use! Ashampoo ignored my requests for suggestions, even though this is paid for software. They seem only to want to provide support if you buy cover. But this site, and its clear careful, step by step advice, and the free software Stelian Pilici suggests, works just perfectly and easily – so this morning I am a big fan of Stelian Pilici.

  2. Hello,
    That’s strange. :)
    HitmanPro has a free 30 days trial for home users, only those who are using a corporate or business computer will not get the free trial.
    If HitmanPro has detected trojans on your computer, then you still have an infected machine. Lets try to remove this infection:
    STEP 1: Run a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
    1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/eek/
    2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip and then double click onEmergencyKitScanner.bat
    3. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.
    4. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit has detected.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.

    STEP 2: Run a scan with Eset Online Scanner.
    1.Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
    2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).

    3.Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use, then click the Start button.
    4.Check Scan archives and push the Start button.
    5. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
    When the scan completes, push Finish

    STEP 3: Next please run Junkware Removal Tool

    1.Download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from the below link:

    JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL:http://thisisudax.org/download

    2. Double-click on the JRT icon. For Windows Vista, 7 or 8 users, right-click the file and select Run as Administrator.

    3. The tool will open and start scanning your system. Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system’s specifications.

    NEXT, run again a scan with HitmanPro. If it will still detect malware on your machine, post the log from this scanner. (you can get the log by clicking on the “save log” button, once the scan is completed)

    Good luck!

  3. The HitManPro does not have a “Free Trial” button to click on. Suggestions now?

  4. Hi Stelian – perfect guidance – it worked very well based on your detailed instructions. Thanks from another Barca fan :-)

  5. Hello,
    The Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro scans will not take more than 30 minutes to complete, and they may detect additional malware.
    I highly recommend that you perform these two scan, just to be on the safe side!

    Stay safe!

  6. You’re a god send! I just got this on my laptop and removed it within a few minutes, thanks to you. Going to scan my whole computer now to be certain that it’s gone. Thanks again!

  7. Hello Daniel,
    I highly recommend that you perform a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free and HitmanPro, so that you’ll do a check for any malicious files.
    Stay safe!

  8. Hello,
    More recent version of this rogue software have come packed with a Zero Access rootkit. Run HitmanPro and Malwarebytes, and if you have any additional issues, then you can run also a scan with RogueKiller.

    Stay safe!

  9. HI I am slightly confused about one of the steps, on my tablet there is a step before you download the hitman pro, the rougue killer but on my computer that step is not mentioned. Is it important to follow four steps or three?

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