Remove System Care Antivirus (Removal Guide)

System Care Antivirus is a computer virus, which pretends to be a legitimate security program and claims that malware has been detected on your computer. If you try to remove these infections, System Care Antivirus will state that you need to buy its full version before being able to do so.

System Care Antivirus targets users browsing Internet websites, and rely on social engineering to deliver its payload.
On infected or hacked websites users are prompted by a pop-up window that has been carefully crafted to resemble a legitimate security warning. These pop-up windows typically alert a user of a computer infection, and then prompt the user to download and install System Care Antivirus to resolve the apparent issue.
Some of the infections may have come from users downloading an infected codec file when they were trying to watch a video online, or users who receive a spam email and open an infected email attachment.

Once installed, System Care Antivirus will display fake security alerts that are designed to think that your data is at risk or that your computer is severely infected.These messages include:

System Care Antivirus Firewall Alert
System Care Antivirus Firewall has blocked a program from accessing the Internet.
Internet Explorer Internet Browser is infected with worm SVCHOST.Stealth.Keyloger. This worm is trying to send your credit card details using Internet Explorer Internet Browser to connect to remote host.

System Care Antivirus Warning
Some critical system files of your computer were modified by malicious program. It may cause system instability and data loss.
Click here to block unauthorised modification by removing threats (Recommended)

System Care Antivirus Warning
Your PC is still infected with dangerous viruses. Activate antivirus protection to prevent data loss and avoid theft of your credit card details.

System Care Antivirus Warning
Intercepting programs that may compromise your privacy and harm your system have been detected on your PC.
Click here to remove them immediately with System Care Antivirus.

In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying System Care Antivirus and stealing your personal financial information.

As part of its self-defense mechanism, System Care Antivirus has disabled the Windows system utilities, including the Windows  Task Manager and Registry Editor, and will block you from running certain programs that could lead to its removal.
This rogue antivirus has also modified your Windows files associations, and now whenever you are trying to open a program, System Care Antivirus will block this operation and display a bogus notification in which will report that the file is infected.

Warning!
Application cannot be executed. The file taskmgr.exe infected.
Please activate your antivirus software.

If your computer is infected with System Care Antivirus virus, then you are seeing the following screens:
[Image: System Care Antivirus virus]

[Image: System Care Antivirus]

[Image: System Care Antivirus Firewall Alert]
System Care Antivirus is a scam, and you should ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.
Under no circumstance should you buy System Care Antivirus as this could lead to identity theft,and if you have, you should contact your bank and dispute the charge stating that the program is a scam and a computer virus.
Registration 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.

System Care Antivirus – Virus Removal Guide

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
STEP 2: Run RKill to terminate System Care Antivirus malicious processes
STEP 3: Remove System Care Antivirus virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
STEP 4: Remove System Care Antivirus rootkit with RogueKiller
STEP 5:  Remove System Care Antivirus infection with HitmanPro

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

  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: Run RKill to terminate the malicious processes associated with System Care Antivirus

RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with System Care Antivirus, so that we will be able to perform the next step without being interrupted by this malicious software.
Because this utility will only stop System Care Antivirus running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.

  1. While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.Please note that we will use a renamed version of RKILL so that System Care Antivirus won’t block this utility from running.
    RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)
  2. Double click on iExplore.exe to start RKill and stop any processes associated with System Care Antivirus.
    [Image: RKILL Program]
  3. RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for System Care Antivirus malicious process and tries to end them.
    [Image: RKILL stoping malware]
    If you get a message from System Care Antivirus stating that RKill is an infection, and then closes this utility, leave the warning on the screen and then run RKill again.
    By not closing the warning, this typically will allow you to bypass the malware trying to protect itself so that RKill can terminate System Care Antivirus.
  4. When the Rkill utility has completed its task, it will generate a log. Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware programs will start again.
    [Image: RKill Report]

STEP 3: Remove System Care Antivirus virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a powerful on-demand scanner which will remove System Care Antivirus malicious files from your computer.

  1. You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link, then double-click on the icon named mbam-setup.exe to install this program.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK(This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
  2. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process, then at the last screen click on the Finish button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final installation screen]
  3. On the Scanner tab, select Perform quick scan, and then click on the Scan button to start searching for the System Care Antivirus malicious files.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Quick Scan]
  4. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for System Care Antivirus virus as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for System Care Antivirus
  5. When the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan has finished, click on the Show Results button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  6. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the computer infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected. Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked), then click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malwar removing System Care Antivirus virus]
  7. Once your computer will restart in Windows regular mode, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats.

STEP 4: Remove System Care Antivirus rootkit with RogueKiller

RogueKiller is a utility that will scan for the System Care Antivirus rootkit, registry keys and any other malicious files on your computer.

  1. You can download the latest official version of RogueKiller from the below link.
    ROGUEKILLER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
  2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds,  then click on the Scan button to perform a system scan.
    [Image: RogueKiller scaning for System Care Antivirus virus]
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove System Care Antivirus malicious registry keys or files.
    [Image: RogueKiller Detele button]

STEP 5: Remove System Care Antivirus infection 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.
    HitmanPro scanner
    Click on the Next button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.
    HitmanPro installation
  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.

29 thoughts on “Remove System Care Antivirus (Removal Guide)”

  1. Please help! I have this worm and whenever I try to download via direct link or manually, I get a pop-up that says the download has been deleted because it has a virus! I can’t uninstall programs, can’t open or use Norton’s…ready to give up! Thank you:(

  2. thanks mate! this is the first pain-in-the-backside virus/trojan i’ve ever had on my computer, you def killed it! Interesting that it came into effect a day after my nortons expired..
    Thanks again!

  3. Hello Joy,
    Right click on the icon, and select “Delete”. That should get rid of that leftover icon.

    If you want to do another check for malware, you can perform a scan with the following tools:
    STEP 1: Run a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

    1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
      EMSISOFT EMERGENCY KIT DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
    2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip and then double click on EmergencyKitScanner.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
    4. Click the Start button.
    5. Check Scan archives
    6. Push the Start button.
    7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
    8. When the scan completes, push Finish
  4. Thank you…I have never had this kind of success on my own…had my laptop at my side to follow your directions as I cleared my new desktop PC (came with Norton) of the virus. Excellent help. Now I just wish that I could get rid of that Shield shaped icon on my desktop…all of the scans say I am clear, but that icon is still there to tempt someone in my family to click it. We are not tech savvy…doesn’t take much for us to mess up. Ideas? Thanks

  5. Hey… It worked !!! Just to say thanks for the Support. it was simple to follow instructions.. alls working well..
    Happy Camper in Berlin… :)

  6. just wanna say thanks a billion you saved me a trip to repair shop. I give this site a big A+

  7. I wonder how we get such sick minds in the world. Naturally nobody would buy that crap, but it must take a really twisted individual to engineer that crap!
    Can’t they be prosecuted? computers are hard enough without having to deal with criminal minds!

  8. Thank you so much! Incredibly helpful and nice to have pictures along with instructions for those of us that are less tech savvy! You should have a donate option.

  9. Thank you so much!! This was the first computer virus that I had for 2 years, so a real sock! Luckily your guide has helped me!

  10. worked well , thank you . system care was holding my computer hostage. i guess these “free” trial malware sites have gained a customer.

  11. I run Linux, so I’m not hit by such things, but a friend of mine was. Care disables Norton antivirus, and if you enable it, it is instantly disabled again. Your product works, and you should put a “donate” button on your website. You should also tell how to mount a full force attack on the Care Antivirus website.

  12. Thank you very much, I remove the trojan succesfuly.
    One note for other useres : in my case, at step 1 – point 5, the dialog box ask me to reboot Y/N. You must press no (N) and the rest is exactly how is described.
    Thank you again for this tutorial.

  13. thanks for the information,but i live in iran and i can not buy Malwarebytes.what can i do instead?

  14. thanx a ton dude !!

    you saved me from loads of trouble :)

    not sure if it is necessary to download hitman PRO..

  15. Hi,

    This was a tremendous help. I have managed to remove this Malware successfully.

    I will fully recommend this to everyone.

    Thanks Shamim.

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