Remove Windows Malware Sleuth

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Remove Windows Malware Sleuth (Uninstall Guide)

Windows Malware Sleuth is a malicious software that will display fake alerts, claiming malware has been detected on your computer.
The security alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you’re advised to buy Windows Malware Sleuth in order to remove the detected threats.
In reality, none of the issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Windows Malware Sleuth and stealing your personal financial information.
To make matters worse, Windows Malware Sleuth  installs malicious code that puts you at risk of attack from additional threats.
We strongly advise you to follow our Windows Malware Sleuth removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this can lead to identity theft.

If you’ve got a Windows Malware Sleuth  infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :
[Image: Windows Malware Sleuth]

[Image: Windows Malware Sleuth scan]

Removal guide for Windows Malware Sleuth

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. Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.
    You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]
  4. Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights.

STEP 2: Remove Windows Malware Sleuth malicious proxy server

Windows Malware Sleuth may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

  1. Start Internet Explorer.
    • For Internet Explorer 9 : Click on the gear icon [Image: icongear.png] at the top (far right) and click again on Internet Options.
    • For Internet Explorer 8 : Click on Tools, select Internet Options.

    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth -ie1]

  2. Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth -ie2]
  3. Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN. This should remove the malicious proxy server and allow you to use the internet again.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth -ie3]

If you are a Firefox users, go to Firefox(upper left corner) → Options → Advanced tab → Network → Settings → Select No Proxy

STEP 3: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with Windows Malware Sleuth.

RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with Windows Malware Sleuth ,so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.

As RKill only terminates a program’s 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.
    downloadnow
  2. Double-click on the RKill iconin order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Windows Malware Sleuth 2012.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuthrkill1.png]
  3. RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth rkill2]
    • If you receive a message that RKill is an infection, that is a fake warning given by the rogue. As a possible solution we advise you to leave the warning on the screen and then try to run RKill again.Run RKill until the fake program is not visible but not more than ten times.
    • If you continue having problems running RKill, you can download the other renamed versions of RKill from here.
  4. When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth rkill3.jpg]

WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.

STEP 4: Remove Windows Malware Sleuth malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

  1. Please download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
    downloadnow
  2. Install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware by double clicking on mbam-setup.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth mbam1.png]
  3. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the installation process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked. Then click on the Finish button. If Malwarebytes’ prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth mbam2.png]
  4. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you’ll be prompted to start a trial period , please select ‘Decline‘ as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
    [Image: mbam3.PNG]
  5. On the Scanner tab,please select Perform full scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer for any possible infections.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth mbam4.png]
  6. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Windows Malware Sleuth malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth mbam5.png]
  7. When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth mbam9.png]
  8. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on Remove Selected button.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth mbam6.png]
  9. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.If during the removal process Malwarebytes will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allowthis request.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth mbam10.png]

STEP 5: Double check your system for any left over infections with HitmanPro

  1. This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
    downloadnow
  2. Start HitmanPro  by double clicking on the previously downloaded file.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth hitmanproscan1.png]
    NOTE : If you have problems starting HitmanPro, use the “Force Breach” mode. Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – video)
  3. Click on Next to start a scan for malicious software.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth hitmanproscan2.png]
  4. The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether  you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option  then click on Next to start a system scan.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth hitmanproscan3.png]
  5. HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files. Depending on the size of your hard drive, and the performance of your computer, this step will take several minutes.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth hitmanproscan4.png]
  6. Once the scan is complete,a screen displaying all the malicious files that the program found will be shown as seen in the image below.After reviewing each malicious object click Next .
    [Image: hitmanproscan5.png]
  7. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth hitmanproscan6.png]
  8. HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects, and in some instances, may suggest a reboot in order to completely remove the malware from your system. In this scenario, always confirm the reboot action to be on the safe side.
    [Image: Windows Malware Sleuth hitmanproscan7.png]

STEP 6: Remove the residual damage from Windows Malware Sleuth

Windows Malware Sleuth may also modify your HOSTS file default settings, which can cause browser redirects or errors while trying to access antivirus and security websites.

To protect itself, Windows Malware Sleuth has changed the permissions of the HOSTS file so you can’t edit or delete it.

  1. Please download the following batch fileto revert your HOSTS file permissions:
    .bat  hostfix.bat (Size: 134 bytes)
  2. Click on hostfix.bat and allow this file to run.Once it starts you will see a small black window that opens and then quickly goes away, then you should be able access your HOSTS file.
  3. Please download and run the below file from Microsoft to revert your host file to its original settings.Please note that if you have added custom entries to your HOSTS file then you will need to add them again after restoring the default HOSTS file.
    downloadnow

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Windows Malware Sleuth 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.

1 thought on “Remove Windows Malware Sleuth”

  1. Worked like a charm (so far). So easy! I am not a computer person at all I am a fine arts major and I had no problem, just followed the steps. Sometimes different screens came up than were anticipated but I just worked through it and figured it out.

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