Live Security Platinum – Virus Removal Guide

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Written by: Stelian

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Live Security Platinum is a computer virus which will display fake security alerts,reporting that malware has been detected on your computer.This alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you are advised to buy Live Security Platinum in order to remove the detected threats.
In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Live Security Platinum and stealing your personal financial information.

Apart from the bogus alerts,as part of its self-defense mechanism,Live Security Platinum 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.
Further more,this rogue antivirus has modified your Windows files associations so now you can’t run files that end in a .exe extension.

If your computer is infected with Live Security Platinum,then you are seeing this images:

[Image: Live Security Platinum virus]

[Image: Live Security Platinum Alert]

[Image: Live Security Platinum Activation request]

[Image: Live Security Platinum Warning]

Registration codes for Live Security Platinum
As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register Live Security Platinum and stop the fake alerts.
Live Security Platinum license key: AA39754E-715219CE
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Live Security Platinum from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.

Live Security Platinum Removal Guide

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.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key before the Windows start-up logo appears.
    Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the “F8 key”, tap the “F8 key” continuously until you get the Advanced Boot Options screen.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]

STEP 2: Remove Live Security Platinum malicious proxy server

Live Security Platinum may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

  1. Start the Internet Explorer browser and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon [Image: IE gear icon] (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
    [Image: Internet-options-IE.png]
  2. Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
    [Image: Remove-proxy-server2.png]
  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: Remove-proxy-server3.png]

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

STEP 3: Repair your Windows Registry from Live Security Platinum malicious changes.

Smart Fortress 2012 has changed your Windows registry settings so that when you try to run a executable file (ending with .exe ) , it will instead launch the infection rather than the desired program.

  1. Download the registryfix.reg file to fix the malicious registry changes from Live Security Platinum.
    REGISTRYFIX.REG DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download the registry fix called registryfix.reg)
  2. Double-click on registryfix.reg file to run it. Click “Yes” for Registry Editor prompt window,then click OK.
    [Image: fix registry]

STEP 4: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with Live Security Platinum.

RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with Live Security Platinum,so that we will be able to perform the next step without being interrupted by this malicious software.
Because this utility will only stop Live Security Platinum 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 Live Security Platinum won’t block this utility from running.
    RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)
  2. Double-click on the iExplore.exe icon in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Live Security Platinum.
    [Image: run-rkill-1.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: run-rkill-2.png]
    IF you are having problems starting or running RKill, you can download any 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: Live Security Platinum 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 5: Remove Live Security Platinum malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

  1. Download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
    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. Start the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware installation process by double clicking on mbam-setup file.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Installer]
  3. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup 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: Finishing Malwarebytes installation]
  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: Decline Malwarebytes trial]
  5. On the Scanner tab,select Perform full scan and then click on the Scanbutton to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Starting a full system sca]
  6. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Live Security Platinum malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes scanning for malicious files]
  7. When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.[Image: Malwarebytes scan results]
  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 the Remove Selected button.
    [Image: Infections found by Malwarebytes]
  9. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.After completing this task it will display a message stating that it needs to reboot,please allow this request and then let your PC boot in Normal mode.

STEP 6: 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.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. Double click on the previously downloaded fileto start the HitmanPro installation.
    [Image: HitmanPro Icon]
    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 processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – Video)
  3. Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
    [Image: Starting HitmanPro]
  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: HitmanPro installation screen]
  5. HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files as seen in the image below.
    [Image: HitmanPron scanning for Live Security Platinum]
  6. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the malicious files that the program has found.Click on Next to remove this malicious files.
    [Image: HitmanPro scan results]
  7. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
    [Image: Activate HitmanPro license]
  8. HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects.If this program will ask you to restart your computer,please allow this request.

STEP 7: Remove the left over malicious registry keys and files

Live Security Platinum has sadded some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to remove this malicious changes we need to run a scan with RogueKiller.

  1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
    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 and then you can click the Start button to perform a system scan.
    RogueKiller scanning after Live Security Platinum virus virus
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
    Remove Live Security Platinum virus infection with RogueKiller
  4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
    Remove residual damage from Live Security Platinum virus virus

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Live Security Platinum from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

  1. Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

    warning sign

    Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

    If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.

  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

    updates guide

    Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

    If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.

  3. Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

    shield guide

    Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

    If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.

  4. Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

    install guide

    Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

    If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.

  5. Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

    cursor sign

    Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

    If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.

  6. Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

    trojan horse

    Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

    If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.

  7. Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

    lock sign

    Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

    If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.

  8. Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

    lock sign

    Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

    If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.

  9. Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

    backup sign

    Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

    If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.

  10. If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

    warning sign

    Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.

    • Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
    • Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
    • Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
    • Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
    • Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
    • Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
    • Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

386 thoughts on “Live Security Platinum – Virus Removal Guide”

  2. Hello, thank you very much for this help. I was about to panic when this virus infected my laptop. Everything was going on fine, but my firewall cannot be turned on. I did some steps that I found on the comments above such as using the windows all in one repair, but it still doesn’t work. Can you give some help?

    • Hello Fazrezal,
      Please follow this steps:
      STEP 1: 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

      STEP 2: Repair Background Intelligent Transfer Service service
      1. Click the Start buton
      2. Type “cmd” in the Search Box and then press Enter
      3. Right-click “cmd.exe” and select “Run as administrator”
      4. Click “Continue” on the “User Account Control” Window
      5. In the command prompt type the following command
      sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” start= delayed-auto
      6.Restart your computer and check if the problem is solved.

      STEP 3: Remove the residual damage from Live Security Platinum
      Download Windows Repair All In One and install this utility.
      Go to the Startup Repairs tab and click the Start button (bottom right)
      Note: When asked if you would like to create a restore point. It is recommended just in-case something does not go as planned.

      1. Click Unselect All
      2. Put a checkmark in the following items:
        • Repair Hosts File
        • Remove Temp Files
        • Repair Windows Firewall
        • Repair Windows Updates
        • Remove Policies Set By Infections
        • Set Window Services To Default Startup

        Note: Leave everything else unchecked

      3. Put a checkmark in Restart System When Finished
      4. Now click the Start button (bottom right)

      Restart your computer and see if your everything works!

  3. RKill says no malware found to kill and no stop etc etc but the Live security IS on my computer. Now what do I do?

    • Hello,
      Please follow this steps:
      STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chameleon Mode in Norman mode:

      1. Download Malwarebytes Chameleon from here and extract it to a folder in a convenient location
      2. Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.
      3. If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window Note: Do not attempt to open mbam-killer as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)
      4. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you
      5. Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click OK when it says that the database was updated successful
      6. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan
      7. Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on Show Result
      8. Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click Yes if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete
      9. After your computer restarts, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats

      STEP 2: Run a scan with RogueKiller

      1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
        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 and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
      3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
      4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.

      STEP 3 Please perform a scan with HitmanPro as seen on the guide.
      If you are having problems starting this program please use the ForceBreach mode as described in the guide.

      STEP 4: 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

      Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
      Good luck…

      • Thank you so much for the reply!

        I’m a bit confused because the description says that Chameleon helps install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, it gave me 12 links but none of them worked, however Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is already installed on my computer (I downloaded it last night after RKill failed to stop anything and I posted that comment). Last night Malwarebytes scanned and detected 12 threats which it destroyed, and after the reboot the Live Security Platinum icons were removed, which I suppose is a good thing.

        HitmanPro then came, but instead of the large number of threats that were found in the guide, it only found 1 actual threat, which it removed. I then re-ran it and found nothing.

        Then after that last night I ran Rougekiller and again, instead of the many in the guide only 1 threat was found. I deleted it, re-ran it again and this time found nothing.

        However, my Firefox now seems to be hit with this annoying redirect bug that sometimes redirects it to random sites.

        Can you please tell me if the virus is gone? Because all the tools in the guide found less threats than they were supposed to plus the redirecting virus.

        Thanks again.

      • Hello,
        Can you please run a scan with Combofix and ESET online scanner and post the logs here so that I can get an idea on what’s going on :

        STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix

        Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:

        COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
        COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2  (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)

        VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

        • Close any open browsers.
        • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
        • WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
        • Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
        • If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
        1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
        2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
        3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

        Notes:

        1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
        2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
        3.  If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

        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

        Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs from this utilities.

  4. OH MY GOODNESS!!! You are the nicest guy ever to leave this here… I was absolutely pannicking.

    thanks so much

    Chelsey

  6. Thanks bro, I really appreciated. Keep up the good work. I followed all your instructions it worked great. I took almost 3 hours deleting different files, but you hit it right on the head. One shot one kill.

  8. I have completed all the steps and got rid of the virus, but when I try to go into normal mode, after about a minute, my computer freezes up. I have a Lenovo B570 Intel i3 computer with Windows 7 64-bit.

    • Hello Timothy,
      Can you please run a scan with Combofix and ESET online scanner and post the logs here so that I can get an idea on what’s going on :

      STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix

      Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:

      COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
      COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2  (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)

      VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

      • Close any open browsers.
      • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
      • WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
      • Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
      • If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
      1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
      2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
      3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

      Notes:

      1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
      2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
      3.  If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

      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

      Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs from this utilities.

  9. Hi Mr. Pilici,

    The LSP infected my primary computer tonight, and I’m reaching your site here by hooking up my secondary back-up comp. I’ve manually transcribed your above 1-7 steps for eliminating this god-awful virus.

    From the comments above, I have confidence it will work. I’m somewhat of a comp novice, so bear with me. When I start out in Safe Mode Networking and push ‘ENTER’, does my comp then go to a normal screen or login where I can then download all the programs you list to remove LSP?

    And how would I get to your convenient download links on this page if I were using my infected primary computer? Won’t LSP stop me from getting here in the first place?

    Do I just google say, “RogueKiller downloads” to get it and the others? Thanks for your help, I hope you can answer my questions before I hook my sick comp back up to the internet and try your steps. I’ll check back tomorrow night, 9-6-12 with my back-up here.

    Again, thanks a bunch. If this works, you will have saved me a bunch of money, time, fear, and hassles!

  10. Cant tell you how much I appreciate everyhting.
    This has been a nightmare that I thought will never end.
    Thank you so much!!!
    Keep doing the great work that you do. So happy right now!
    Thank you,
    Maya

  11. Hello, I did this guide step by step, and it worked. When it finished, some issues with security essentials, my firewall, and windows updates had started. All three of them keep saying that the service isn’t running. I tried the method you suggested to Gregory, and that didn’t work either. Any other suggestions?

  12. THANK YOU SOOOOO much for posting this. It was a long process BUT I got my computer back!!! YOU are fantastic!!

  13. Thankyou very much, I ran through to stage 6 and everything seems ok, I tried stage 7 but my computer won’t let the site load, apparently it’s deemed too risky. I would like to run it to be safe but don’t know how.

    Again thanks for your time and effort.

    • Hello chris,
      You can ignore that alert…Internet Explorer has displayed that alert because this file isn’t commonly downloaded …
      Also:

      1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
      Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

      1. Save it to your desktop.
      2. Double click the setup file to run it.
      3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
      4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
        • System Memory
        • Hidden startup objects
        • Disk boot sectors
        • Local Disk (C:)
        • Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
      5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
      6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
      7. Click on Automatic Scan
      8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
      9. After the scan is complete, close the program

      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

      –

  14. Hi, I have been following your steps, which are clear and so far appear to be working. I downloaded hitmanpro as you suggested, ran scan and was looking for the free trial as you highlight but there is no click through, on,y buy now. It appears it is an updated version ie hitmanpro 3.6.1 build 164 which differs from your screen grab. It found 13 threats, but I can’t remove these unless I buy the software. Please help. Is there another product or way around this? Thanks. Your blog has been really awesome, you are great for the web. J

    • Hello John,
      We can manually remove this files however let’s see if we can get rid of some of them using the below software:
      1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
      Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

      1. Save it to your desktop.
      2. Double click the setup file to run it.
      3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
      4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
        • System Memory
        • Hidden startup objects
        • Disk boot sectors
        • Local Disk (C:)
        • Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
      5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
      6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
      7. Click on Automatic Scan
      8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
      9. After the scan is complete, close the program

      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

      NEXT,please re-run a scan with HitmanPro and post the log or a screenshot here and I’ll give you instructions on how to remove the left over files.
      Good luck!

  15. Stelian,
    Thank you so much for your generous help, and the very detailed and helpful instructions.

    Randall

  16. so i’ve been going through the process of removing this virus, and when i go to download roguekiller, smartscreen filter blocks it saying the website is known for having malicious software…

    any suggestions?

    • Hello Cory,
      You can ignore that alert…Internet Explorer has displayed that alert because this file isn’t commonly downloaded …
      Also:

      1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
      Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

      1. Save it to your desktop.
      2. Double click the setup file to run it.
      3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
      4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
        • System Memory
        • Hidden startup objects
        • Disk boot sectors
        • Local Disk (C:)
        • Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
      5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
      6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
      7. Click on Automatic Scan
      8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
      9. After the scan is complete, close the program

      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

      –

  17. I, like many others have caught this virus. I began following your steps and when I went to uncheck the proxy in LAN settings noticed it was already unchecked. I am currently on a friends computer to find this page and thought I’d try the next step on mine since it was unchecked and when I searched the web to try and get Smart Fortress I was getting sent to bogus sites (must be still infected). Is there anything I can do? I am in safe mode where all icons are over sized and windows help and support open.. Please and thanks for your help!!!

    • Hello Joe,
      If there is no proxy then this is great…Now I’ll need a log to see what’s going on:

      STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix

      Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:

      COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
      COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2  (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)

      VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

      • Close any open browsers.
      • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
      • WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
      • Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
      • If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
      1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
      2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
      3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

      Additional notes:

      1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
      2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
      3.  If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

      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

      Waiting for the logs and details on how the machine is working…

  18. Thank you, so much. This virus sucked, had no idea it was so comprehensive. Really appreciate all the kind work that went into making this guide – you’re awesome.

  19. Stelian after following your guide to the letter i believe i have removed the virus. But for some reason i can’t run Automatic Updates nor update my Microsoft Security Essentials? (I have tried reinstalling)
    Any tips for that or should i look in forums?

    • Hello Gregory,
      Please follow this steps:
      STEP 1: 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

      Now,let try to repair your computer:
      1. Click the Start buton
      2. Type “cmd” in the Search Box and then press Enter
      3. Right-click “cmd.exe” and select “Run as administrator”
      4. Click “Continue” on the “User Account Control” Window
      5. In the command prompt type the following command
      sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” start= delayed-auto
      6.Restart your computer and check if the problem is solved.

      Next, download Windows Repair All In One and install this utility.
      Go to the Startup Repairs tab and click the Start button (bottom right)
      Note: When asked if you would like to create a restore point. It is recommended just in-case something does not go as planned.

      1. Click Unselect All
      2. Put a checkmark in the following items:
        • Repair Hosts File
        • Remove Temp Files
        • Repair Windows Firewall
        • Repair Windows Updates
        • Remove Policies Set By Infections
        • Set Window Services To Default Startup

        Note: Leave everything else unchecked

      3. Put a checkmark in Restart System When Finished
      4. Now click the Start button (bottom right)

      • Dear Awesome Sir:
        I think I am almost there on a windows 7 laptop. However, I’ve done all the steps and finished windows all in one repair, but still I can’t turn on the windows firewall.
        I try to start the windows firewall service and I get an error: “1068: the dependancy service or group failed to start”

      • Okay, I ran the all in one repair again. This time I checked only firewall repair, and restore windows services and the firewall is now on. Thanks very much for this great set of instructions. You saved me!

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