Remove Windows Basic Antivirus (Uninstall Guide)

Windows Basic Antivirus 2012 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 Basic Antivirus in order to remove the detected threats.
In reality, none of the issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying this malicious software and stealing your personal financial information.To make matters worse, this malicious software actually installs malicious code that puts you at risk of attack from additional threats.

This is how the main screen of Windows Basic Antivirus looks:

Removal guide for Windows Basic Antivirus

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

To boot into Safe Mode with Networking press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER

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STEP 2 : Download our registry fix to repair your Windows Registry from Windows Basic Antivirus malicious changes.

1. Download the registryfix.regfile to fix the malicious registry changes from Windows Basic Antivirus.
     registryfix.reg (Size: 1.18 KB)
2. Double-click on registryfix.reg file to run it. Click “Yes” for Registry Editor prompt window,then click OK.
   

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STEP 3 : Remove Windows Basic Antivirus malicious proxy server which is preventing the you from accessing the internet.

Open Internet Explorer → Click on the gear icon (Tools for Windows XP Users) → Select Internet Options → Connections tab → Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN

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

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STEP 4: Run RKill to terminate Windows Basic Antivirus malicious processes

1. While your computer is  in Safe Mode with Networking ,download and run RKill to terminate Windows Basic Antivirus malicious processes.
   
2. Run Rkill , when the program has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.
   

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

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STEP 5: Download and scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREEto remove Windows Basic Antivirus malicious files from your computer.

1. Download and run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE
   
2. Install Mawlarebytes Anti-Malware by following the prompts. Do not make any changes to the default installation settings and do not restart your computer if asked so.
   
3. 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.
   
4. When the scan is finished click the ‘OK‘ button and then you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.
   Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on Remove Selected button.
   
5. 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 allow this request.
   

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STEP 6: Download ans scan with HitmanPro to double check your system for any left over infections.

1. This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
   
2. Start HitmanPro  by double clicking on the previously downloaded file. and then following the prompts.
   
3. 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 .
   
4. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
   
5. 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.
   

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STEP 7 : Remove the residual damage from Windows Basic Antivirus

Windows Basic Antivirus 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 Basic Antivirus has changed the permissions of the HOSTS file so you can’t edit or delete it.

1. Please download the following batch file to revert your HOSTS file permissions:
     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.
   

If you are still experiencing problems on your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

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For more detailed instructions on how to perform each step, you can read our Remove Windows Basic Antivirus Guide