Antivirus Protection 2012 is a malicious software that will display fake alerts, claiming malware has been detected on your computer.This security alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you’re advised to buy Antivirus Protection 2012 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 Antivirus Protection 2012 and stealing your personal financial information.

If you’ve got a Antivirus Protection 2012 infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :

Removal Instructions for Antivirus Protection 2012

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
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.
On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights

STEP 2: Remove Antivirus Protection 2012 malicious proxy server

Antivirus Protection 2012 may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

Start Internet Explorer and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
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.

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 Antivirus Protection 2012.

RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with Antivirus Protection 2012 ,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.

While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.
RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)
Double-click on the RKill iconin order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Antivirus Protection 2012.
RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.

IF your having problems while trying to start or RKILL, you can download another renamed versions of RKill from here.
When Rkill 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.

STEP 4: Remove Antivirus Protection 2012 malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Please 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)
Install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware by double clicking on mbam-setup.
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 Finishbutton. If Malwarebytes’ prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
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.
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.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Antivirus Protection 2012 malicious files as shown below.
When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
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 Selectedbutton.
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.

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

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)
Double click on the previously downloaded fileto start the HitmanPro installation.
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)
Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
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.
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.
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.
Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
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.

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Antivirus Protection 2012 from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

What’s next? Join our amazing community and build up your malware defenses !

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.

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

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

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.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

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

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.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

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

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

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

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.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

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

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.

Did you remove all the detected threats? Please try to perform another Full System Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware..and remove all the detected threats.
Next , perform a system scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit:

You can also try to make a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit… just to make sure everything is clean… :)

Download and scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip
Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit Folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat
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”.
Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start scanning your computer for malicious files as shown below.
When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit 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 ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start removing the malicious files.
If during the removal process Emsisoft will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.

If you are still experiencing problems , please start a thread in our Malware Removal Forum : http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Help-my-PC-is-infected

6 thoughts on “Remove Antivirus Protection 2012 virus”

Rishav

May 11, 2012 at 15:11

Thanks a lot…Don’t know how to thank you people..Just will pray to god so that you people live long..Thanks a lot again..
- Stelian Pilici
  
  May 11, 2012 at 17:18
  
  Thank you for your comment!Stay safe!:D
rohan

May 9, 2012 at 18:29

i did the above steps but after rebooting, the antivirus again shows up….kindly help me
- Stelian Pilici
  
  May 9, 2012 at 18:34
  Did you remove all the detected threats? Please try to perform another Full System Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware..and remove all the detected threats.
  Next , perform a system scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit:
  
  You can also try to make a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit… just to make sure everything is clean… :)
  
  Download and scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit
  1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
  2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip
  3. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit Folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat
  4. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.
  5. After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.
  6. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.
  7. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start scanning your computer for malicious files as shown below.
  8. When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit 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 ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.
  9. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start removing the malicious files.
    If during the removal process Emsisoft will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.
  If you are still experiencing problems , please start a thread in our Malware Removal Forum : http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Help-my-PC-is-infected
Helen W.

May 7, 2012 at 02:13

This guide is really helpful. The malware/virus is gone now! Thank you so much for posting these steps!
Kelley M.

May 3, 2012 at 02:14

THANK YOU SO MUCH! It worked!!!!! I had the white screen virus (Antivirus 2012) and found your fix doing a search on Google. I am totally average with computer stuff and your instructions were perfect. It took the Hitman Pro but it’s gone!
Can’t thank you enough that I have my laptop back. You guys (and gals perhaps) are awesome. Hopefully that awful thing will not appear again!

Comments are closed.

Remove Antivirus Protection 2012 virus