Remove Security Shield 2012 or Security Shield virus

Security Shield is a malicious program also known as rogue security software, which will display fake security alerts in an attempt to scare you into buying this fake security product.
In addition,as part of its self-defense mechanism,Security Shield virus disables the Windows system utilities, including Task Manager and Windows Registry and will block you from running certain programs, instead displaying the below alerts:

Security Shield
“notepad.exe” is infected with “Backdoor:Win32/Hackdef.O”.
Do you want to register your copy and remove all threats now?
Security Shield Warning
Spyware.IEMonster process is found. This is virus that is trying to send your passwords from Internet browser (Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Outlook & others) for the third-parties.
Click here to protect your data with Security Shield.

Security Shield Warning
Security Shield has found viruses at your system.
We highly recommended to get license for Security Shield to remove harmful software now.

Security Shield Warning
Your computer is under the infections threat. Turn on instantshield protection to safe your data and prevent internet attacks for your credit card information.
Select this to turn instantshield on.

We strongly advise you to follow our Security Shield virus removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.
Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this could lead to identity theft,and if you have, you should contact your credit card company and dispute the charge stating that the program is a scam and a computer virus.

Am I infected with Security Shield virus ?

If your computer is infected with Security Shield virus then you are seeing the below images:

[Image: Security Shield virus]

[Image: Security Shield alert]

Registration codes for Security Shield virus

As an optional step,you can use one of the following license key to register Security Shield virus and stop the fake alerts.
64C665BE-4DE7-423B-A6B6-BC0172B25DF2
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Security Shield virus from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.

Security Shield Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Remove Security Shield malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes Chameleon technologies will allow us to install and run a Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan without being blocked by Security Shield.

  1. Download Malwarebytes Chameleon  from the below link, and extract it to a folder in a convenient location.
    MALWAREBYTES CHAMELEON DOWNLOAD LINK  (This link will open a new web page from where you can download Malwarebytes Chameleon)
    [Image: Extract Malwarebytes Chameleon utility]
  2. Make certain that your infected computer is connected to the internet and then open the Malwarebytes Chameleon folder, and double-click on the svchost.exe file.
    [Image: Double click  on svchost.exe]
    IF Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will not start, double-click on the other renamed files until you find one will work, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you.
    Malwarebytes Chameleon press key
  4. Once it has done this, it will update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and you’ll need to click OK when it says that the database was updated successfully.
    Malwarebytes Chameleon updating its database
  5. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now attempt to kill all the malicious process associated with Security Shield.Please keep in mind that this process can take up to 10 minutes, so please be patient.
    Malwarebytes Chameleon killing malware
  6. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan for Security Shield malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for Security Shield]
  7. Upon completion of the scan, click on Show Result
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  8. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected.
    Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked),then click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image:Malwarebytes removing virus]
  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: Remove Security Shield rootkit with HitmanPro

In some cases,Security Shield will also install a rootkit on victims computer.To remove this rootkit we will use HitmanPro.

  1. Download HitmanPro from the below link,then double-click on it to start this program.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
    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)
  2. HitmanPro will start and you’ll need to follow the prompts (by clicking on the Next button) to start a system scan with this program.
    HitmanPro scanner
    HitmanPro installation
  3. HitmanPro will start scanning your computer for Security Shield malicious files as seen in the image below.
    HitmanPro scan after
  4. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the infected files that this utility has detected, and you’ll need to click on Next to remove this malicious files.
    HitmanPro scan results
  5. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    HitmanPro 30 days activation button

STEP 3: Double check for any left over infections with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

  1. You can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit from the below link,then extract it to a folder in a convenient location.
    EMSISOFT EMERGENCY KIT DOWNLOAD LINK ((This link will open a new web page from where you can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
  2. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat, then allow this program to update itself.
    EmergencyKitScanner.bat file
  3. After the Emsisoft Emergency Kit has update has completed,click on the Menu tab,then select Scan PC.
    Emsisoft Emergency Kit scan tab
  4. Select Smart scan and click on the SCAN button to search for Security Shield malicious files.
    Emsisoft Emergency Kit smart scan
  5. When the scan will be completed,you will be presented with a screen reporting which malicious files has Emsisoft detected on your computer, and you’ll need to click on Quarantine selected objects to remove them.
    Emsisoft Emergency Kit removing malware

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Security Shield 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.

45 thoughts on “Remove Security Shield 2012 or Security Shield virus”

  1. Hello Molly,
    Yes,you can delete those files and for your peace of mind ,you can run a scan with the following tools:
    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: 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 (Right click on it and select Extract all) 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.
  2. Thank you sooooo much! I don’t know anything about computers but you’re directions were soooooo awesome! My computer is back to normal and I didn’t have to spend any money, which is always a plus!! Thank you soooooo much!!

  3. So I followed all the steps and I believe I rid the PCM of the virus. But there are still 2 links on my desktop for security shield one says open and the other uninstall but I’m not sure/risking it and want to know if I should delete the icons.

  4. Ummm You’re welcome? Thank Mr. Pilici for setting up this wonderful tutorial and the help he’s been providing.

  5. Hey! i just removed the virus! Thank you for your support and help. Thank you Thank you soo much!! Keep up the amazing work!

  6. Hi Tran!
    Thank you for your help! Your advices were very usefull and simple, I was able to remove this malicious virus easily!
    from Hungary (Budapest)

  7. I cant access the internet on the infected computer even though its connected to the router so i downloaded chameleon and transfered it from another computer to the infected. i was able to open the chameleon help on it but it keeps saying malwarebytes anti-malware not found and mbam-setup not found and trying to download it from the web, please wait…..

  8. Hello Tran,
    While in Normal Mode,please try to download and run Malwarebytes Chameleon:

    1. Hold down the WINDOWS key and press the R key
    2. ,this should brind up the Run box…. In it, please type the below content to download Malwarebytes Chameleon.

      iexplore.exe http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/chameleon

    3. 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.
    4. 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)
    5. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you
    6. Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click OK when it says that the database was updated successful
    7. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan
    8. Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on Show Result
    9. 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
    10. After your computer restarts, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats

    2.Please perform a scan with HitmanPro and RogueKiller as seen on the guide.


    3.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 see how everything is running…. Good luck!

  9. hey when i tried to uncheck the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” in my google chrome it was already unchecked so i guess that means there is no malicious proxy server. i cant use my internet explorer or firefox because the virus made them disappear or something. the virus has locked me out of almost every program i got on my computer besides chrome and “run”. Help please. T.T

  10. Hello Sara,
    The new variants of this virus can wait up to 24 hours before actually showing the first signs of infections….
    Stay safe!

  11. Oh you are an angel! (Again) I just picked up this virus for the second time….this time was much less stressful, as I knew where to go for my fix; right here! Your thoughtful steps are easy to follow and solve the problem….now if I could figure out where I’m picking up this crud. Question; do you know how long after I’ve visited the infected website that the virus appears on my computer? Knowing this might help me determine what website it might be.
    Thanks again!!!

  12. Thank you for this guide, I’ve caught this once or twice in the past, admittedly by connecting to shifty websites. This time I caught it I was researching something related to math theory though, which just offends me to no end. You can expect to get mugged if you’re walking through a seedy neighborhood but when it happens 5 feet from your front door its just wrong.

  13. I tried to run the combo fix and saved as directed but it seems the security shield immediately attached itself. I havent tried the others yet, should I go forward with your instructions? I also deleted anything I could with a security shiled symbol on it but I am still getting a pop up every day asking to update my java with the shield symbol on it. This is how things started before.

  14. Thank you for sharing your insites with us mere mortals! We’re not worthy! Thank you, seriously, you saved my bacon!

  15. Hello Ryan,
    Lets check if there is any form of infection on your computer:
    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
  16. I ran the anti-malware software but it didnt find anything, before i used a microsoft scanner that my college sort of enforced us to have over norton, and i used combofix right after, but i couldnt use IE afterwords because it was “marked for deletion” and asked if i “wanted it deleted” so whats up?

  17. Hello Nina,
    Can you please run a scan with Combofix,RogueKiller and ESET online scanner and post the logs here :

    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.
    • Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
      ———————————————————–

      • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virusscript 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”.
      • Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive. If yours is not listed and you don’t know how to disable it, please ask.
        ———————————————————–
      • Close any open browsers.
      • 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 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.
    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: 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 run HitmanPro and Malwarebytes as seen on the guide.
    Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs from this utilities.

  18. I’m at the RogueKiller step. The status continues to say “Waiting” instead of initiating the Prescan, (which according to the instructions should only take a few seconds.) I closed RogueKiller and started it again; same thing.

    Please help.

  19. Hello Savannah,
    Can you please run a scan with Combofix,RogueKiller and ESET online scanner and post the logs here :

    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.
    • Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
      ———————————————————–

      • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virusscript 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”.
      • Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive. If yours is not listed and you don’t know how to disable it, please ask.
        ———————————————————–
      • Close any open browsers.
      • 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 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.
    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: 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 run HitmanPro and Malwarebytes as seen on the guide.
    Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs from this utilities.

  20. Please help! I had this terrible virus and went through everything on here very carefully. It worked like a charm and I couldn’t have been more grateful! But now the “symptoms” are back and I see the shield symbol attached to only a few items on my desktop…malwarebytes, hitmanpro amd norton security scan!! What do I do now???

  21. You’re like a superhero. Everything worked great, and you’re instructions are easy to follow.

    Here are the log files. You are my Barbie dream date!

    Chris

    —————-
    LOGS attached!

  22. Hello Chris,
    Can you please run a scan with Combofix,RogueKiller and ESET online scanner and post the logs here :

    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.
    • Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
      ———————————————————–

      • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virusscript 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”.
      • Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive. If yours is not listed and you don’t know how to disable it, please ask.
        ———————————————————–
      • Close any open browsers.
      • 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 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.
    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: 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 run the below utility:
    Download and run the Complete Internet Repair utility.
    1.Download Complete Internet Repair utilityto your desktop
    2.Unzip all the files to their own folder on the desktop
    3.Within the folder double click CIntRep
    4.Select the following items,then press the GO button.

    • Reset Interent Protocol (TCP/IP)
    • Repair Winsock (Reset Catalog)
    • Renew Internet Connection
    • Flush DNS Resolver Cache
    • Reset Windows Firewall Configuration
    • Reset the default hosts fie

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

  23. I’ve gone through everything in your post. Thank you!

    But, now I can only access the internet when I’m in Safe Mode.

    Thoughts?

  24. Great work mate on this document….helped me a great deal and i’m extremely grateful for your work…

    Regards
    Al

  25. I get the error message, too. This whole process has worn me out, and trying to find an answer to HitmanPro is the last straw. Guess I’ll have to survive without running it.

  26. I followed the instructions and all appears t be good – no more ugly SS popups controlling my computer. One problem – i wasn’t able to run the repair hosts file as indicated in the last step. ANy more useful hints??? Thanks

  27. This fix worked fine! I had the advantage of having two PC’c so I could dl things to a thumbdrive to transfer if I had difficulty with the infected PC.
    Thanks for your help!!

  28. Appears to have worked but when I tried to download the hostfix.bat link I got an unspecified error and then it asked for a disk to be put in. Anyone have that before?

  29. Thank you so much. These were the easiest instructions to follow even thought it took concentration and patience. My son’s computer was affected from clicking on something called funmoods tool bar. sigh…. But your fix worked smoothly and as written.

  30. Hello,
    Try the below steps and see if they work.
    STEP 1. While in NORMAL MODE,download HitmanPro and then start this program in ForceBreach Mode
    1.Here are the direct download links for HitmanPro,
    http://dl.surfright.nl/HitmanPro36.exe (For 32bit)
    http://dl.surfright.nl/HitmanPro36_x64.exe (For 64bit)
    2.Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including this rogue malicious process
    Here is a video that explains with graphic details how to do this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6eRWTv2STk
    3. Let HitmanPro scan and remove all the detected threats.

    Step 2: While in NORMAL MODE,download/Run Rkill and then run a scan with Malwarebytes
    1.Download any re-named version of Rkill (direct download links bellow):
    http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/WiNlOgOn.exe
    http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/uSeRiNiT.exe
    http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/rkill.scr
    2.Next,please perform a scan with Malwarebytes as seen on the guide. (Direct download link for Malwarebytes: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download-exe.php )
    Let me know , how everything goes.

  31. This guide is not working for me. In the Safe Mode with Networking. I can not connect to the Internet. So, I tried registration code in Normal mode and the Security Shield messages stopped popping up. I can access the Internet now, but I can not download RKill or Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware to try and kill this virus. Has anyone had this problem and know how to fix it? Do you have to do everything from the Safe Mode with Networking?

  32. Well Stelian, I followed the rest of the steps and everything seems to be working fine now. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this solution for losers like me who would have had absolutely no idea what to do without you!!! I started getting the “you’re infected” warnings after clicking on one of my favorite gossip sites. Could I have “gotten it” from there??? Not that it really matters I guess.

    Thanks again!

  33. Please follow the guide,Malwarebytes and HitmanPro should detect and remove the PC infection.

  34. Jim, how do you kill it there? I am not computer savvy, so all of these steps are causing me severe stress(lol!!!). I have not made it to the end yet but want to be prepared if your circumstances become mine as well. Thx!

  35. I found that even with all of the above steps, the (randomly named) main executable continued to reside in \users\%username%\appdata\local … The malware kept coming back until I killed it there.

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