Help Required..URGENT!!

An antivirus program named 'AntiVirus XP 2008' got installed automatically when I was browsing and I am not able to remove the program off my computer (even used add/remove programs but didn't work). It seems to have installed some exe files and it keeps trying to install some programs in the background. My A-squared keeps giving me a warning about it. McAfee has so far identified around 20 trojans and deleted it. There is also a huge banner on my desktop background that got it automatically that says "Warning spyware detected on your computer". I am really worried about this screwing up my computer. Can someone please help me how to remove this off my computer? Thanks a lot.

 

I don't know how to solve the problem, but my guess is that the "AntiVirus XP 2008" is itself somekind of virus/spyware/adware (whatever, I don't know the difference). My advise is not to have any personal info on that pc until you fixed it.

 

do you have any important files on your computer?

the good news is that your physical computer is fine, the bad news is that it is completely compromised and all your files are as good as gone.

you will need to wipe the hard drive and completely reinstall the operating system.

look around for more instructions if you need them.

 

AntiVirus XP 2008 is a rouge(counterfeit) AV software that does more harm then good(it just nags you as you mentioned to buy the software).

Here are some instructions on how to remove it but also recommend a complete reformat(erase of the hard drive) and reinstall of the Operating system).
http://www.windowsvistaplace.com/xp-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions-xp-antivirus-2008/spyware-removal

Also software shouldnt be installing its self without your permission. You need to update your internet browser or try a different one (firefox is popular and has many add-ons).

Edit: you may also want to see the index sticky on top of this forum. They contain a wealth of information...

 

Before you wipe, take down a screenshot of all the processes running. Print it. Go to another computer and look up all the ones that are unfamiliar to you. Those will be what you will be searching & and destroying. Boot into safe mode, and proceed to search and destroy. Without restarting, start up msconfig and disable all the weird junk starting up. Then delete everything in all the temp forlders. Don't forget to check the C:\ directory - I once had a spyware install itself there and I didn't catch it until some time later. I assume you have a moderate to high level of computer literacy, but if you need detailed instructions I'm sure I or someone can help you out. Keep us posted.

*Looks like Kdawgca got you covered. Follow my advice after removing AntiVirus XP 2008

 

Thanks guys for your quick help. I am very hesitant to reinstall XP since I have so many important files in my laptop. I just started backing up the important ones to my external harddrive. I am right now trying to use what Kdawgca suggested.


Manual XP Antivirus 2008 Removal Instructions:

Unregister XP Antivirus 2008 DLL Files:
(Learn how to do this)
shlwapi.dll
wininet.dll

Stop XP Antivirus 2008 Processes:
(Learn how to do this)
XPAntivirus.exe
XPAntivirusUpdate.exe
xpa.exe
xpa2008.exe

Find and Delete these XP Antivirus 2008:
(Learn how to do this)xpa.exe
xpa2008.exe
XPAntivirus.exe
XPAntivirusUpdate.exe
shlwapi.dll
wininet.dll
XP antivirus
XPAntivirus.lnk
Uninstall XPAntivirus.lnk
XPAntivirus on the Web.lnk
XPAntivirus.url
XP Antivirus 2008.lnk
Uninstall XP Antivirus 2008.lnk

Remove XP Antivirus 2008 Registry Values:
(Learn how to do this)
HKEY_USERS\Software\XP antivirus

But the 'Learn how to do this' links are not working. Can someone please post how to remove the DLL files, Processess and the Registry Values? If you can open the links, can you please post what is the procedure given in there?

I can only open IE now and am not able to open firefox now. Thanks a lot guys.

 

Try these alternative instructions:
http://www.windowsvistaplace.com/remove-antivirus-xp-2008/othersoftware

 

I hope you've been able to get rid of this pesky malware.
If you can, try downloading and running Malwarebytes'AntiMalware and SUPERAntispyware.
Check my signature for download links of the free versions.

Here are some screenshots also of the instructions you want.
Cheers.

 

And one more screenshot of the final instruction on how to edit your registry in Vista.
Cheers.

 

You should install a firewall on your computer. That will stop most of these kinds of attacks right away. I suggest Comodo or Online Armor.

 

Try using combofix. It has worked miracles for me. Here is a guide with download links:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix