Real Estate Blog - Getting Rid of the virus “Antivirus XP 2008”

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Getting Rid of the virus “Antivirus XP 2008”

My computer recently became infected with the virus "Antivirus XP 2008". What a bummer! I did not know when I picked it up and or how. But when I turned my computer on one morning, there was new software on it telling me that I had 700 infected files and to remove them I needed to pay the company that sells Antivirus XP 2008 for their software and it would remove them.

I did NOT have 700 infected files. Antivirus XP 2008 was the infection on my computer.

I tried repeatedly with different methods to remove it. Using my antivirus software in normal mode, in safe mode, with the system restore turned off. Then going into the control panel and trying to uninstall. Of course, it would not uninstall.

Finally did a "boot time" scan with my antivirus software and it removed it except for a "hanger oner". Everytime I would bring my computer up, my antivirus software would tell me that I had an infected file. I would quarantine it and everything would be fine. Next day, same thing. Deleted it...same thing...would not go away.

I tried a spyware remover which said that it would remove it, but did not.

Then I read something about Spyzooka malware remover. It sounded great...100% removal guaranteed. I purchased it, downloaded and ran the scan. It located 4 infected files and removed them.

Next morning, started my computer...everything is fine! No more infection! YEAH!!!

Now I'm running Avast and Spyzooka. Both excellent programs.

Hope this helps someone else that has picked up the Antivirus XP 2008.

Judi Barrett, Broker, Integrity Real Estate Services

Our Name Says It All.

For all of your real estate needs in Southeast Oklahoma

580-212-5946

Serving Choctaw and McCurtain Counties

Posted by Judi Barrett on 08/28/2008 07:45 AM

Comments (11)

antivirus software, malware removers, computer viruses, spyzooka, antivirus xp 2008

This post has been included in Oklahoma Information
Post is included in group: Journaling In The Rain
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11 Comments on Getting Rid of the virus “Antivirus XP 2008”

That's great! Those viruses are a pain!

08/28/2008 07:57 AM

by Steve Graham | Atlanta Ga New Homes | Communities | Neighborhoods (Realty Professionals, Inc)

Had the same thing on my laptop, and i backed up files and did a sytem restore for a month before and never a problem since. Also the company i use to work at, same thing, this time the geeks had to come in.

08/28/2008 07:58 AM

by Nancy Larson (M & T Bank)

I have heard about this nasty virus, in fact it was hear on active rain when I first heard about it. It is always great to have a warning. A Co worker of mine had something similar, it said Windows anti virus (did not have the XP), I advised him not to click on it.

08/28/2008 08:08 AM

by Carol Swain, Realtor -www.swainsells.com- Bucks County, Pa (Keller Williams Real Estate)

good information. I hav not had many viruses, I try to twatch what I download, but they are every where

Dave

08/28/2008 08:40 AM

by Dave Woodson (Indigo Financial Group Inc.)

I have never heard of Spyzooka...... I use Spybot and Spyware Blaster...they do a GREAT job of doing my preventative measures...I don't even have my firewall turned on OR antivirus software either!!

I just go to SAFE websites and do NOT open attachments from people I KNOW even....I only oopen those up if they have TOLD me they are sending me something BEFOREHAND.....

That has kept me virus free for over 10 years.....

I am GLAD spyzooka did it for YOU, sis......

Hmmm...spyzooka...i should google them...

;-)

08/30/2008 09:13 PM

by Central / Orlando Florida real estate - Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent® (Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.)

seems to me that the less anti virus programs I am running the better my computer runs - maybe its just me

09/03/2008 12:14 AM

by James Wexler, Scottsdale AZ Luxury Homes (Coldwell Banker) (wexzilla.com)

Judi,

I've had this a couple of times also. When you get the warning you don't have anything wrong with your machine even though it looks very offfcial. Just delete the message and forget about it. If you open it or install it - then you've got issues. In the beginning there is nothing to remove - it's just a popup - whether you've blocked popups or not.

Steve

09/04/2008 08:10 AM

by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

My Norton expired and I don't want to renew it. Someone told me about "Adware 2008" and that it was free. When I downloaded it, I too was told I had infected files and in order to remove them I needed to pay for their software and they'd be removed. Ha!

I then did a search and came across your post. James may be right. The less anti virus programs running, the better. I will check out spyzooka though. Thanks :)

10/02/2008 10:55 PM

by Denise O'Dell ~ CA Mobile Notary/Loan Signer/REALTOR® (SANTA CLARITA MOBILE NOTARY)

Denise, I have Avast! which is the best anitivirus software that I have used. It is FREE. I've used Norton and McAfee both. Between the Avast! Anti-Virus software and the Spyzooka ad ware, things have been running great.

10/03/2008 06:57 AM

by Judi Barrett (Integrity Real Estate Services)

Thank you so much Judi - I am trying out Avast! and so far so good. I have yet to check out Spyzooka but will definitely take a look at it.

10/07/2008 02:21 AM

by Denise O'Dell ~ CA Mobile Notary/Loan Signer/REALTOR® (SANTA CLARITA MOBILE NOTARY)

Avast is an excellent Anti Virus program. It's free, keeps itself updated and runs in the background.

I've not heard of Spyzooka.

But you can be assured I'll be checking it out now.

Thanks for sharing!

10/07/2008 07:34 AM

by Craig Rutman North Carolina (Raleigh Area) Realtor (Home Buyer and Seller Specialist)

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