Antivirus 2008 XP is a rogue software. It distributed by many malicious websites. There are several variations of this malicious software. This page has detailed information for removing it. [All the tools/ software mentioned in this article are fully functional freeware]
Trojan Removers: As you know, that this malware could be installed by a Trojan, therefore you will also need to search for remove the Trojans as well. Try these free tools. Click here to read more...
Preparation: Youwill need the windows operating system cd. If you have received a CD with the purchase of your computer. If hard disk has a partition"Restore Partition" , you won't require the CD. It will be useful if you want to run the system file checker utility.
Turn off - system restore : The malicious files are saved in the system restore backup. You need to turn system restore off to remove them. You can turn it ON after cleaning the computer. Click here to read more...
If you are unable to open Task Manager Sometimes you are not able to open the task manager, the run command etc. The virus does this. There are free tools to solve this problem. They are listed here. See which is helpful for you. Click here to read more...
Remove Processes from Task Manager Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager. See in the list of the processesAntivirus2008XP.exe, av2008xp.exe select if found and press the End Process button. It will prompt you , say yes, and then close the Task Manager. There may be more processes belonging to this malicious software. If you use a free software called "Zenturi program checker" You may be able to see the path of a process in the task manager, and from the list of malicious files, locate the harmfulprocesses from useful processes.
Removing a Program from windows startup: The system configuration utility can be started in xp and in vista by typing msconfig in the run box. The run box can be opened in xp by clicking on Start > run The best part of windows startup is that the setting is reversible, therefore you can check / uncheck any entry from windows startup any number of times. So do not hesitate to uncheck anything that you find doubtful. You can always check it back if you later come to know that it is something useful.
After the system configuration utility window is open, Click on the Startup tab, that will list all the programs that are scheduled to start when you turn your computer On. Expand the middle column using your mouse pointer so that you can see the path of the program on the hard disk, that will give you a clear idea, what program that is. Locate and uncheck the entries if found "Antivirus 2008 XP" (look for any suspicious name) Uncheck the boxes in front of these entries. Also look at other entries, if you find an entry of any of the malware files listed in this article, uncheck that too. This step is very important. The further cleaning depends on cleaning this list. Press Apply , Press Close/Ok , at the next prompt select "Restart the computer".
Searching andd Deleting the Folders / files on the hard disk After restarting the computer, use the windows search utility to search for"Antivirus 2008 XP". This search will find all its folders on the hard disk , delete the folders from the hard disk. You may find the folder in more than one location. Delete its all instances.There are some more files other than this directory. You may need to enable to view hidden files and folders if you can not see the folders listed below. In XP, Control panel > Folder options > View . Locate "Hidden Files and Folders", select "View hidden files and folders" , press Apply, press ok.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SoftLand Ltd C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SoftLand Ltd\Antivirus 2008 XP C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SoftLand Ltd\Antivirus 2008 XP\BASE C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SoftLand Ltd\Antivirus 2008 XP\DELETED C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SoftLand Ltd\Antivirus 2008 XP\LOG C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SoftLand Ltd\Antivirus 2008 XP\SAVED Delete all the above folders if found.
Manually removing malware entries from Registry
You can edit the registry by using the windows built in registry editor.You can edit the registry by using the windows built in registry editor. Click here to read more...
These registry keys may be found on an infected computer. Delete them if found.
Using CCleaner: CCleaner is a freeware temp files and registry cleaner. We need to use this type of software because almost all the infection that occur through internet, come through the temp files, and unfortunately windows does not remove temp files automatically.
Using Antivirus Application: Follow this step, if even after applying all the above steps, the virus still shows its presence in the computer. Your best helper is the antivirus program on your computer. Keep it always updated. Click here to read more...
Using the system file checker: Follow this step if you notice trouble in the normal functioning of windows. Click here to read more...
If you are unable to access one or more sites during the repair process
- if possible use another computer to download the software needed for repairing your computer, and then copy and transfer it to the infected computer using any available means like a pen drive. - if you are using only internet explorer, and if it is blocked from visiting some of the security related sites, try to download/ install Firefox browser, and see if you can use it for the same purpose.
Block the following connections / sites
The Malware tries to connect to following sites . Block them if you find them in your firewall. (nt.ldreptavxp.com , int.avcntxp.com )
