XP Security Center is a rogue software. It distributed by use of trojans. This one comes in multiple infections. A number of different rogue applications download this malware after they infect your computer, therefore you need to search your computer for a number of rogues. All the tools/ softwares mentioned in this article are freeware. Videos demonstrating the steps are embedded where ever possible.
Check your security and your browsing habits: Insecure browsing habits will bring you more trouble than you expect, specially in the days to come. Click here to read more...
Trojan Removers: As you know, that this malware could be installed by a Trojan, therefore you will also need to remove that Trojan 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. Your computer should have an antivirus software. You will also need a free software CCleaner, and a Firewall. You can choose one of the freeware firewalls.
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 processes winivstr.exe, braviax.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.
For Advanced Users : If you use a free software called "Zenturi program checker" You may be able to see the location of a process in the task manager on the hard disk, and from the list of malicious files, differentiate the harmful processes from useful processes. It will be definitely useful in this malware infection.
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 C:\Windows\System32\winivstr.exe C:\Windows\System32\braviax.exe
This is additional/ precautionary: Also look for any other suspicious names. Random alphanumeric names or names containing only numbers, 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 them too.
View Hidden files : You need to enable this, in order to see the hidden files and folders, or else the files will not appear in the serch results too. Click here to read more...
Boot in safe mode: If you are unable to delete the malware files/ folders and get "Access denied" message, try doing it while in windows safe mode. Click here to read more...
Deleting files on the hard disk Variation1 C:\Windows\System32\winivstr.exe C:\Windows\System32\delself.bat C:\Windows\System32\dllcache\beep.sys C:\Windows\System32\dllcache\figaro.sys C:\Windows\System32\univrs32.dat C:\Windows\System32\braviax.exe delete the above files if found
Variation2
Apart from the above files, if you find the following files on your hard disk, then it is the second variation . In that case you need to read the link giving the registry entries of second variation.
Dealing with DLLs: There are some DLL files created by this malware. Instead of unregistering them, I prefer to delete them from the hard disk, and then using registry menu of ccleaner to remove their associated registry entries automatically, it always works for me.
Variation 2: Due to space constraint , i am giving you the link to threatexpert report.
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.
Using a Firewall : It is helpful to install a standalone firewall so that you can block any unsolicited communication done by the malware to and from your computer. This malware tries to connect to "xpsecuritycenter.com" "antispyware-quick-scan.com" block these sites/hosts in your firewall.
