SaveDefender is a new fake security software that looks like a good antispyware but in reality its designed only for one, to trick you into thinking that your computer is infected. It uses false scan results as a method of scaring you into buying the software!
Once installed, SaveDefender configures itself to run automatically every time, when you start your computer and creates hundreds of harmless files with random names. These files during the system scan will determine as infections. Once running, SaveDefender starts scanning the computer and found a lot of trojans and spyware, but all these infections are fake, so you can safely ignore them.
SaveDefender
SaveDefender will also show pop ups, fake system alerts and warnings stating that the PC is infected, under attack or not protected. Like scan false results, these alerts are all fake and should be ignored. If your computer infected with SaveDefender, then use these free instructions below to remove SaveDefender and any associated malware from your computer.
Symptoms in a HijackThis Log
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [SaveDefender] C:\Program Files\SaveDefender Software\SaveDefender\SaveDefender.exe -min
O23 – Service: SaveDefender Security Service (SaveDefenderSvc) – Unknown owner – C:\Program Files\SaveDefender Software\SaveDefender\SaveDefenderSvc.exe (file missing)
Use the following instructions to remove SaveDefender (Uninstall instructions)
Download MalwareBytes Anti-malware (MBAM). Close all programs and Windows on your computer.
Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the installation process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
Once the program has loaded you will see window similar to the one below.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Window
Select Perform Quick Scan, then click Scan, it will start scanning your computer for SaveDefender infection. This procedure can take some time, so please be patient.
When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results. You will see a list of infected items similar as shown below. Note: list of infected items may be different than what is shown in the image below.
Malwarebytes Anti-malware, list of infected items
Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected for start SaveDefender removal process. When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart.
Note: if you need help with the instructions, then post your questions in our Spyware Removal forum.
SaveDefender creates the following files and folders
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\SaveDefender
C:\Program Files\SaveDefender Software
C:\Program Files\SaveDefender Software\SaveDefender
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\SaveDefender\1 SaveDefender.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\SaveDefender\2 Homepage.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\SaveDefender\3 Uninstall.lnk
C:\Program Files\SaveDefender Software\SaveDefender\SaveDefender.exe
C:\Program Files\SaveDefender Software\SaveDefender\uninstall.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\SaveDefender.LNK
SaveDefender creates the following registry keys and values
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SaveDefender
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SaveDefender
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\SaveDefenderSvc
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\SaveDefender
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\SaveDefender
