Myantispyware have already warned our users about misleading software that ask people to purchase its full version in order to remove a lot of fake infections. Windows Antivirus Patrol is yet another “fake antispyware” type program from family of Win32/FakeVimes misleading programs. It is distributed through online ads which masquerades as online antivirus scanners or through websites showing online videos that tell you to install a flash update. Moreover, the authors of this misleading program may use a lot of various methods to trick people into installing their fake security software, e.g. trojans, fake plugins, various misleading applications, social networks (Twitter, Facebook, etc) and spam emails. Remember, once infected, you should ignore Windows Antivirus Patrol scan report messages and any alerts which it will display. Read below what you’ll want to know though is how to remove Windows Antivirus Patrol from Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP and any associated malware for free.
As we have already mentioned, Windows Antivirus Patrol is not a legitimate security tool, it is a dangerous computer parasite. When running, it will be configured to perform a system scan each time you logon into Windows. It will report that your computer is infected with a lot of trojans, adware or malware and that you should purchase its full version to remove these infections. Important to realize that all these “infections” are fake. In reality you need to remove Windows Antivirus Patrol, as it is a real virus!
What is more, the misleading program may disable system tools and options, hijack Internet Explorer, block antivirus and security related websites, display various misleading notifications. Some of the fake notifications:
Warning! Identity theft attempt detected
Hidden connection IP: xx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Trojan activity detected. System integrity at risk. Full system scan is highly recommended.
Of course, you should ignore Windows Antivirus Patrol popup notifications and refrain from doing what they recommend you to do.
We strongly recommend you to uninstall this misleading software from your computer as soon as possible. Follow the guidelines below to get rid of this scareware. The detailed “How to remove Windows Antivirus Patrol” guide can be followed by anyone as it really does take you step-by-step.
How to remove Windows Antivirus Patrol from Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP
The rogue will not allow you to run a malware removal tools, then you will need to reboot your computer in Safe mode with Command Prompt.
Restart your computer. After hearing your computer beep once during startup, start pressing the F8 key on your keyboard. On a computer that is configured for booting to multiple operating systems, you can press the F8 key when the Boot Menu appears.
Instead of Windows loading as normal, Windows Advanced Options menu appears similar to the one below.
Windows Advanced Options menu
When the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, select Safe mode with Command Prompt and then press ENTER.
Once Windows loaded, command prompt (black window) opens. In the command prompt type explorer.exe and Press Enter. Your desktop will now appear. Run Notepad and write the text below to Notepad:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“GuardSoftware” =-[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
“Shell”=”explorer.exe”
Save this as fix.reg to your Desktop (remember to select Save as file type: All files in Notepad.)
Double Click fix.reg and click YES for confirm.
Reboot your computer in Normal Windows mode.
Now you should download Malwarebytes Anti-malware and remove all Windows Antivirus Patrol associated malware.
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 Windows Antivirus Patrol 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 Windows Antivirus Patrol removal process. When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart.
Your system should now be free of the Windows Antivirus Patrol virus. If you need help with the instructions, then post your questions in our Spyware Removal forum.
Windows Antivirus Patrol removal notes
Note 1: if you can not download, install, run or update Malwarebytes Anti-malware, then follow the steps: Malwarebytes won`t install, run or update – How to fix it.
Note 2: your current antispyware and antivirus software let the infection through ? Then you may want to consider purchasing the FULL version of MalwareBytes Anti-malware to protect your computer in the future.
Note 3: If you follow this guide above to remove Windows Antivirus Patrol let us know how you managed by sending us your comments please.
