Windows PC Defender is a clone of Smart virus Eliminator and as you already know a scam. This threat first came out in September of 2009 but the basic graphic user interface has been around a while longer. In this guide we pick it apart and show you how to remove Windows PC Defender
Windows PC Defender
» Download Windows PC Defender Removal Software
Windows PC Defender is a fake antivirus client that attempts to scam people out of money. The client is trying to trick users into thinking this is a real Windows removal tool. It’s very similar in name to one of their products. This type of scam is known as Smitfraud. Once the use is infected they will notice constant security warnings asking the user to purchase the product to remove the current threats. The warnings are fake and so are the scan results from this product. There is nothing good that can come out of this fake and bogus software. Most users who are infected will notice a drop in computer performance. In most cases those infected will also have a downloader trojan installed as well. This program is often what went out in the first placed and downloaded the fake program. Windows PC Defender is a clone of a few other fake clients out there. The graphic user interface has stayed the same but the names and file traces differ.
We have been able to confirm that the makers of this also made Smart virus eliminator and Windows Additional Guard. Both of those products are fake as well. Some of the more common error messages infected computer will get are “System alert Suspicious software, which may be malicious, has been detected on your PC. Click here to remove this threat immediately with Windows PC Defender” “Warning! Your computer is infected Warning! Trojan Found! File name: crss.drv Threat name: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Sunfraud.a” Just keep in mind that everything this program says is a lie and you should not even pay these messages a second thought. This program is the real infection that you need to remove. Please help us keep this removal guide up to date. Post your trace files or paths below to help others out.
Some symptoms of Windows PC Defender:
- Bogus Scan results
- Auto Scans on Start-up
- Warning coming out of a fake shield in the system tray
- pop-ups and re-directs to the fake software’s website
- constant warnings of being infected as well as false statements of other trojans
Manual removal instructions for Windows PC Defender ( Please read our disclaimer below )
Kill Windows PC Defender processes: ( Learn How to Kill a Process Here. Opens in new Window )
- setup_build8_201.exe
- wpc6c3.exe
We do recommend you run a full scan using SpyHunter » download. This will help to stop the virus from re-installing and re-activating while you manually remove it. Also it will inform you of any new changes to the file names. You will need this if it mutates and you have different traces. Delete Windows PC Defender registry values: ( Learn How to Edit Registry Here. Opens in new Window )
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run windows pc defender\
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run windows pc defender
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\windows pc defender
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\uninstall\windows pc defender
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\windows pc defender
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run windows pc defender
Delete Windows PC Defender files: ( Hint ) Most of these files will be in the %program_files%\windows pc defender directory.
- setup_build8_201.exe
- wpc6c3.exe
- %appdata%\microsoft\internet explorer\quick launch\windows pc defender.lnk
- %common_desktopdirectory%\windows pc defender.lnk
- %common_programs%\windows pc defender.lnk
- %startmenu%\windows pc defender.lnk
Delete Windows PC Defender directories: ( Please note that in most cases everything in this folder can be deleted. Just be sure it’s the correct folder 😉
- %appdata%\windows pc defender
- %common_appdata%\wpcdsys
- %program_files%\windows pc defender
Please keep in mind that viruses mutate and change all the time. Do expect the above to change around a little. However this guide should work well for you and any experienced pro will be able to follow it and figure out the traces if they mutate.
Outside Resources:
http://www.2-viruses.com/remove-windows-pc-defender
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-windows-pc-defender
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