How to Remove Security Tool
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If you have not already done so we do recommend you watch our security tool removal video. It has been watched over 100K times and does a good job showing you the steps needed to remove this threat. This video is below so read on.
To start I should mention that this is not an easy virus to remove. Here are the two best removal options.
Option 1 Spyware Doctor with Antivirus. This software is great at fully removing the Security Tool virus software and all other viruses on your system.
Option 2. www.OnlineComputerRepair.org offers removal of all viruses online and they charge 89.99 to remove everything. While the SDA client above is the cheap way to go and does work, many people find this to be a great option. You do not do a thing but head over to www.onlinecomputerrepair.org, register an account and then pick the virus removal service. From there one of their certified technicians in California log-in and they begin working.
Onto the Manual Removal of this threat.
I am also including the video we created from www.removevirus.org. This video is a must watch for everyone looking to manually remove Security Tool. To start I would like to say that you most likely got infected because you did not have a good security client installed on your computer. We do recommend Spyware Doctor with Antivirus. It is some great stuff. If you are looking for solid protection and you can still download and install programs on your computer you might as well do this first and just register the product and run a scan. If you can go this route it's for the best.
Here is the Video you can follow along with this and the manual guide below
The first thing you will need to do is to terminate the currently running process of this threat. This can be done in several ways. For those who can still use the Task Manager I recommend you simply hold down Ctrl+Alt+del. Vista and Windows Seven users will need to then select the Task Manager. If you are able to open it then you are looking for an 8 or 10 digit number follow by a .exe that is running.
Example of Security Tool Process running
3467542487.exe
This is the file you need to terminate. If you can not bring up the Task Manger then you have several other ways at getting to this threat still.
We are going to now look for the location of the 10 digit file.
First thing to try is simply going to the run command. Hit the Windows Start button and in the "Start Search" or run command area type in "msconfig" with out the quotes. Now select the start-up tab. Browse though the start-up menu and look for a 10 digit number, 8 digit number or a file that says Total Security, TS.exe or TSC.exe.
Once you find the trace you need to un-check the box and then hit OK. You will then be asked to re-boot. Before you re-boot make sure you book mark this page so you can find it again after you boot up your computer. If the above methods have not worked for you we still have several option left. If you were able to stop Security Tool from running then move on to
Stage 2. If nothing has worked so far for you then we recommend bookmarking this page and booting into safe mode with networking. Then just move on to stage 2. To boot into safe mode you need to re-start your computer then start pressing the F8 key every other second. When you see a DOS like screen with several options, use the up and down arrows on the keyboard to highlight the "Safe Mode with Networking" option and then hit enter to select. Then log into safe mode under your normal user account or the admin account. Then bring up this website again. remember only safe mode with networking will allow you to go online. If you are in just Safe Mode you will not have Internet access.
At this time the Security Tool program should not be running. If it is then you need to again follow the above instructions till you have terminated the Security Tool program.
We are now going to search and locate the folder that is hiding this program. Before we can do this you will need to un-hide system files and folders. This is because Security tool is a hidden program and the folder is hidden as well XP Users: Open up "My Computer" Also known as Windows Explorer ( THIS IS NOT INTERNET EXPLORER ) Then select Folder Options then View Tab, under view check the box that says "Show hidden files and folders" now we need to also Uncheck the box next to "Hide Protected Operating System File".
When we are all done you should set these setting back to default.
Vista and Windows 7 Users:
Go to Windows Start button > Control Panel >Folder Options > Select the View tab and then check the box next to "Show hidden files and folders" then uncheck the box next to "Hide Protected Operating System files" remember to re-set these settings once we are done.
Now you need to browse down to the correct directory and delete the folder and files of Security Tool.
XP users: The location of this program is going to be C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Tendigitfolder. You will now see a folder that it 8 - 10 digits in length. You need to delete this folder and the files in it. Normally it is the first folder under Application data. If you are getting errors trying to delete this then bookmark the page and re-boot into safe mode as an Administrator as described above.
Vista and Windows 7 users: the location of this program is going to be C:\ProgramData. You will now see a folder that it 8 - 10 digits in length. You need to delete this folder and the files in it. Normally it is the first folder under Application data. If you are getting errors trying to delete this then bookmark the page and re-boot into safe mode as an Administrator as described above.
Keep in mind that the C:\ location is the default Windows folder location. Now you should attempt to download Spyware Doctor with Antivirus if you could not do it before. Register the product, update the scanner and run a full scan. This is the best way to remove the rest of the Security Tool virus and all the remaining traces. If your a cheap A$$ or can't get the client to install then read on for the next steps.
The good news here is we are about half way done. The bad news is you still have a bit of work ahead of you.
Now we need to re-set the Windows host's file and Internet Explorer. This is to ensure your computers browser settings are not highjacked. You may need to re-install pluggins and the like for Internet Explorer when this is done. Step 1. Download both of these programs. Windows Host's re-set tool and IE reset tool. Just click the links to download. Download both programs and run both programs. Just follow the onscreen prompts. Once done you may be asked to re-boot. If asked to re-boot do so and come back to this guide.
If you were blocked from downloading or installing Spyware Doctor before then try it again. Here are two different links to try to download the program from
As stated before you should really just rgister the product to remove the rest of this virus and the others still on your computer.
Security Tool Registry Settings
We are now going to be editing the Windows Registry. Please note the editing the registry is very dangerous and one wrong slip and your computer can become unstable. No we do not recommend doing it unless you are a computer expert. We have already told you the correct solution to use. However this is a complete guide so we are going to show you how to edit the registry to remove the rest of Total Security. Click the Windows start button and type "regedit" in the run box or search box. With out the quotes. The registry editor will now open for you. You need to locate and delete the following strings.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Security Tool HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Your10digitnumber" That is it.
You have just removed Security tool from your computer manually. You will now need to run a full scan using your favorite antivirus program. You already know the program I use. This is a must that can not be skipped. In most cases those infected with Security tool have several other viruses installed on the system. You need to protect your computer and remove all those viruses so this threat does not get re-installed again.
For everyone out there who can't seem to get this thing removed we recommend either using Spyware Doctor with Antivirus or www.onlinecomputerrepair.org Ask your questions or post your comments.
If you require software help to remove this virus. We highly recommend using Spyware Doctor with Antivirus. Download Here
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53 comments for "How to Remove Security Tool".
1. security tool removal
THANK YOU!!!! with there eay step by step instructions i was ael to remove in no time, i had t remove manualy and their video on you tube plus this site for the registry info was verry helpfull thank you again
2. Glad we were able to help you
Glad we were able to help you remove this threat. That is what this site is all about :)
3. virus removal
Well good post and informative too! Itreally helped me remove Security Tool
4. Thanks
Another easy way that i found with XP because i couldn't open neither taskmanager or safe mode isw to stop the search in S.tools and open task manager and msconfig and delete the program and after follow your fully working instructions.!!
Thank you very much for the help.!
5. security tool on windows vista
ive tried to look everywhere for a way to get rid of security tool. i did find some videos on youtube but they arnt very helpful because i have windows vista and those videos are on a older version of windows. how do i get it off? help!
6. What exactly do you need help
What exactly do you need help with? The guide above SHOWS THE EXACT LOCATION for Vista as well as XP and Windows 7. Can you not locate the files? Did you install Spyware Doctor with Antivirus and run a scan to further help locate the file traces? If not go that route and watch the video again.
7. for windows 7
i have a hp windows 7 laptop i got it for christmas and then this virus thing shows up and its rele bugging me!! the vid. did not help me at alll because my computer is different and confusing. can u please give me the right directions for this laptop?
8. Does not matter if you have a
Does not matter if you have a laptop or Desktop. Also does not matter the maker. We also list the Windows 7 traces above so with out knowing exactly what step you are having issues on we can not help further. Please let us know exactly what you are unable to do. Also let us know what you have done so far.
9. I DO NOT HAVE THE FOLDER OPTIONS BUTTON!!!!
I open up windows explorer or "my computer" either or and it then tells you to click folder options. well i dont have that option. i have windows vista but i havent upgraded to 7 yet so idk what it is, i have already done step 1 and reebooted but i dont have that darn folder options button.
Please text me at 740-(REMOVED for privacy)
I will leave a comment on here as soon as its resolved so that youll know not to text anymore,.. please help im a freshy at osu and this laptop has all my papers that are due monday...
10. I'm amusing you are talking
I'm amusing you are talking about how to view hidden files and folders? If not please explain further what it is you are trying to do.
For vista just go to the control panel and in the search box type "show hidden files". Then the box below will display a link. click it and check the box that says "show hidden files and folders"
11. Problems with registry editor
What if these are not able for me to remove... they are not there when i go to the part to remove them?
"The registry editor will now open for you. You need to locate and delete the following strings.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Security Tool HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Your10digitnumber" That is it.
(^^^See these are not there.... for me to remove^^^^)
You have just removed Security tool from your computer manually.(NO I HAVENT :-( )
12. As the guides states. The
As the guides states. The strain will mutate and yours will not be exact. Install a real security client like Spyware Doctor with Antivirus. Then in the scan results you will be able to see the exact registry key you need to remove.
I do not recommend anyone manually poke around in the registry. This is best left to pros. your best bet is to use a real antivirus client.
13. Nothing works :(
My son got this on his computer a few days ago, I was able to restart in safe mode and run antimalware bytes to get rid of it. Problem solved, for a few days- he picked it up again and now I can't restart in safe mode cannot access the task manager and can't do the msconfig in the run box, it blocks everything! Don't know what to do with it at this point, how can this crap be legal?!
14. this stuff is NOT LEGAL. It
this stuff is NOT LEGAL.
It is very easy to get infected with fake security clients. That is why it's so important to have a real security client installed. I would also suggest limiting your son's account so he can not accidentally install programs and applications.
Try following the guide again. The key for you is to be able to re-name the Security Tool executable as stated in the guide. Watch the video if you need more help on this.
Worst case: pay the 89 bucks to have a pro remove this for you.
15. Still not working. Tried all steps.
I have vista, none of the previous intructions worked. It came up with this message. Please Help. Thank you.
"c:\ProgramData\ApplicationData is not accessible.
Access is Denied"
16. Please read through ones of
Please read through ones of the comments here. We posted a link to a site that shows some good methods on taking ownership of the folder. Hope it helps you as well.
17. Great Info!!!!!
Thank You VERY MUCH. You saved me a trip to the local IT Guru. Your information was right on the money. I just read and followed your instructions and the nasty little virus is no more. I have sent your site address onto my friends at Facebook and elsewhere incase there is a need. Thank you for this site!!!!
18. Thanks for the very kind
Thanks for the very kind words and endorsement. That is why we do it.
19. Security Tool gone, but now internet not working :(
I managed to get rid of Security Tool on my laptop by your methods (thanks!!), but now i'm having a problem with the internet. It says its connected to the internet but I can't load and web pages, MSN can't connect and any other internet related program acts as if its not connected. Actually one exception is a p2p program I've got called 'ares' which doesn't seem to connect to the internet, but if i search for files on it, it finds them, but can't download them.
My laptop runs on vista.
any ideas of what I can do??
thanks.
20. I would try to re-set your
I would try to re-set your browser. We have a tool for that in the side bar. If that does not work then download a Winsoc fix tool for vista.
21. Registry
It works like a charm. I didn't have to change the registry though. There was nothing there to change. Maybe I caught it early. Anyway, I am doing a complete virus check. Thanks and God Bless you.
The cheap guy.
22. I love it. "The Cheap Guy"
I love it. "The Cheap Guy"
23. Freakin Virus can bite me!
Very nice job with the written instructions. I appreciate it! Thank You.
24. NO TEN DIGIT FILE
I followed the steps but there is no ten digit folder appearing. Where else could it be hiding?
Thanks
25. My guess is it's still there
My guess is it's still there or the trace you have just mutated. Is there an 8 digit folder in the correct location. Please note that the location will vary depending on if you have an XP or Vista/Windows 7 computer. The guide above shows the different paths.
As shown in the video you can right click on the Security Tool Icon and select properties. From there you will be able to see the exact folder location.
26. Thank you!!
Your info was easy to follow. I have Vista and it really helped. I am not a computer expert but like to DIY things due to not able to afford other help. Your instructions were on the money. Thank you again. Will pass on the word to friends and family if infected to check out you site. Thanks again!!
27. You are most welcome
You are most welcome
28. Thanks so much!!!
This site was very very helpful! I was surprised how easy is was to follow along... Thank you so much I appreciate the help!
29. AWESOME!, AWESOME! THANKS SO
AWESOME!, AWESOME! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!
30. Thank You
I couldn't believe that this was on my computer. I had my firewall and anti virus off for 20 minutes to set up something else and the next day this thing was on my computer. Thank you for putting this solution up because I surley would not have figured this crazy thing out. Thank you again.
31. i think i got it all, but...
thank you so much - this is the first time i had to remove a virus & you made it so helpful. i was freakn out with things poppin every 2 seconds.
my only concern is that i did delete the 8 digit file from the C drive when i went into safe mode, but when i went into the windows registry i didn't find anything under both file names you gave. i didn't touch anything but i want to make sure i got it all.
thank you.
32. Best thing to do is run a
Best thing to do is run a full virus scan to ensure it's all gone. "I think I got it" does not cut it. Last thing you want is your computer being part of a botnet or a backdoor open to hackers. run the full virus scan and call it a day.
33. Can't Delete Security Tool Folder.
I am running on Vista. I followed the instructions and was able to delete one of the Security Tool folders, but there is more than the one folder that needs to be deleted.
The second of the two Security Tool Folders can't be deleted because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. I tried to stop it, but I can no longer start the task manager due to the virus and I'm already in safe mode. How do I delete the second folder?
34. This is talked about in the
This is talked about in the guide. We recommend you re-name the file then re-boot. You should be able to delete the trace then.
35. thanks for all the help you
thanks for all the help you are a lifesaver.
36. I found that if it has placed
I found that if it has placed an icon on your desktop, you can right click and hit properties. Under shortcut target it tells you the name of the file (the 10 digit number). Thanks so much.
37. There was no 8 or 10 digit folder!?!?
The computer is running XP SP2. I go to the C:\Documents & Settings\All Users\Application Data, and there is not an 8 digit or 10 digit folder. I have tried under normal start up and in safe mode. The XP Security Tool wants me to go to URL REMOVED to purchase the fix. I am 99% its the problem that is in the video above, as the annoying popup windows and system tray messages are the same. I am somewhat computer savvy, but didn't notice anything nefarious (or 8 or 10 digit) in the start up tab under msconfig either. Any other ideas or thoughts? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
38. This is not the same threat.
This is not the same threat. Your infection is 100% different strain. However I am going to venture an educated guess and say it's related to Desktop Defender 2010. If that is the case then you can see if there is a folder similar to c:\Program Files\Windows Defender 2010\ on your PC. Then rename the .exe file in there and reboot your computer. Then manually delete the trace file then run a full security scan.
Because this threat is new and we have not been able to find the virus to test yet you may contact us using the contact button below with your e-mail address and provide us more info like were you got infected are the install file and we can write you a guide for your threat.
39. THANK YOU SO MUCH OMG i also
THANK YOU SO MUCH OMG
i also deleted the 8 digit numberin the C drive and when i went into the registar there wasn't either of the 2 files you said to delete...but either way i believe its dead! thank you:)
40. Security Removal
I'm an idiot when it comes to computers, but I also can't afford to spend $... I had the Security Tool virus, but I managed to do a system restore and it hasn't popped up in a while. I followed the video and can't find the 10 digit file. My computer has been running really slow since and I have also been getting unwanted pop-ups via internet. The writing under my icons are also black and occassionally I will lose my screen saver and my screen will be all black. I'm not sure if this is related to the Security Tool virus or if it's a totally different virus? I'm really anxious to get rid of whatever computer viruses I might have without having to spend any money, not to mention I want to learn how to get rid of these! I sincerely appreciate all your help!
41. As I have said a thousand
As I have said a thousand times before. YOU NEED A REAL SECURITY CLIENT. Having a computer online means you need to have proper security in place. I do not recommend any free clients because they will not give you the support and protection you need.
42. i swear to god i love you
i swear to god i love you guys. i am totally stupid when it comes to computers and i managed to save mine :) i'm so happyyyyyy!
43. We feel the love. Thanks for
We feel the love.
Thanks for stopping by and posting a comment.
44. Security Tool removal - stumped
I tried to go into safe mode, and chose Last Good Configuration per wikipedia, now it just recycles to a blue screen and keeps rebooting.
45. That is why we do NOT
That is why we do NOT recommend using System Restore or doing things like last known Good configuration. I think a NTFS disk check is needed and perhaps a repair of a few windows files.
This issue is no longer about being infected with a virus. It's about a corrupt Operating System.
You can learn online online how to do an NTFS check so we will not go into any further detail.
46. security tool
hi im having trouble removing this security tool me and my dad each have our own users and the security tool virus is only on my user my screen isnt blue i can still do some things but it does restart every 20 minutes to a half hour it says something but i cant fully remember what it says(ill find out and send it to you if needed) ive tried watching the videos and reading how to remove it but i cant seem to find the file. please help ive been tryin to do this for hours.
47. What locations have you
What locations have you already looked in? What is your operating system?
Is the program currently running on your computer?
You may also want to check out this guide
http://removevirus.org/remove-security-tool-latest-rouge-client-400
We also have another website that has even more information about this threat
http://www.securitytoolremoval.net/
48. Security Tool removal
I just got this damn infection and your video and web page helped me to get rid of it. I did have a problem deleting or renaming the .exe file though. I kept getting the "Access Denied" message. My workaround was start the Task Manager just as the computer started to boot but before Security Tool could start and prevent it from running. Then I selected "Applications" from the menu and kill Security Tool with a click. Then I was able to flush this pest out of my computer system. I would like to know the address where this thing is lurking so that I can lock out the site.
Isn't this kind of thing unlawful? If it isn’t it should be.
49. We use that work around all
We use that work around all the time. Does not work for everyone but it's nice when it does work.
yes it is unlawful. Yes individuals are working on shuting these bank accounts and sites down but not much can be done to fully stop it.
50. Security Tool
So IDK if this is a new version of security tool or not
I found (On the removal video) that there is no file under the 'all documents' file
I dowloaded many anti viral programs that were said to clean it in one go (Ex. Malware bytes ext ) The only reason I'm even using my computer is by calling up Task manager b4 the computer is fully logged on and ending the program
Any ideas
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