XP Security 2012 removal

Note: We disclaim any affiliation with the creators of XP Security 2012 rogue antivirus.

Welcome to the removal guide for XP Security 2012. This is to be considered a self-help guide, and the Security Team at this site does not assume responsibility for direct, indirect, or consequential damage to your computer as a result of doing the step-by-step guide below.

XP Security 2012 is a new rogue antivirus program. This program is installed on your computer, usually by Trojans.

Once the program is installed, it will begin displaying fake security alerts, including advice about removing viruses. Upon execution, it will scan your computer and find fake threats, and then it urges you to purchase its software in order to protect your computer and/or remove the threats.

Normal uninstall is usually not possible with rogue antivirus software, which is why these instructions must be particularly followed.


XP Security 2012 screenshot

How to remove this rogue


STEP 1 - First tasks

• It is possible that this rogue prevents you from downloading anything, so please transfer any files necessary to remove this infection from a clean computer, using a flash/usb storage drive, CD/DVD, etc.
  
• If it becomes impossible to remove this rogue or follow any steps below, immediately skip to STEP 4.
  
• Please download and run this file: ftp://ftp.geekpolice.net/GPUser/DragonMasterJay/fixthis.reg
  
  
• Please download and run RKill.
  
  Download mirror 1 - Download mirror 2 - Download mirror 3
  
  
  • Save it to your Desktop.
    
  • Double click the RKill desktop icon.
    
  • It will quickly run and launch a log. If it does not launch a log, try another download link until it does.
    
  • Please post its log in your next reply.
    
  • After it has run successfully, delete RKill.
  
  Note: This tool only kills the active infection, the actual infection will not be gone. Once you reboot the infection will be active again! Please do not reboot until after STEP 3.

STEP 2 - Clean rogue files

Download TFC by OldTimer to your desktop

• Please double-click TFC.exe to run it. (Note: If you are running on Vista or 7, right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator).
  
• It will close all programs when run, so make sure you have saved all your work before you begin.
  
• Click the Start
  button to begin the process. Depending on how often you clean temp
  files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute
  or two. Let it run uninterrupted to completion.
  
• Once it's finished it should reboot your machine. If it does not, please manually reboot the machine yourself to ensure a complete clean.
  

STEP 3 - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from Download.CNET.com.
Alternate link: BleepingComputer.com.

Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• 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, select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan.
  
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  
• When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart. If you are prompted to restart, please allow it to restart your computer. Failure to do this, will cause the infection to still be active on the computer.
  

STEP 4 - Infection gone?

Check to see if the infection is gone.

If the infection is not gone, then please do the following:

• Read and follow the steps in this topic.
  
• Then, post a new topic containing those logs in this section.

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If your current anti-virus solution let this infection through, you may want to consider purchasing the PRO version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.

For the antivirus program we most recommend is Kaspersky Antivirus. It yields the highest results in antivirus testing groups, and is one of the most trusted. It's antivirus product is well worth its cost. If you would like to know more, please click on the Kaspersky logo in my signature and it will take you to the appropriate product choice page so you can understand all of the different products.

While we would rather see you interested in Kaspersky Internet Security or Kaspersky PURE, the antivirus program will suffice enough. Both programs are well maintained and well above average for any security program. We're truly lucky Kaspersky exists as one of the best, because it beats most other products by miles.