Somehow, even though, I was running AVG Free virus protection, this virus/malware (AV Security 2012) took over my computer. It wouldn’t let me bring up the control panel or almost anything.
It took me less than 5 minutes to disable it, however a couple of hours to remove it. I use Windows XP, but if you use another operating system like Vista or 7, just read through it and if you are actively searching for a cure, then you will probably be able to follow along even if you use something different than XP.
This is how I got rid of it or at least disabled it long enough to remove it.
I was able to restart the computer and during the start up I hit the F8 key so I could enter safe mode.
1. Once in safe mode I right clicked on the desktop AV Security 2012 icon and selected properties, which told me where it was pointing.
2. I then brought up explorer via right clicking on the START button on the widows task bar and selecting explore. You can also do this via My Computer or however you like. Anyway, I went to the .exe file that the AV Security 2012 desktop icon was pointing to and renamed it, well I just added the word sucks to the name.
3. I then, because I use Fire Fox, brought up the window and cleared my cookies.
4. Then in the task bar I clicked on start, then run and typed msconfig. Then selected the Startup tab and unchecked AV Security 2012. Clicked OK and restarted my computer.
5. Although, the Malware program was still on my computer, it was not being activated. I then downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials and installed it. I ran a quick scan, which took over an hour for me and I uninstalled AVG Free virus protection at the same time. The Essentials discovered the AV Security virus and removed it. However, it left the desktop icon and the folder with the same name, which I just deleted, since the files where already removed.
6. I restarted and everything works perfectly again.
Best of luck…
