Vista Antivirus 2010

Seriously? I have a firewall and AVG (lol avg) on the background at all times. For some reason, I noticed I had a spyware called Vista Antivirus 2010. It's annoying me. I tried to scan it using AVG, AVG didn't help at all. Then I remembered, AVG scans viruses, not spywares. Spyware Doctor doesn't install on my laptop well, for some reason. Any suggestions? RAAAAAGE

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware should get rid of it. I had something like this last year.

Other anti-malware tools:
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- Lavasoft AdAware

I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials exclusively since I upgrade my laptop to Windows 7. It's surprisingly good.

Tried to do the following:

-Downloading Malwarebytes, can't install it for some reason.
-Tried Spybot, didn't help much.

My last option is to probably:

a) Use a backup
b) System Restore
or
c) Install Windows 7 and completely override everything.

-__- Anybody else got any ideas?

Microsoft Security Essentials? You don't have to be on W7 to use it.

I'll go get that now, actually -sigh-

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware should get rid of it. I had something like this last year.

that + super antispyware is a good 1-2 punch.

If you can't install it, try changing the name of the .exe. It worked for me when I had trouble like this.

If you can't install it, try changing the name of the .exe. It worked for me when I had trouble like this.

I remember I had trouble with one when it would delete mbam.exe immediately after install. Here's a folder of it renamed already: http://www.mediafire.com/?wmwzm3kkazm

You'll see what to do.

-Downloading Malwarebytes, can't install it for some reason.

Oh? Try installing any other antivirus. Try opening up the system restore wizard, too. Chances are, neither will work.

Start up your system in safe mode before running your programs. The reason it can't install is because the Vista Antivirus is preventing it from doing so. Starting your system in safe mode prevents Vista Antivirus from even starting up. If it's a really really pesky one, then chances are you're going to have to get your hands a little dirty and mess with some registry files.

By the way, AVG is pretty low tier now. Microsoft security essentials is better than AVG. If you really want a good program, go with Nod32.

If you can't install it, try changing the name of the .exe. It worked for me when I had trouble like this.

Yes, this works as well. Whoever made this is going to try to keep it in your system, and since Malwarebytes is fairly well know, that's going to be one of the first programs they'll prevent from running. Changing its name can let it slip by.

Actually. I'm going to take the easiest route. I'm sending my laptop to a cafe-owner (close friend) of mine, he has a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. I was either this, or to get Windows 7 ..I think it was either Basic or whatever from my uni (for free). I was going to install a bunch of things last night and let them run in Safe Mode though.

@Spidey: Tried to install MalwareBytes even IN safe mode, did not work. I installed Spybot, Spyware Doctor, etc, all worked. Except for my MalwareBytes downloads, which I tried from multiple sources. I didn't DL the one from sicnarf yet though. I figured, even if I did fix it with a spyware remover, I don't know where it's coming from, if it's really in my computer. My computer probably does have some security flaws. I originally had multiple passwords on my computer to protect it, as well as a really decent firewall before. But I system restored my computer a while ago, and ever since.. it got ..crappier? Everything went back to factory default settings, and now this happens. /rage

I'll just overwrite everything with Windows 7 Ultimate. I despise Vista with all of my hate anyways.

Also going to get a program from my friend that blocks scripts from all webpages. It'll instantly turn off unwanted advertisements and anything else, though some pages may look funky, I can change that be enabling scripts. This'll come in handy too. Once I Install Windows 7 on it, I'll do a complete revamp of my computer!

Actually. I'm going to take the easiest route. I'm sending my laptop to a cafe-owner (close friend) of mine, he has a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. I was either this, or to get Windows 7 ..I think it was either Basic or whatever from my uni (for free). I was going to install a bunch of things last night and let them run in Safe Mode though.

@Spidey: Tried to install MalwareBytes even IN safe mode, did not work. I installed Spybot, Spyware Doctor, etc, all worked. Except for my MalwareBytes downloads, which I tried from multiple sources. I didn't DL the one from sicnarf yet though. I figured, even if I did fix it with a spyware remover, I don't know where it's coming from, if it's really in my computer. My computer probably does have some security flaws. I originally had multiple passwords on my computer to protect it, as well as a really decent firewall before. But I system restored my computer a while ago, and ever since.. it got ..crappier? Everything went back to factory default settings, and now this happens. /rage

I'll just overwrite everything with Windows 7 Ultimate. I despise Vista with all of my hate anyways.

Also going to get a program from my friend that blocks scripts from all webpages. It'll instantly turn off unwanted advertisements and anything else, though some pages may look funky, I can change that be enabling scripts. This'll come in handy too. Once I Install Windows 7 on it, I'll do a complete revamp of my computer!

Hmm, I could have looked up what registry files you needed to edit for this particular spyware and walk you through what points need editing, but if you're fine with that method then I guess it kinda worked out for you.

Yes, blocking scripts from web pages is very useful. I make sure that my computer isn't exposed to anything suspicious. As I said before, a good antivirus and antispyware program is NOD32. It's not free (well, it is but y'know) but it's probably one of the best ones currently on the market.

Anyway, have fun with your revamp, I guess.

Hmm, I could have looked up what registry files you needed to edit for this particular spyware and walk you through what points need editing, but if you're fine with that method then I guess it kinda worked out for you.

Yes, blocking scripts from web pages is very useful. I make sure that my computer isn't exposed to anything suspicious. As I said before, a good antivirus and antispyware program is NOD32. It's not free (well, it is but y'know) but it's probably one of the best ones currently on the market.

Anyway, have fun with your revamp, I guess.

Windows 7 on. Spidey, I'll PM you in a sec to ask about something.

End result? Behold.

 Spoiler

Just got Ccleaner, AVG, and a different antivirus. Going to DL some other things to make sure my system is secure. Still lots to do. Thanks for everyone's help so far! Loving my Windows 7.

Still using RC-1?

You have a few more months before it goes apeshit every 2 hours on you...

End result? Behold.

 Spoiler

Just got Ccleaner, AVG, and a different antivirus. Going to DL some other things to make sure my system is secure. Still lots to do. Thanks for everyone's help so far! Loving my Windows 7.

I certainly hope you're not running two antivirus programs at the same time. Running two antivirus programs is kinda like wearing two condoms.

Also - evaluation copy? When does that run out? I had that months ago and thought the evaluation copies would be experied by now. Unless your friend removed the timer.

I certainly hope you're not running two antivirus programs at the same time. Running two antivirus programs is kinda like wearing two condoms.

Also - evaluation copy? When does that run out? I had that months ago and thought the evaluation copies would be experied by now. Unless your friend removed the timer.

Easy fix. I'll get the product key in a bit. I'm not worried. Secondly, that watermark can easily be gotten rid of.