XP Total Security hoax virus

[Cam Gibb]

I have friend that has got this. I'm fairly experienced at dealing with stuff like this but this is a toughy. It started with pop ups looking like windows xp security windows saying virus detected, need to download softaware to remove it. She kept denying but it continued to interfere more and more to the point of preventing internet access.

I searched net and found license number claimed to fool it that you paid for this fake scam. Which was supposed to stop it from interfering with net acces, allowing getting proper removal software.

The key fooled it, but, her net access is not working, she gets pop ups after clicking net access shortcuts, asking what she wants to use to open file. It's a deadend circle.

Many previously loading drivers for video card, sound, IMVU, system restore, all get same run around pop up.

[Cam Gibb]

Will she, well me, when I can get over there, have to wipe hard drive to reinstall winxp and countless other software and drivers ?

Maybe best, I'll tell her, if needed, as it was getting a bit laggy, fresh system with Avast 6 and Maywarebytes may be a "Godsend", lol ? ;-)

[Cam Gibb]

I'm guessing the question is should anti virus and firewall no longer be trusted against malware, spyware, adware, etc ?

Does the public have to be told they can't rely on just Avast ?

[DavidR]

See this for detailed info on rogue/fake alerts like this - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-win-7-internet-security-2011.

[Lisandro]

I'm guessing the question is should anti virus and firewall no longer be trusted against malware, spyware, adware, etc ?
Does the public have to be told they can't rely on just Avast ?

You can't rely on only one defense layer.
There is not a software that can't be sure 100% all the time.