General Question

Raggedy_Ann's avatar

How to remove unwanted anti-virus spyware?

Asked by Raggedy_Ann (455points) March 16th, 2009

We have encountered an anti-virus spyware on our computer. Not sure how we got it but we can’t use the internet because every site comes up as blocked. We have an anti-virus program already. How can we remove it?

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15 Answers

simpleD's avatar

What OS are you running? Do you know the name of the program you are trying to remove? If it is a legitimate anti-malware app, you should be able to disable it through it’s control panel or preferences. If it can’t be identified or isolated, backup your data and reinstall your OS, then do a full scan with reliable anti-virus and anti-spyware apps.

Raggedy_Ann's avatar

We’re running Vista and I believe the program is called A360.

Raggedy_Ann's avatar

I should also mention that we are currently running Trend micro anti virus and Webroot Anti spyware programs.

Nancy13903's avatar

Go to “Add/Remove Programs” and right click what you want to remove and do so.

Raggedy_Ann's avatar

@Nancy13903 I tried that the other day and couldn’t even find it to remove it.

SeventhSense's avatar

It sounds like it may be malicious. I had a very insidious highly malicious backdoor bot along with hundreds of files of Trojans and nasties. They actually mimicked Windows Security center and Firewall!
I have found the best two anti spyware/malware removal tools are
Malwarebytes-antimalware
and Ad-aware by Lavasoft. Both are free and easy to use and the most effective products on the market. All the window techs suggest Malwarebytes and I would go with that first. With experience, I have also found that there is no substituting visiting Windows Update religiously. Even if you have the automatic updater. There is sometimes a lag from the release of new patches and the actual automatic update to your P.C.

Raggedy_Ann's avatar

@SeventhSense Thanks for the assistance. The problem I may have is that in order to download the software I’ve got to be able to visit the webpage and each time I try it says that it’s been blocked. So…with that in mind I don’t really know if this will work. I’m willing to try but I don’t know…...

SeventhSense's avatar

You need to start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking then try it.

SeventhSense's avatar

To start in Safe Mode
Click Start, click Shut Down, and then, In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, click Restart, and then click OK.
When it’s rebooting just keep tapping F8 key until the screen with options appears.
Use the arrow keys to highlight the appropriate safe mode-safe mode with networking option, and then press ENTER.
Then try to access internet from SAFE MODE

simpleD's avatar

Lots of discussion on the Net about A360. It is, indeed, malicious. There are a number of sites offering free scanning and removal tools: Try CNET or webtoolsandtips.com.

patrickwalker's avatar

I installed Panda antivirus and now it will not let me unistall it. I get a pop up what looks to be in spanish writing, how do I remove it. Its even on the lower part of my computer as an icon and I can’t even hide or remove it.

patrickwalker's avatar

I have a Inspiron 1521 Laptop computer

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