The Windows Active Defender is regarded as a rogue as it is made to look like a real AntiSpyware program, using online scans that are fake that users are re-directed to make the user think their computer is infected and need download and install the rogue.
The Windows Active Defender creates fake alert messages that are created to scare the user into thinking their computer is infected by blocking all applications used in the fake alert messages as a way to scare users into purchasing the rogue application in order to clean their computers.
The Windows Active Defender includes in the registry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Image File Execution Options, with hundreds of entries of the different legitimate Antivirus companies’ executable files to block them from being able to be ran.
Files and Locations:
XP
<Drive>:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\<USER>\APPLICATION DATA\Protector-<random Names>.exe
Win7
<Drive>:\USERS\<USER>\AppData\ROAMING\Protector-<Random Names>.exe
The Windows Active Defender rogue can be removed manually, however, because of blocking apps and possible infections by other malware that could have been included, it is best to use our Antivirus removal tool, VIPRE Antivirus.
You can download a free trial to remove the rogue by clicking on the link below:
http://www.vipreantivirus.com/Antivirus-Trial/VIPRE-Antivirus/
If you are unable to download and install our malware removal tool because the rogue has infected your computer and is not allowing you to install the program, you can use our VIPRE Rescue Disc here:
