HT Logs. Tips, FAQs, Analyze.

Protection Center is a malicious program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Threat Type: rogue antispyware
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center

Command: C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Protection Center] “C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe” -noscan

DDS Line:

uRun: [Protection Center] C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center”=C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe

Description: Protection Center is a rogue antispyware program, which uses false scan results and fake security alerts as an attempt to trick you into buying full version of the software.

How to remove: use the Protection Center removal instructions or the steps below.

1. Download fix.zip from here, unzip it. Double Click fix.reg and click YES for confirm. Reboot your computer.

2. Download TDSSKiller from here and unzip to your desktop. Open tdsskiller folder and right click to TDSSKiller, select Rename. Type something like 123myname and press Enter. Double click it and follow the prompts.

3. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center”=-

:Commands
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]
Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and perform a scan.

security-fortress.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to security-fortress.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: security-fortress.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: security-fortress.net is not related with legit security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use the Antispyware Soft removal instructions or the steps below.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install, perform a scan and let it remove what it found. Reboot afterwards (important).

Security Master AV is a fake antivirus program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Name: SM{random}
Filename: SM{random}.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | Security Master AV

Command: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Security Master AV] “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe” /s /d

DDS Line:

mRun: [Security Master AV] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Security Master AV”=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe

Description: Security Master AV is a rogue antispyware program, which uses false scan results and fake security alerts as an attempt to trick you into buying full version of the software.

How to remove: use the Security Master AV removal instructions or the steps below.

1. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Security Master AV”=-

:Commands
[resethosts]
[Reboot]

Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

2. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and perform a scan.

antispyware-scan.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to antispyware-scan.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: antispyware-scan.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: antispyware-scan.net is not related with legitimate security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use these Antispyware Soft removal guide or the instructions below in order to remove this infection.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and update it. Perform a quick scan.

Antivirusutils.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to Antivirusutils.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: Antivirusutils.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: Antivirusutils.net is not related with legit security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use these Antispyware Soft removal guide or the instructions below in order to remove this infection.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and update it. Perform a quick scan.

Protect-ware.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to Protect-ware.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: Protect-ware.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: Protect-ware.net is not related with legitimate security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use these Antispyware Soft removal guide or the instructions below in order to remove this infection.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and update it. Perform a quick scan.

antispywareutilite.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to antispywareutilite.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: antispywareutilite.net
HijackThis Category:
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: antispywareutilite.net is not related with legit security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use these Antispyware Soft removal guide or the instructions below in order to remove this infection.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and update it. Perform a quick scan.

av.exe is a harmful program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Name: av
Filename: av.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.exe\shell
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\secfile
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Win Antispyware Center
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Win Antispyware Center
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Win Antispyware Center

Command: command
Startup Type: HKLM->Run, HKCU->Run, File associations
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [Win Antispyware Center] C:\Program Files\WinAntispywareCenter\av.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Win Antispyware Center] C:\Program Files\WinAntispywareCenter\av.exe

DDS Line:

mRun: [Win Antispyware Center] C:\Program Files\WinAntispywareCenter\av.exe
uRun: [Win Antispyware Center] C:\Program Files\WinAntispywareCenter\av.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Win Antispyware Center”=C:\Program Files\WinAntispywareCenter\av.exe
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Win Antispyware Center”=C:\Program Files\WinAntispywareCenter\av.exe

Description: core component of Win Antispyware Center. Win Antispyware Center is a rogue antispyware program.

How to remove: use these Win Antispyware Center removal instructions or the steps below.
1. Download fix1.zip from here, unzip it. Right click fix.inf and select Install.

2. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Win Antispyware Center”=-

:Commands
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]
Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and perform a scan.

XJR Antivirus.exe is a harmful program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Name: XJR Antivirus
Filename: XJR Antivirus.exe
Command: C:\Program Files\XJR Antivirus\XJR Antivirus.exe
Description: core component of XJR Antivirus. XJR Antivirus is a fake antivirus (known also as rogue antispyware) program.

How to remove: use the XJR Antivirus removal guide
or the steps below.
1. Download fix.zip from here, unzip it. Double Click fix.reg and click YES for confirm. Reboot your computer.
2. Download Avenger from here and unzip to your desktop. Run Avenger, copy,then paste the following text in Input script Box:
Drivers to delete:
AdbUpd

Files to delete:
%ProgramFiles%\XJR Antivirus
%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\XJR Antivirus
%ProgramFiles%\XJR Antivirus\XJR Antivirus.exe
%ProgramFiles%\adc_w32.dll
%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\XJR Antivirus\XJR Antivirus.lnk
%UserProfile%\Desktop\XJR Antivirus.lnk
%ProgramFiles%\alggui.exe
%ProgramFiles%\svchost.exe
Then click on ‘Execute’. You will now be asked First step completed — The Avenger has been successfully set up to run on next boot. Reboot now?. Click Yes.
3. Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Perform Quick Scan.

ByteDefender.exe is a harmful program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Name: ByteDefender
Filename: ByteDefender.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | ByteDefender

Command: C:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\ByteDefender.exe
Startup Type: HKLM->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [ByteDefender] “C:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\ByteDefender.exe” -min

DDS Line:

mRun: [ByteDefender] C:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\ByteDefender.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“ByteDefender”=C:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\ByteDefender.exe [2010-05-20 673808]

Description: core component of ByteDefender. ByteDefenderis a rogue antispyware program.

How to remove: use these ByteDefender removal instructions or the steps below.

Download Avenger from here and unzip to your desktop.
Run Avenger, make sure that the box next to “Scan for rootkits” has a tick in it and that the box next to “Automatically disable any rootkits found” does not have a tick in it, copy,then paste the following text in Input script Box:
Registry values to delete:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | ByteDefender

Folders to delete:
C:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software
Then click on ‘Execute’.