Antivirus XP 2008 is a rogue spyware program that tricks unsuspecting computer users into buying its full version by displaying fake security alerts and warnings. Today, Antivirus XP 2008 is regarded as one of the most widespread and harmful threats infecting computers worldwide.
Technical Details of Antivirus XP 2008
- Full Name: XP Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus Protection Version 2.4
- Type: Fake antivirus program
- Origin: www.xpantivirus2008.com, www.xpantivirus.com
- Related threats: AntivirusXP2008, AntiVirXP08, XP Antivirus, XP Antivirus 2008
How Antivirus XP 2008 Enters Your System
The two most common ways of spreading Antivirus XP 2008 are through dubious websites and e-mail attachments. Many dubious websites display fake warning messages and security alerts when you visit them. When you click on these fake warning messages, the Antivirus XP 2008 is automatically installed on your computer.
As soon as this rogue program installs on a computer, it starts showing further fake security alerts that your computer is infected. The program does not remove the so-called threats; rather, it prompts you to buy the full version.
It is recommended that you ignore these fake security alerts and take adequate measures to uninstall this dangerous program from your computer.
How to Remove Antivirus XP 2008
You can remove this program manually or by using a reliable antimalware software.
Automatic Removal Process of Antivirus XP 2008
Download and Install a reliable antimalware tool, such as StopZilla. Next, reboot your Windows in Safe Mode and run a complete malware scan on your computer.
Manual Removal Process of Antivirus XP 2008
To manually remove Antivirus XP 2008, you need to complete the following tasks:
Task 1 – Terminate the infected processes
Open the Windows Task Manager (press Ctrl+Alt+Del), locate and terminate the following processes:
rhcn7cj0ea59.exe
AntivirusXP2008.exe
av2008xp.exe
lphcj7cj0ea59.exe
pphcj7cj0ea59.exe
scan[1].exe
vvunbwrhxa.exe
AntivirusXP.exe
1scan31[1].exe
1450345358.exe
SetupAntivirusXP[1].exe
Task 2 – Delete the files associated with this program
Use the built-in Search utility to locate and delete the following files:
XPAntivirusUpdate.exe
XPAntivirus.exe
xpa2008.exe
xpa.exe
wininet.dll
shlwapi.dll
XP antivirus
Uninstall XPAntivirus.lnk
XPAntivirus on the Web.lnk
XP Antivirus 2008.lnk
XPAntivirus.lnk
Uninstall XP Antivirus 2008.lnk
XPAntivirus.url
Task 3 – Delete Antivirus XP 2008 registry entries
Important: It is recommended that you edit the registry only if you are comfortable doing so. As a precaution, always create a registry backup before editing. To do this, you may seek the assistance of a reliable Windows Registry maintenance tool, such as RegGenie.
Run the regedit command to open the Registry Editor window. Next, locate and delete the following registry entries:
- Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Start Menu2\Programs\Antivirus XP 2008
- Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\SMrhcn7cj0ea59
- Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\rhcn7cj0ea59
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\RUN\s9201
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\rhcn7cj0ea59
- Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\lphcj7cj0ea59
- SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\User Agent\Post Platform\AntivirXP08
- MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\RUN\AntivirusXP.exe
What to do After You Uninstall Antivirus XP 2008
It is necessary that you take proper precautions to ensure that you don’t become prey to such malicious programs in the future.
Listed below are three tips that will help you achieve this:
- Keep your antimalware tool up-to-date with the latest malware definitions and security updates
- Stay away from dubious websites
- Do not open unsolicited e-mail attachments