How to remove Win32.Vitro

Win32.Vitro is a malicious program that spreads via fake video codec installers

Win32.Vitro is a dangerous Trojan that can lead to serious Windows malfunctions. Similar to Vundo or Zlob, this parasite is mainly spread via fake installers of codecs, media players, and similar tools. In particular, this virus is known to be delivered via websites which offer free online movies.

Upon entry to the site, users are told that they need to download a video codec to view the content that is being offered. Once they do, they end up infecting their Windows machines with malware known as Win32.Vitro. Its main goal is to download additional payloads on the infected system and prevents its easy elimination. It is also often encountered along with Virut malware.

Once active, Win32.Vitro performs various malicious actions. It downloads and installs additional malware and spyware without the user's permission. What is more, it advertises rogue anti-spyware applications such as Antivirus 360 and System Protector. As a result, victims might be tricked into spending money on useless software or disclose credit card information to cybercriminals.

Besides that, the Trojan can also severely damage Windows system files. Those infected said that they were unable to use regular Windows features, such as Task Manager or Registry Editor. Disabling such functions is very typical of parasites of this type since it limits users' ability to remove the threat easily. In some cases, users are unable to start their PCs at all.

Win32.Vitro is a polymorphic threat, which means that it can infect various .exe and .scr files automatically and recreate itself as soon as some malicious files are deleted. Therefore, it is vital to perform a proper virus removal with robust anti-malware software. We recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, although any other reputable security tool of your choice should work well. Just make sure it is updated before performing a scan.

This virus must be removed at the earliest stage because removal delay will cause even more damage to the system. In some cases, it is unavoidable, and you might have to reinstall Windows altogether. Before doing that, we highly recommend you use FortectIntego as an alternative remediation method, as it can easily find and fix malware-caused damage on Windows machines within just a few minutes.

Avoid downloading suspicious video codec files

Free streaming websites have been trending for a while now, as users are keen on watching stuff that otherwise would cost money to watch. Due to this, websites that specialize in torrents and streaming services have been booming. Unfortunately, since these websites are commonly associated with pirating (it provides access to licensed videos), they lack a lot of regulations and serves as a hub for malware distributors.

One of the most prominent ransomware families known as Djvu is being distributed exclusively via software cracks – it remains the most widespread file-locking parasite in the world, infecting hundreds of people daily. Therefore, you should avoid websites that promise you free streams or movies, as they could easily result in personal information theft, malware infection, or financial losses. Keep in mind that no “codecs” are needed for streaming nowadays, as modern web browsers have built-in technologies to deal with compatibility issues.

Elimination steps for Win32.Vitro

As already mentioned, the Vitro virus is devastating and can make users have to reinstall Windows in order to be eliminated fully. However, it is not a necessary move in most cases, as all you have to do is access Safe Mode with Networking and perform a full system scan from there with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or another security software.

You can also try to find eliminate files such as 717.exe or vsbntlo.exe manually, but there could be hundreds or thousands of malicious files residing on your device thanks to the infection. Besides, you might also delete useful system files, compromising the machine even more.

If your Windows was damaged more severely, and as a result, you are experiencing crashes and shutdowns, you should use FortectIntego to fix virus damage automatically. Alternatively, you would have to reinstall the OS.