Remove XPAntivirus (Removal Instructions)

XPAntivirus is a scareware program that will not protect your computer in any way

Win32/FakeXPA

XPAntivirus, also known as Win32/FakeXPA, is an unwanted and corrupt anti-spyware application that infiltrates users' systems without acquiring direct permission from the user. In most cases, developers of this malware use fake alerts on various websites or already installed Trojans on the system for proliferation.

The main purpose of this threat is to show misleading computer security scan results and make users purchase its “full version.” In reality, there is no full version, and this program is a scam and a virus itself, so you should never pay and delete it from Windows as soon as possible.

Name	XPAntivirus
Type	Rogue antivirus, malware
Distribution	Fake online scanners, Trojan downloaders, P2P networks and websites, etc.
Dangers	Financial losses, sensitive information disclosure to cybercriminals, damaged Windows system files
Uninstall	You can try to uninstall this software via the Control Panel; if that does not work, employ a reputable antivirus, such as SpyHunter Combo Cleaner, and perform a full system scan
System fix	Rogue antivirus programs might often damage legitimate Windows files. If you notice that your system is crashing, lagging, or delivering errors, use Fortect Intego to fix all the virus damage automatically; alternatively, you might have to reinstall Windows or contact a professional IT help

Once installed, this malicious program will try to trick you into buying it by claiming you have been infected with spyware and then showing you falsified error reports. It uses all sorts of tricks in order to fulfill this malicious activity, for example:

The threat finds legitimate applications or files as malicious
It might prevent legitimate security tools from being started
Displays fake warning notifications via the taskbar or other pop-ups
Spawns several malicious files
Prevents users from accessing regular Windows features such as Task Manager, etc.

XP Antivirus 2008 does not remove any spyware, nor does it do anything useful at all. It is designed to milk money from unsuspecting internet users. Keep in mind that those who got tricked into purchasing this fake software might also have their credit card details exposed or leaked to cybercriminals.

So act accordingly – remove this fake antivirus immediately. You can follow the instructions below to see how to uninstall programs via the Control Panel. Unfortunately, this parasite is well equipped with various repelling mechanisms that might prevent you from eliminating it easily.

If normal removal does not work, you should perform a full system scan with a powerful antivirus program. Keep in mind that cleaning your web browsers is also very important, as the virus might return if the settings are not reset. Resetting web browsers is a good idea.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:

In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
Click Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:

Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
Then find On startup section.
Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
Select Details tab.
Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and site data:

Click on Menu and go to Settings.
Select Privacy, search and services.
Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
Under Time range, pick All time.
Select Clear now.

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

Click on Menu and select Settings.
On the left side, pick Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values.
Confirm with Reset.
This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
Select Add-ons.
In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:

Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
Choose Settings.
Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

Click Menu and pick Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security section.
Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
Click on Clear Data...
Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

Click on Menu and pick Settings.
Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
Click Clear data.

Change your homepage:

Click menu and choose Settings.
Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

Click on Menu and select Settings.
In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Confirm with Reset settings.

How to remove XPAntivirus