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AntiSpyware Expert

AntiSpyware Expert: Rogue AntiSpyware Too Tough to Manually Remove

AntiSpyware Expert is the latest in cleverly disguised rogue spyware to hit the world wide web. Brethren to the pesky XPAntivirus, AntiSpyware Expert contains a highly graphical interface, but still fails to deliver on the promise of protecting a computer from dangerous instances of spyware and malware. Here is how you can identify your computer has installed AntiSpyware Expert, remove it manually from your computer, and the types of products you should use to prevent future unauthorized installations.

Identifying AntiSpyware Expert

AntiSpyware Expert is frequently a light blue window with a four color diamond in the top left color, mimicking the Windows' logo. This is not an official Microsoft product. On the left side is menu including functions like System Scan, Recover, Security, Settings. It will scan your computer, find alleged instances of spyware or malware, and promise to remove these threats. The catch is in order to use the removal function, you must buy a license for the software.

You do not want to buy a license and most certainly do not want to remove the instances of malware found by AntiSpyware Expert's scan. AntiSpyware Expert is slightly different than other rogue spyware programs because it identifies legitimate Windows' processes and files as "dangerous." Guess what happens when you remove them? You guessed it, you authorize the disabling of your own operating system!

Manually Removing AntiSpyware Expert

Manually removing any spyware or malware is a risky endeavor for any computer user. First, you will be editing registry keys, which are the building blocks of the operating system. Mistakes made here can cause irreparable damage, and result in a complete reinstall of Windows. Second, there is the likelihood a file or process will be overlooked, and the rogue spyware program like AntiSpyware Expert will simply reinstall itself on the machine.

First, backup all important documents. Just in case you must wipe your hard drive and reinstall Windows, you can scan the files with a good anti-virus and anti-spyware program like Paretologic's XoftSpySE before placing the documents back on the hard drive.

Next, press CTRL-ALT-DELETE and stop all processes with the name AntiSpyware Expert or ASE in it. From the Run prompt in the Start Menu, use the command 'regedit' to open the registry editor. Delete the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareAntiSpywareExpert
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows
CurrentVersion

Run "AntiSpywareExpert"

Finally, delete all of the files associated with AntiSpywareExpert. Most of these will be found in the C:Documents and Settings folder. In this folder, delete:

All UsersStart MenuProgramsAntiSpywareExpert folder

forensicsDesktopAntiSpywareExpert.Ink

forensicsApplication DataMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick LaunchAntiSpyware.Ink

Also, check C:Program Files for an AntiSpywareExpert folder, and be sure to delete this folder and associated files as well. To double check you have successfully deleted all files associated with AntiSpywareExpert, use the Search function in Windows Explorer to look for files with the name *AntiSpywareExpert*.* and ASE*.* and delete and files that appear. The asterisks act as wild cards, and will return any files with a form of AntiSpywareExpert in the name.

You need to have sufficient knowledge and experience of Windows files to prevent accidental deletion of system files. Also, make sure you empty your Recycle Bin if your deleted files are going there. Leaving malware and spyware in the Recycle Bin can lead to unauthorized re-installations.

Restart your computer. AntiSpyware Expert should not start running, nor should it be in the Start Menu.

Automatic Removal of AntiSpyware Expert

If you do not care to manually remove AntiSpyware Expert, or just can't seem to remove all components manually, it's time to use a professional malware removal tool. Paretologic offers many of the industry's best spyware, malware, and virus protection software out there. Plus, many products, like XoftSpySE will fulfill multiple roles.

You can download a free trial version of XoftSpySE at Paretologic.com. XoftSpySE will run on most computers, even those that are a number of years old since the system requirements are fairly low. XoftSpySE will scan your computer, and you can also schedule regular scans to help prevent attacks from known rogue anti-spyware programs like AntiSpyware Expert.

Another benefit of Paretologic is the lack of limelight on the product. Using many of the overly advertised anti-virus and anti-spyware names out there is similar to painting a target on your computer. Developers of spyware and viruses want to affect the most amount of people, so naturally they program nasty bugs to use the vulnerabilities of the most popular software solutions, like Microsoft, Norton, and others.

You want your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to be like a covert police task force on your computer. You want a product with a robust and constant updated database of threats, like Paretologic, but also one that no one talks about or specifically targets to wreak havoc. Not only that, but it also helps that Paretologic's XoftSpySE is modestly priced so most computer users can easily afford the protection and peace of mind that comes with the download.

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