Remove not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent

remove not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent

What is Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent!

Even though not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent is classified as a potentially unwanted program, it also shares many adware and virus-like traits. For example, one day you turn on your computer and find out that the program has infected your system. How? Well, there are several giveaways, which are sure proof that your system has been invaded by malware. One sure way to know that  your system has been exposed to a threat is by turning on your PC and finding out that there were changes made that you did not approve or do yourself. Also, there will be a constant array of pop-up ads every time you use your browser. Some of the most common changes include changing your toolbars and hijacking your home page and search engine. not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent is similar to adware by the constant bombardment of advertising banners, pop-up ads and in-text ads, while the virus-like characteristics kick in when it comes to the methods used to infiltrate your system. This tool can not only be extremely annoying, but also extremely harmful, so do yourself a favour and get rid of it as soon as you can.

How did I get infected with Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent?

Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent uses methods of infiltration common to most malware and viruses. The one method that pops up above all the rest is via freeware installation. Users fail to understand that they should be extra careful when it comes to installing freeware. Instead, they are not nearly as attentive as they should be and that distraction costs them. By not reading through the terms and conditions BEFORE agreeing to them, users risk ending up with not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent on your PC, or worse.

Why is Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent Dangerous?

Just like adware, not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent is ad-supported by unknown third parties with malicious intentions. Bear in mind that other than the never-ending array of annoying pop-up ads, the application also interferes with your browsing experience and generally slows down your system’s performance. In order to spare yourself of the frustration and the troubles of dealing with the potential mess not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent can cause, do what’s best for you and your PC, and simply delete it as soon as you first become aware of its presence.

How to Remove Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Agent?

from Windows 7 (Win 8 instructions are further below)

  • Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your infected computer
  • Restart the computer
  • When you see a table, start tapping the F8 key every second until you enter the Advanced Boot Options

kbd F8

  • in the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

safe-mode-with-networking

  • Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

win-plus-r

  • A dialog box should open. Type iexplore www.virusresearch.org/download-en

scanner2

  • your Internet Explorer will open and a professional scanner will start downloading
  • Follow the instruction and use the professional malware removal tool to detect the files of the virus.
  • After performing a full scan you will be asked to register the software. You can do that or perform a manual removal as shown in step 2

from Windows 8

Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking

  • Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
  • Move the mouse to the upper right corner until the windows 8 charm menu appears
  • Click on the magnifying glass

win-8-advanced-settings

  • select Settings
  • in the search box type Advanced
  • On the left the following should appear

advanced-startup-options-win-8

  • Click on Advanced Startup Options
  • Scroll down a little bit and click on Restart Now

advanced-startup-restart

  • Click on Troubleshoot

troubleshoot

  • Then Advanced options

advanced-options

  • Then Startup settings

startup-settings

  • Then Restart

restart-win-8

  • When you see this screen press F5 – Enable Safe Mode with Networking

f4-win-8

  • Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

win-plus-r

  • A dialog box should open. Type iexplore www.virusresearch.org/download-en

scanner

  • Internet Explorer will open and a professional scanner will start downloading
  • Follow the instruction and use the professional malware removal tool to detect the files of the virus.
  • After performing a full scan you will be asked to register the software. You can do that or perform a manual removal.
  • To perform Manual removal you need to follow the steps below.

STEP 2: Locate the virus start-up point

Unfortunately, an accurate manual removal of general adware application is not possible.

Anyway here is what you can try to fix the problem manually.

While in safe mode, simultaneously press the Windows Logo Button and then “R” to open the Run Command

Run_command

  • Type “services.msc” search for any suspicious service name and disable it.
  • Open your Windows Registry Editor
  • Navigate and delete any suspicious ones, like it’s shown below:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\RUN|safjwqr, C:\Users\”USERNAME”\AppData\Roaming\lsjnap\pxmebs.exe

SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\RUN|safjwqr, C:\Users\”USERNAME”\AppData\Roaming\lsjnap\pxmebs.exe

Please, note, that the file names are random and yours might be different.

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