XP Security Centre virus

[Chiefy]

Help, I know ferk all about computers.

A couple of days ago I started to get a Red circle with a white 'X' in it as an icon in the bottom right of the screen.

Every so often there'd be a Pop up say the Windows had detected spyware infection and to click on the Pop up to fix the propblem.

Clicking on the Pop up directed me to an internet site flogging XP Security Centre for $50.00.

Also, it would stop me accessing websites giving me the standard "This page is not accesible" page instead, however, if I tried a second time I'd always get the page I wanted.

We use Sky broadband for internet access (with added McAfee) everything is up to date and secure.

I've Googled the problem, which told me that this is anything from an annoying little routine to trick you into buying the XP Security Centre right up to a PC Threatening issue. But I can't find a fix.

I've run McAfee and Ad-Aware several times and re-booted straight afterwards.

It currently looks like I've got rid of the internet redirection, but I still get the irritating pop up message, and I'm not confident that there isn't something more sinister going on.

Anyone else had this and managed to get rid of it?

If so........................How.

[Limey_Dave]

I had something like this called Smiley International.
AVG and Registry Mechanic wouldn't remove it as it had installed as a program.
Go to control panel-add/remove programs.
When the list has compiled,if you see the icon click on it to highlight it in blue and click on Remove.

[Roger]

Chiefy. There's a few things out there that produce a fake security centre like you have. I can talk you through removing it if you wish.

[Chiefy]

Originally Posted by Roger

Chiefy. There's a few things out there that produce a fake security centre like you have. I can talk you through removing it if you wish.

Cheers Roger

Check your PM's

[Hawkeye]

You could always go to an earlier date in your restore point.

[Roger]

It's sorted.