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Windows Express Settings

Alias: Windows Express Settings, Microsoft Security Essentials Alert

Description: Posted on: Feb 22, 2011

Windows Express Settings is a fake Windows tool belonging to the Microsoft Security Essentials Alert family of fake Windows products. Once it infects your computer, Windows Express Settings pretends to scan your computer for viruses then claims to finds various infections. If you accept to remove the alleged infections, you are directed to their payment page in order to purchase the full version.

The fact that Windows Express Settings arrives at your computer without your knowledge makes it also a trojan. In order for Windows Express Settings to stop you from removing it, it disables your existing antivirus and antispyware programs and blocks access to help forums and to major name brand antispyware and antivirus vendor websites. It can also disable Task Manager so that you don't shut it down manually.

If you try to run your antivirus to remove Windows Express Settings, you receive a security alert warning saying that the application is infected. Other messages are:

Considerable System productivity Decline is observed.

Total System scanning is recommended to remove all all reasons of productivity decline.

Windows Express Settings is normally installed by means of a trojan or by drive-by downloads from rogue websites. In sone cases, it can be mistakenly downloaded from one of many fraudulent Fake Scanner Sites.

Windows Express Settings displays exaggerated fake scan results similar to those shown below:

Windows Express Settings Special Removal Instructions

Step 1: Download Vkill. If you cannot download directly to the infected computer, you can download it onto a clean computer and transfer it to the infected computer (by using a network or a flash drive).

If you cannot download directly to the infected computer and you do not know how to transfer files between two computers, click here for instructions on how to restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Once you are logged in Safe Mode, you can download SpyNoMore.

Step 2: Double-click Vkill several quick times in a row to disable Windows Express Settings. Make sure to save any unsaved work before you do that.

PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of double-clicking Vkill several times is to work around the infection's blocking ability. So make sure to keep double-clicking on Vkill until a notepad text file opens up. This text file will list the names of the processes killed. Once you see the text file, you can proceed to step 3 below. If you have clicked Vkill several times quickly and you still do not see a notepad text file open up, rename Vkill to 'explorer' and try again.

Step 3: Once Windows Express Settings has been disabled, you can download and run SpyNoMore. SpyNoMore will download updates then scan your computer and if Windows Express Settings is present, SNM will detect it and you will be able to see either Windows Express Settings or Microsoft Security Essentials Alert in the scan results. These are the same product. Please note that the free version of SpyNoMore will only show you the detections. In order to remove the infection you need to purchase a 1-year license which costs $29 (or $39 for 3 computers). In all cases, you will be able to see the infection in the free version scan results.

Step 4: Purchase the activation key from a clean computer by clicking on our Purchase link on spynomore.com. Write down the activation key and use it to activate SNM on the infected computer. This will remove Windows Express Settings and restore your internet connection. You will again be able to run your programs and applications without trouble.

Threat type:

Hijacker - A Hijacker is a software application that takes control of your browser's settings. Usually it changes your home page and redirects it to some unknown site or modifies your search settings. It prevents you from changing back your browser's settings. An infected browser usually operates much slower.

Ransomware - Ransomware is a software application that infects a computer and asks for money to have the infection removed.

Trojan - A Trojans or Trojan Horse is any programs that installs itself secretly normally via malware programs, quite often with sinister intent. Once installed, the trojan author (hacker) can gain complete control of the infected PC. Trojans are usually designed to steal sensitive information and/or destroy the system. Trojans can be distributed as unsolicited email attachments, or bundled with freeware and shareware programs.

Advice: Remove This is a very high risk threat and should be removed immediately as to prevent harm to your computer and / or to protect your privacy.

Detection:
SpyNoMore removes Windows Express Settings: Yes

Threat risk: Very High Risk

Extremely dangerous malware. Uses stealth installation, randomly named entries and has the capability to self update or resurrect after incomplete removal. Almost impossible to remove manually. Category mostly consists of trojans and spyware.

Symptoms:

Following error message is received on computers infected with Windows Optimal Tool:

Warning! Security Alert

Potentially harmful software is detected. To enable the security mode and remove harmful software it is recommended to perform a cleanup. Options are Deny, Enable Protection.

Microsoft Security Essentials Alert

Potential Threat Details

Microsoft Security Essentials detected potential threats that might compromise your private or damage your computer. Your access to these items may be suspended until you take an action. Click 'show details' to learn more.

System Security Warning

Attempt to modify register key entries is detected. Register entries analysis is recommended.

Windows Express Settings Signature Details: The following information includes some of the standard signatures associated with this spyware threat. Please do not attempt to manually remove these items from your computer; Removing these items incorrectly or partially can cause your computer to experience critical errors, prevent your computer from restarting or cause loss of Internet connectivity. Should you be infected with Windows Express Settings, you can clean your computer by downloading SpyNoMore now.

Running Process Signatures:
N/A

File Signatures:
N/A

Registered Dll (Dynamic Link Library) Signatures:
N/A

Folder Signatures:
N/A

Registry Signatures:
N/A

SpyNoMore Collected Residual File Signatures:
N/A