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I have a red circle with a x in my system tray with a small pop up bubble saying: "warning! security report. Your computer is infected! It is recommended to start spyware cleaner tool."

Does anyone know how to get rid of it?
I've tried downloading and running anti spyware programs but they all crash. I have no idea what to do beyond that.

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This looks like a classic rogue "security" alert that tries to get users to run a fake cleaner. Do not click the popup or follow its installer/registration prompts. Because reports that anti‑spyware tools crash, the malware is likely actively blocking scanners — so installing another product immediately (as suggested) may fail unless the malicious process is contained first. 's pointer to the forum is useful for reference, but the following containment-and-cleanup sequence is more immediate.

Immediate containment and first passes:

  1. Do not interact with the popup. Disconnect the PC from the network (unplug Ethernet / disable Wi‑Fi) to reduce further downloads or remote control.
  2. Boot to Safe Mode with Networking (older Windows: press F8 at boot; Windows 8/10/11: hold Shift and click Restart -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options) and try runs there.
  3. Use Task Manager or a tool like Process Explorer to stop obvious newly started processes (note names). Run msconfig or Autoruns to disable suspicious startup entries so the rogue does not relaunch.

If scanners crash: offline rescue and rootkit checks

  • On a clean machine, download a reputable rescue ISO (vendor rescue disk) and create a bootable USB/CD. Boot the infected PC from that media and run a full scan offline.
  • Run a dedicated rootkit remover (e.g., TDSSKiller) from Safe Mode or rescue media; some infections need a tool that runs before Windows loads.
  • If a tool called RKill is needed to stop malicious services temporarily, run it first (from Safe Mode) and then run full scanners like Malwarebytes or Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Manual checks and last resorts:

  • Inspect startup locations in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\...\Run. Check the hosts file at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts for redirections.
  • Disable System Restore to remove infected restore points, scan/clean, then re-enable it.
  • Back up personal data (avoid copying executables), scan backups before reuse, and if the infection persists, back up data and perform a clean OS reinstall. After cleanup, change all important passwords and monitor accounts.

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Member Avatar for MALATESHA

I have a red circle with a x in my system tray with a small pop up bubble saying: "warning! security report. Your computer is infected! It is recommended to start spyware cleaner tool."

Does anyone know how to get rid of it?
I've tried downloading and running anti spyware programs but they all crash. I have no idea what to do beyond that.
just instal Quick heal anti virus S/W and scan the computer,

and then do Bootscan once . (install letest version)

Edited by Reverend Jim because: Fixed formatting
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