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SystemDefender Removal Guide

SystemDefender Description

SystemDefender is a fake anti-spyware application that appeared on September 21, 2007. Usually SystemDefender is downloaded and installed by Trojans or through browser security exploits. Once executed, SystemDefender will offer you a free system scan for spyware. Then it will show you an exaggerated and fake scan report and will prompt you to purchase the full version of SystemDefender. Moreover, SystemDefender may open huge browser security holes and steal personal information, such as credit card numbers, banking accounts, PayPal passwords etc. SystemDefender may also download and execute hijackers, dialers and other malware.

How can I Detect SystemDefender?

The most common spyware removal tactic is to uninstall SystemDefender by using the "Add/Remove Programs" utility. However, as there may still be hidden SystemDefender files, it's possible that SystemDefender will reappear after reboot. Follow the SystemDefender detection and removal methods below.

SystemDefender Automatic Detection (Recommended)

Is your PC infected with SystemDefender? To safely & quickly detect SystemDefender, we highly recommend you...

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter's malware scanner detects SystemDefender on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove SystemDefender and other malware threats.

View "How SystemDefender Infects Your Computer" Video

Is your PC really infected with SystemDefender? View "How SystemDefender Infects Your Computer" video and learn how SystemDefender infects a computer. To fully capture the experience of the video turn your sound ON.

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SystemDefender Manual Removal Instructions

Below is a list of SystemDefender manual removal instructions and SystemDefender components listed to help you remove SystemDefender from your PC. Backup Reminder: Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

Note: This manual removal process may be difficult and you run the risk of destroying your computer. We recommend that you use SpyHunter's malware detection tool to check for SystemDefender.

Step 1 : Use Windows File Search Tool to Find SystemDefender Path

1. Go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders.
2. In the "All or part of the the file name" section, type in "SystemDefender" file name(s).
3. To get better results, select "Look in: Local Hard Drives" or "Look in: My Computer" and then click "Search" button.
4. When Windows finishes your search, hover over the "In Folder" of "SystemDefender", highlight the file and copy/paste the path into the address bar. Save the file's path on your clipboard because you'll need the file path to delete SystemDefender in the following manual removal steps.
5. "SystemDefender" files can be found in the directory path(s):
6. %AppData%\SystemDefender %ProgramFiles%\SystemDefender
   

Step 2 : Use Windows Task Manager to Remove SystemDefender Processes

1. To open the Windows Task Manager, use the combination of CTRL+ALT+DEL or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
2. Click on the "Image Name" button to search for "SystemDefender" process by name.
3. Select the "SystemDefender" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
4. Remove the "SystemDefender" processes files:
5. SystemDefender_Installer[1].exe SpywareLocker.exe SystemDefender.exe
   Read more about How to kill SystemDefender Processes

Step 3 : Use Registry Editor to Remove SystemDefender Registry Values

1. To open the Registry Editor, go to Start > Run > type regedit and then press the "OK" button.
2. Locate and delete the entry or entries whose data value (in the rightmost column) is the spyware file(s) detected earlier.
3. To delete "SystemDefender" value, right-click on it and select the "Delete" option.
4. Locate and delete "SystemDefender" registry entries:
5. SystemDefender HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SystemDefender" = ""C:\Program Files\SystemDefender\SystemDefender.exe" hide" HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SystemDefender HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SystemDefender HKEY_USERS\Software\SystemDefender
   Read more about How to Remove SystemDefender Registry Entries

Step 4 : Detect and Delete Other SystemDefender Files

1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then press the "OK" button.
2. Type in "dir /A name_of_the_folder" (for example, C:\Spyware-folder), which will display the folder's content even the hidden files.
3. To change directory, type in "cd name_of_the_folder".
4. Once you have the file you're looking for type in "del name_of_the_file".
5. To delete a file in folder, type in "del name_of_the_file".
6. To delete the entire folder, type in "rmdir /S name_of_the_folder".
7. Select the "SystemDefender" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
8. Remove the "SystemDefender" processes files:
9. SystemDefender.lnk SystemDefender Uninstall.lnk SystemDefender_Installer[1].exe SpywareLocker.exe SystemDefender SystemDefender.exe
   Read more about How to Delete Harmful Files

SystemDefender Recommendation

RECOMMENDED: To avoid the unnecessary risk of damaging your computer, we highly recommend you use a good malware remover to track SystemDefender and automatically remove SystemDefender as well as other spyware, adware, trojans, and virus threats in your PC.

If you believe you have SystemDefender installed on your computer, check for SystemDefender with SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove SystemDefender and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool. Since new SystemDefender files are constantly being released, it is normally advised to run SpyHunter's scanner weekly to get the latest updates on SystemDefender and other malware threats.

To learn more on SystemDefender, see our SystemDefender resource section below.

More SystemDefender Resources

What is Trojans?

SystemDefender is a type of Trojans.

Trojans install themselves secretly and quietly onto your computer, most often by the simple downloading of email attachments (usually .avi, .pif, .exe, and even .jpg files.) Most Trojans gain complete control over your system after installation, and with that may delete files, steal passwords, change your system settings, and monitor your computer acitivity.

Think you have SystemDefender? Run SpyHunter's malware scan and automatically detect SystemDefender on your PC.

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SystemDefender Prevention Rules

Protect your computer from SystemDefender and other spyware by following these four easy prevention rules.

Rule #1: Keep your Windows Security up-to-date

Microsoft provides updates weekly and can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website.
Tip: Regularly visit Windows Update and set your computer to receive security & critical updates automatically.

To get Microsoft Update, go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates, and select "ALL High-Priority Security Updates" from the list.

Then open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet, then press "Default Level", then OK. Now press "Custom Level."

Rule #2: Download and install a reliable anti-spyware software

A good anti-spyware software that recognizes current SystemDefender spyware as well as other forms of spyware can can be the answer to all your security issues. Listed below is an anti-spyware program that can effectively reverse the damage of your computer and detect SystemDefender automatically.

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove SystemDefender and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool.

Rule #3: Install and keep your firewall turned on

A firewall is essential for a complete protection of your PC. Make sure that your firewall is always turned on. A firewall can prevent unwanted software like SystemDefender from infecting your computer.

Rule #4: Keep your anti-spyware definitions up-to-date

Since new SystemDefender files can be created every day, it is important to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date. Your anti-spyware scanner should have an update feature where with a click of a button you can get new spyware definitions instantly. Often, an anti-spyware software will open an update window reminding you that there are new updates available.

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SystemDefender Screenshots

View SystemDefender screenshots below and see for yourself how SystemDefender looks like. Learn how to recognize SystemDefender when it infects your machine.

(click on SystemDefender image to enlarge)

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