Windows Functionality Checker

Windows Functionality Checker Description

Windows Functionality Checker is a fake anti-malware and security scanner from the Rogue:Win32/FakePAV subgroup of scamware. Going by looks alone, Windows Functionality Checker appears to be able to detect malicious software and bears a strong resemblance to Microsoft Security Essentials, but Windows Functionality Checker completely avoids any attempt to find or remove actual PC threats from your computer. Repeated alerts and fake scans from Windows Functionality Checker are only used to bludgeon you into spending money on Windows Functionality Checker’s fake ‘full version,’ and SpywareRemove.com malware experts warn that Windows Functionality Checker may even monitor and attempt to close other programs, including security applications. Since Windows Functionality Checker is a security risk, as well as a fraudulent overall product, it’s suggested that you remove Windows Functionality Checker with a real anti-malware scanner whenever the chance is available.

The Hidden Functions That Wait Underneath Windows Functionality Checker’s Fake Features

Windows Functionality Checker does its best to appear as trustworthy as Microsoft Security Essentials, and to this end, copies a great deal of the latter’s appearance. Functions that Windows Functionality Checker pretends to possess can include complete system scans for malicious software, automatic self-updating and protection against phishing attacks. However, all of Windows Functionality Checker’s features are fake and only imitate the appearance of being useful while avoiding any actual payoff that would benefit your PC. SpywareRemove.com malware experts especially emphasize that Windows Functionality Checker can neither find nor delete PC threats, such as worms, Trojans or rootkits from your computer. However, Windows Functionality Checker may use warning messages like the ones below to fool you into thinking differently:

Warning!
Location: [application file path]
Viruses: Backdoor.Win32.Rbot

Warning! Database update failed!
Database update failed!
Outdated viruses databases are not effective and can`t [sic] guarantee adequate protection and security for your PC!
Click here to get the full version of the product and update the database!

Warning! Running trial version!
The security of your computer has been compromised!
Now running trial version of the software!
Click here to purchase the full version of the software and get full protection for your PC!

Windows Functionality Checker may also attempt to scan your memory and close programs that Windows Functionality Checker judges as undesirable – such as anti-malware products that could remove Windows Functionality Checker from your computer.

Other targets can include Adobe-brand software, webcam tools, downloading utilities, instant messengers, certain brands of web browsers and script packages like JavaScript. Since Windows Functionality Checker may shut down the anti-malware programs that could detect and remove Windows Functionality Checker safely, SpywareRemove.com malware analysts recommend disabling Windows Functionality Checker before trying to scan your PC. To achieve this, boot into Safe Mode, which is available on all Windows computers.

Where an Extensive Check Up on Windows Functionality Checker Leads You

Windows Functionality Checker was only noted as a danger in February of 2012, but Windows Functionality Checker’s family of scamware is significantly older than this date and extends back to 2011. Similar programs from Windows Functionality Checker’s classification include, for just a few examples, Live Enterprise Suite, Windows Problems Stopper, Windows Defending Center, Windows Interactive Security, Windows Proprietary Advisor, Live PC Care, Windows PRO Scanner, Windows Shielding Utility, Windows Basic Antivirus, Windows Custodian Utility, Smart Virus Eliminator, My Security Shield, Windows Safety Checkpoint, Windows Premium Defender, PrivacyGuard PRO, Windows Security Renewal, Windows Secure Workstation, Personal Security Sentinel, Windows Ultimate Safeguard, Strong Malware Defender, Windows Safety Toolkit, Windows Daily Adviser, Windows ProSecurity Scanner, Windows Active Defender, Windows Virtual Angel, Windows System Defender, Windows Care Taker, Windows Pro Safety, Windows Trouble Taker, Activate Ultimate Protection, Enterprise Suite, Windows Virtual Firewall, Windows Security Suite, PC Live Guard, Smart Security, Windows Private Shield, Windows Advanced User Patch, Windows Guardian Angel, Windows No-Risk Center, Windows Web Combat, Windows Shield Tool, Best Antivirus Software, Windows AntiHazard Helper, Home Malware Cleaner, Windows Tools Patch, Windows Turnkey Console, Windows Personal Doctor, Windows Advanced Toolkit, Internet Security Suite, Windows Protection Master, Windows Malware Sleuth, Windows AntiHazard Center, Windows Multi Control System, Windows Custom Management, My Security Wall, Additional Guard, Windows Anti-Malware Patch, Home Safety Essentials, Windows Crucial Scanner, My Security Engine, Security Master AV, Virus Doctor, Windows Guard Solutions, Windows Antivirus Rampart, VirusSecurity, Windows Antivirus Care, Windows Defence Counsel, Windows Maintenance Suite, Windows Process Director, Windows Safety Manager, Windows Pro Solutions, Windows Active Guard, Windows Protection Maintenance, Smart Engine, Windows Virtual Security, Windows Pro Defence, Windows Debug Center, Windows Expert Series, Volcano Security Suite, Windows Safety Maintenance, Windows Enterprise Suite, Windows Pro Web Helper, Windows Guard Tools, Windows No-Risk Agent, Smart Anti-Malware Protection, Security Antivirus, Windows Advanced Security Center, Windows Pro Rescuer, Windows Smart Warden, Windows Profound Security, Windows Secure Surfer, Windows Privacy Module, Windows Internet Booster, Windows Performance Adviser, Windows Virus Hunter, Anti-Malware Lab, Windows Control Series, Best Malware Protection, Windows Abnormality Checker, Windows Custom Safety, Windows Maintenance Guard, Windows Home Patron, Windows Performance Catalyst, Windows Software Keeper, CleanUp Antivirus, Windows Health Keeper, Windows Interactive Safety, XP Smart Security, Windows Security System, Windows Antivirus Machine, Windows Managing System, Windows Safety Module, Windows Sleek Performance, Windows Smart Partner, Windows Software Saver, Windows PC Aid, Windows Premium Console, Windows Web Commander, Windows Privacy Counsel, Extra Antivirus, Windows Telemetry Center, Windows Premium Guard, Windows Secure Workshop, Windows Antihazard Solution, Smart Internet Protection 2012, Windows Safety Wizard, Windows Risk Minimizer, Windows Antivirus Release, Antivirus Smart Protection, System Protection Tools, Windows Protection Unit, Windows Safety Series, Windows Enterprise Defender, Windows Safeguard Upgrade, Keep Center Keeper, Windows Pro Safety Release, Total Anti Malware Protection, Windows Warding System, Windows High-End Protection, Windows Secure Web Patch, Windows Efficiency Accelerator, Internet Security Essentials, Smart Internet Protection 2011, Windows Activity Debugger, Windows Proactive Safety, Windows First-Class Protector, Windows Be-on-Guard Edition, Windows Instant Scanner, Fast Antivirus 2009, Windows Antivirus Patch, Windows Ultimate Security Patch, Windows Stability Guard, Windows Firewall Constructor, Windows Threats Destroyer, Windows Privacy Extension, Personal Internet Security 2011 and Windows ProSecure Scanner. You should treat all of these members of the FakeVimes family of rogue security products to be just as hostile to your PC as Windows Functionality Checker would be and remove them with a similar application of anti-malware software.

Detecting Windows Functionality Checker in the first place should prove simple even for non-experts in PC security, since Windows Functionality Checker will launch itself automatically and may display simulated scans or warning pop-ups that should be easily-identified. However, SpywareRemove.com malware research team warns against using any included uninstall feature that Windows Functionality Checker may appear to possess, since included removal utilities will rarely, if ever, delete the entirety of a rogue security program like Windows Functionality Checker.

Aliases

HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic [Kaspersky]PUA.Packed.ASPack [ClamAV]Trojan.Win32.Generic.pak!cobra [VIPRE]