Windows Performance Adviser

Windows Performance Adviser Description

Windows Performance Adviser is a new version of scamware from the Win32/FakeVimes family. Because Windows Performance Adviser and its kin all copy the appearance of an outdated version of Windows Security Center, you may initially be fooled into thinking that they’re anti-virus products, but SpywareRemove.com malware researchers have thoroughly confirmed that Windows Performance Adviser is a rogue AV program without any real security functions to offer. Like closely associated types of fake anti-virus applications, Windows Performance Adviser may even attack your real security features and programs by blocking application usage, redirecting your online searches and disabling various Windows security benefits. The strong probability of any of these attacks occurring necessitates Windows Performance Adviser’s immediate removal with a real anti-malware scanner, even though you may also need to shut Windows Performance Adviser down before you can launch appropriate software.

Windows Performance Adviser – No Better an Advisory Than Any Wicked Chancellor of Myth

Windows Performance Adviser pretends to be an anti-virus scanner that also includes an entire smorgasbord of other functions for your computer’s security, such as a memory processes monitor and an anti-phishing utility, but these functions are, at their core, entirely fake and can only harm your PC if you take their advice. Fraudulent security information from Windows Performance Adviser can include fake virus alerts, scanner results that display nonexistent infections, warnings about unauthorized network activity that isn’t actually occurring and even fake threats about malicious scripts and other types of live attacks against your PC. Since this information isn’t linked to your computer’s real health or to reality in any way, SpywareRemove.com malware researchers strongly recommend that you do your best to ignore Windows Performance Adviser’s pop-ups and other fake data.

The FakeVimes family is a group that also plays host to such members as Windows Shielding Utility, Windows Daily Adviser, Windows Process Director, XP Smart Security, Windows Protection Master, Windows High-End Protection, Windows Basic Antivirus, Activate Ultimate Protection, Windows Home Patron, Best Malware Protection, Windows Custodian Utility, Windows Efficiency Accelerator, Home Safety Essentials, Windows Protection Unit, Windows Pro Safety Release, Live PC Care, Windows Advanced User Patch, Windows ProSecurity Scanner, Windows Guard Solutions, Windows AntiHazard Center, Additional Guard, Windows Secure Web Patch, Windows Shield Tool, Windows Safety Manager, Windows Maintenance Suite, Windows Proprietary Advisor, Internet Security Suite, Windows Pro Solutions, Smart Security, Best Antivirus Software, Windows Defence Counsel, Windows Advanced Toolkit, Windows Profound Security, Windows Pro Rescuer, Anti-Malware Lab, Home Malware Cleaner, Windows Problems Stopper, Windows AntiHazard Helper, Windows Care Taker, Windows Active Guard, Windows Performance Catalyst, Windows Anti-Malware Patch, Windows Software Keeper, Windows Pro Safety, Windows Ultimate Security Patch, Windows Privacy Counsel, Windows Instant Scanner, Smart Internet Protection 2012, Windows Debug Center, Windows Safety Maintenance, Windows Enterprise Suite, Windows Secure Workshop, Windows Sleek Performance, My Security Wall, Smart Anti-Malware Protection, Windows Risk Minimizer, Windows Antivirus Release, Windows PRO Scanner, Windows Warding System, Windows Virtual Angel, Windows Smart Partner, Windows Managing System, Windows Firewall Constructor, Windows Crucial Scanner, Windows Health Keeper, Windows No-Risk Agent, Windows Web Commander, Windows Virtual Firewall, Windows Control Series, Windows Pro Defence, PrivacyGuard PRO, Strong Malware Defender, Windows Multi Control System, System Protection Tools, My Security Engine, Windows System Defender, Windows Antivirus Patch, Windows Safeguard Upgrade, Windows Active Defender, Windows Safety Wizard, Windows Abnormality Checker, Keep Center Keeper, Windows Safety Checkpoint, Windows PC Aid, VirusSecurity, Windows Functionality Checker, Windows Premium Console, Windows Virus Hunter, Fast Antivirus 2009, Windows Personal Doctor, Windows First-Class Protector, Volcano Security Suite, Windows Premium Defender, Windows Web Combat, Windows Virtual Security, My Security Shield, Personal Security Sentinel, Windows Defending Center, Total Anti Malware Protection, Windows Private Shield, Windows Advanced Security Center, Windows Secure Workstation, PC Live Guard, Windows Tools Patch, Windows Custom Safety, Windows Antivirus Machine, Windows Be-on-Guard Edition, Windows Maintenance Guard, Windows Expert Series, Smart Engine, Windows Software Saver, Virus Doctor, Windows Privacy Extension, Antivirus Smart Protection, Windows Guardian Angel, Windows Privacy Module, Windows Threats Destroyer, Windows Antivirus Rampart, Windows Interactive Security, Smart Internet Protection 2011, Windows Custom Management, Enterprise Suite, Windows ProSecure Scanner, Windows Antivirus Care, Windows Safety Toolkit, Windows Antihazard Solution, Windows Turnkey Console, Windows Security Suite, Windows Security Renewal, Windows Ultimate Safeguard, Smart Virus Eliminator, Windows Enterprise Defender, Security Master AV, Windows Secure Surfer, Windows Guard Tools, Windows Premium Guard, Windows Internet Booster, Live Enterprise Suite, Windows Trouble Taker, Windows Activity Debugger, Windows Proactive Safety, Windows Interactive Safety, Security Antivirus, Extra Antivirus, Windows Smart Warden, Windows No-Risk Center, Windows Pro Web Helper, Internet Security Essentials, Windows Safety Module, Windows Protection Maintenance, Personal Internet Security 2011, Windows Telemetry Center, Windows Stability Guard, Windows Security System, CleanUp Antivirus, Windows Malware Sleuth and Windows Safety Series.

The entire purpose of this carefully orchestrated fraud is to encourage you to spend money on Windows Performance Adviser’s registration key, which is entirely unnecessary. Not only is there a completely free version of Windows Performance Adviser’s registration key available to register Windows Performance Adviser without cost (the code ’0W000-000B0-00T00-E0020,’ which is sometimes useful in the process of removing Windows Performance Adviser), but SpywareRemove.com malware analysts stress that even the purchased version of Windows Performance Adviser doesn’t have any security benefits for your computer.

The Stumbling Blocks That Windows Performance Adviser Puts Between You and Its Deletion

Besides its fraudulent security functions, Windows Performance Adviser may also include other attacks that are typical to the FakeVimes group of rogue anti-virus scanners. SpywareRemove.com malware research team has found that these attacks are used to make it exceptionally difficult to delete Windows Performance Adviser, to make your PC more vulnerable to other attacks, and, upon occasion, to create extra profit via browser hijacks, as noted below:

• Your online searches may be redirected to unusual search engines and potentially hostile sites. Because Windows Performance Adviser’s browser hijacks utilize Hosts file changes, they can function effectively in any type of web browser.
• Windows Performance Adviser may also disable User Access Control, a Windows feature that requests confirmation before unusual changes are made to your PC.
• Windows Performance Adviser can alter the default Windows Firewall to allow Windows Performance Adviser to access the Internet for the purposes of sending and receiving data without your permission.
• Most importantly, Windows Performance Adviser can disable various brands of Windows security products, as well as some types of other rogue AV applications. This final attack causes SpywareRemove.com malware experts to suggest disabling Windows Performance Adviser (with Safe Mode or other methods of your preference) before you delete Windows Performance Adviser, ideally with anti-malware software.

Windows Performance Adviser Automatic Detection Tool (Recommended)

Visual & GUI Characteristics

Technical Details

Registry Modifications

• The following newly produced Registry Values are:
  HKEY..\..\{Value}HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings "WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableRegedit" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableRegistryTools" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableTaskMgr" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings "ID" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings "net" = "2012-2-17_2"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings "UID" = "rudbxijemb"HKEY..\..\..\..{Subkeys}HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Inspector"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ERROR_PAGE_BYPASS_ZONE_CHECK_FOR_HTTPS_KB954312HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\_avp32.exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\_avpcc.exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ashDisp.exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\divx.exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\mostat.exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\platin.exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\tapinstall.exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\zapsetup3001.exe

Additional Information

• The following messages's were detected:
  

  #	Message
  1	Error Attempt to modify Registry key entries detected. Registry entry analysis recommended.
  2	Warning Firewall has blocked a program from accessing the Internet C:\program files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe is suspected to have infected your PC. This type of virus intercepts entered data and transmits them to a remote server.
  3	Warning! Spambot detected! Attention! A spambot sending viruses from your e-mail has been detected on your PC.
  4	Error Attempt to modify Registry key entries detected. Registry entry analysis recommended.
  5	Error Keylogger activity detected. System information security is at risk. It is recommended to activate protection and run a full system scan.
  6	Warning Firewall has blocked a program from accessing the Internet C:\program files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe is suspected to have infected your PC. This type of virus intercepts entered data and transmits them to a remote server.
  7	Warning Firewall has blocked a program from accessing the Internet. Windows Media Player Resources C:\Windows\system32\dllcache\wmploc.dll C:\Windows\system32\dllcache\wmploc.dll is suspected to have infected your PC. This type of virus intercepts entered data and transmits them to a remote server.
  8	Warning! Spambot detected! Attention! A spambot sending viruses from your e-mail has been detected on your PC.

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