Expert: James Filmer - 4/3/2011

Question
I hope you can help me. I have a PC, Windows XP.
An XP security virus box popped up and in my panic I clicked on X, thus installing it. It is now lodged in my computer, in the corner with the volume and remove hardware icons. No other program will open - I tried Firefox, Kaspersky, Explorer - they seem to be blocked. (I tried rebooting.) I was only able to get into My Computer, and to save all my documents on an external drive. But no other program will open. Do I need a computer shop at this point? The Windows task manager also opens, but there's nothing showing on it under applications. I know about Alt-F4 but in my panic forgot to use it. Many thanks! (I wonder how I got this virus... could it be through an email that had a link?)

Answer

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ss/safemodexp.htm

Will allow you to troubleshoot the problem - like scanning for viruses and spyware.
What is the exact version of Kaspersky - is it the firewall and anti-virus suite?
What anti-spyware applications you use, the specific version(s).

Also, http://www.myantispyware.com/2010/03/16/how-to-remove-xp-security-tool-2010/
I would not suggest trying to remove it manually (if that's what it is) at this time, unless you're confident you won't make a mistake.

But, do try to download and install Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware, Window Defender or Lavasoft Ad-aware (see Enrgy21.com), update, scan, remove, reboot.

Also, in safe mode (or normal mode if you can access it), go to Add/Remove Programs and see if there are any security applications you're not using and don't recognize. Sounds like you have the XP rogue app, but not enough info to tell for sure yet.