Home Malware Programs Rogue Anti-Virus Programs AntiSpy Safeguard

AntiSpy Safeguard

Posted: August 24, 2010

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 10/10
Infected PCs: 8,549
First Seen: September 6, 2010
Last Seen: August 17, 2022
OS(es) Affected: Windows

ScreenshotAntiSpy Safeguard aka AntiSpySafeguard is a fake anti-spyware program. AntiSpy Safeguard typically spreads via Trojans and it can also be obtained from malicious websites. AntiSpy Safeguard uses scare tactics to coerce users into purchasing its non-existent full version. AntiSpy Safeguard will display fake scan reports and security alerts to convince a victim that his/her system is infected and the only solution is to purchase its full version. Do not fall for this trickery. AntiSpy Safeguard is a useless application that should never be purchased.

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Technical Details

File System Modifications

Tutorials: If you wish to learn how to remove malware components manually, you can read the tutorials on how to find malware, kill unwanted processes, remove malicious DLLs and delete other harmful files. Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

The following files were created in the system:



%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 064896bcac9709c62fe30b5c81bd1bd7
Detection count: 66
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 1c9286253d8347f7e5671381be69238e
Detection count: 56
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 591a8f476cdbc3eaf274edb1cadfc8b0
Detection count: 56
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 22, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: cec3bb262eb876f8eef3613a63086354
Detection count: 26
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 287e736d149ca8faadb401284cbb1a8d
Detection count: 21
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 66274b61f50117c874258a6dab559846
Detection count: 21
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: a45e770fa5d8743364f6d28019d0718e
Detection count: 21
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 12ea7f7057f2430510efdda2e83eeb5d
Detection count: 16
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: eae9e0b7455793789924244cc61a4cee
Detection count: 16
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 1b3275d130227cfc273eebe96272ee89
Detection count: 14
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 31cb5261df2a549f7c9d4f3afe2612a1
Detection count: 14
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: aa6b094fc4db4a0dd143db52793b0462
Detection count: 14
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 22, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 3b65097af299b8b18ef18a77abd327ee
Detection count: 12
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 9305e17ad2d201eed1b77040e9ca1ec3
Detection count: 9
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 23, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 2ef507d90ddddd1c390c89a27bb89db8
Detection count: 9
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 89e68e42d6515ce022174815af8340cc
Detection count: 9
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 20, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 7f786e3557a762997e236ba23aa2df08
Detection count: 7
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 22, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 97180de1787c01ce00a00ee0f372d891
Detection count: 7
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 22, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 99536f70b497fbfbbda48558d600adbd
Detection count: 7
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 23, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 98f8392f6c9cc2196e2d733ea97570f4
Detection count: 5
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 22, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 595fda91df3014bac0c309e79caf9cb5
Detection count: 5
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 22, 2010
%APPDATA%\antispy.exe File name: antispy.exe
Size: 665.6 KB (665600 bytes)
MD5: 7f00e69cd9b1c5b03626a5707ac04286
Detection count: 5
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Path: %APPDATA%
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: September 22, 2010

More files

Additional Information

The following messages's were detected:
# Message
1"Warning! Database updated failed!
Database update failed!
Outdated viruses database are not effective can???t 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!"

35 Comments

  • Michael says:

    I had trouble removing it your way. That program prevented me from opening my task manager, so I found an easier way to erase it completely by one button. I\'ll explain:
    I opened my control panel and went under startup programs. I changed the tab to \"currently running programs\" and scrolled down. I found this Antispy Safeguard bullsh*t and clicked remove. Now everything it has prevented me from doing I am now able to have access to and I have not found any trace of a rogue program on my PC as of today. I just figured you would like to use this as an alternate way to erase this program in case anyone else is experiencing the same difficulties as I was.

  • zthephi says:

    michael i tried your way but it doent say remove i can just end the process and it will work but then if i restart or turn of the computer the AntiSpy Safeguard stills there and it does the same thing... it scans and doesnt let me go to internet =(

  • Amber says:

    Thank you so much Michael. I came across the same problem and could not access my task manager. Your cmment helped a lot. Thank you again.

  • Harrington Witherspoon says:

    ran into same problem as Michael-could not open task master but my computer -Dell-must be older as Ido not have "startup programs". Any advice? Harrington

  • Doug says:

    Thanks Mike,

    Anybody having this problem, Michaels way worked for me as well.

  • Allyn says:

    I had this virus with Vista Home Premium OS. I had to go to adminstrative tools to show programs running. I deleted the operation and then found the downloaded files \"Free Movies\" publisher Mouskit AG which matched the name of the company of the program I had stopped. I cleared out my recylce bin to completely remove the software. I had tried to delete from the programs unistall and the install log file could not be found. My internet explorer programs are working again so the software seems to be gone. I\'ll know when I restart my computer.

  • Dennis Rogers says:

    ON ANOTHER COMPUTER THE ANTISPY SAFEGUARD WILL NOT LET ME CONNECT TO THE INTERNET VIA EXPLORER TO DOWN LOAD ANY PROGRAMS TO GET RID OF ANTISPY SAFEGUQARD. WHAT CAN I DO ?????????

    THANKS DENNIS

  • Craig says:

    I totally agree with Michael above. I was previously having the same trouble with not even being able to open task manager, but by following his method (which not only got rid of the virus, but did so far quicker than the method this website is suggesting would have) my laptop is running just as it was before. Thank you Michael for this information which proved hugely helpful to me! I would advise anyone to follow his lead and try this method first due to its speed and simplicity.

  • Nick says:

    Michael,
    I have the same problem. So I opened the control panel (Windows XP) . I did not find "Startup Programs" in control panel. Can you tell me where I can find startup program under control panel.

    Nick

  • Nick says:

    I have windows XP and I went to control panel. I did not find Startup program in the control panel. Please tell me how can I find start up program in control panel. I need to get rid of this Antispy Safeguard.

    Nick

  • noel wedder says:

    Microsoft should see to it that the Antispy Safeguard are prosecuted to the fulest extent of the law. Then fine the living hell out of them.

    These guys are crooks, pure & simple.

    It is beyond nt conprehension why Microsoft doesn't get on this immediately and put an end to it. These guys are very bad for Microsofts reputation.

    noel wedder

  • Molly says:

    I can\'t get to my Task Manager - When I go to my Control Panel > Change Startup Programs, I get a message that Windows Defender is turned off but the link to turn it back on just gives me an error message. I can\'t get online on my PC with the AntiSpySafeguard stops me from going any further - so I tried downloading SpyHunter removal software on my Mac - hoping to save it on my flash drive & able to run it on the PC - but it only went as far as 281 kb and got stuck... Any suggestions? Please.

  • izabelle says:

    it wont let me start task manager . i found the file but it wont let me delete it

  • izabelle says:

    It wouldn't let me start task manager due to the warning appearing and it wouldnt let me go on the internet sa i cant download any program against it.
    i watched a video on youtube saying how to find it on your pc and i found it under the name ''hotfix'' but it wouldnt let me delete it .

  • john says:

    Dear Michael,
    I am experiencing the same problem.
    I understand what you did,
    I am using windows 7 (dutch)
    When I right click on the startbutton I can change some settings, But there is no tab currently running programms

    Thx for your answer

    John

  • Jack says:

    I don't find startup programs in the Control Panel. What am I doing wrong?

    Thanks for your help.

  • sarah says:

    Michael you are a genius and u saved my computer thank you so much

  • dec says:

    That is nice that it worked for you, but in XP, you can\'t get to startup programs from control panel, so for those users your explanation is useless.

  • Javier Ornelas says:

    I tried task manager but it blocks it i also tried control panel but do not see the start up progarams tab i have windows 7 may be it different can any one give me any sudjestions
    thank you

  • fatima says:

    Hiii
    im having major probs with this AntiSpySafeuard 🙁 it conned me into thinking i had major viruses... thing is its on my mums laptop and she doesnt know cuz she will freak!
    it keeps comin up saying 'safe start up' thats the only option you can click on, when i do, it says its performin a scan but when its finished it stays on the screen, even after you've removed it, the task bar or anythin doesnt come up so i cant do anythin! its drivin me mad, can anyone help?

  • desi says:

    Thanks to michael, i got it fixed. Been trying to get it to work for the longest time 🙂

  • Teri says:

    Can you please help me. I can't find where you would change the tab to running programs in the control panel.
    Thanks

  • Selina says:

    Michael: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I looked at four websites with complicated explanations or software downloads for purchase. Your method worked... so easy.

    After I ended the process under the "currently running programs" tab as you described, I was able to delete:

    "user"\AppData\Roaming\hotfix.exe
    "user"\AppData\Roaming\srsf.bat
    "user"\AppData\Local\Temp\0.9236036790384962.exe
    "user"\Desktop\mstsc.exe

    All of these files were generated at the same exact time.

    I rebooted in safemode, started "run", "Open: regedit" and deleted:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Softwre\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogin "Shell" = "User"\Application Data\hotfix.exe

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\InternetSettings"WarnOnPostRedirect"="0"
    and "WarnonBadCertRecving"="0"

    None of the other registers existed.

    I rebooted in normal mode and all was solved.

    Thanks again and also to this site.

  • FABULOUS FIL says:

    ANTI SPY SAFEGUARD IS A SCAM. HAD A MICROSOFT WINDOW ADVISING I HAD A VIRUS. WANTED ME TO PAY 99.00 BY CREDIT CARD TO REMOVE. LOCKED MY INTERNET, TASK MANAGER, SYSTEM RESTORE. I HAD TO GET 9 TECHS FROMCYBER DEFENDER TECH SUOOORT 5 HOURS, TO FINALLY REMOVE.

  • Erik says:

    Michael, can u please explain how you got to the "currently running programs" tab?

  • dianne says:

    I can't open even my PC....when I opened it,, this spyware is running and I can't stop the process! I am trying to click the "continue unprotected" after it scanned the whole thing but I am left with a box saying: Personalized setting c:\windows\system32\winservice.exe
    how i am suppose to have my pc running and remove it?? please help. thanks.

  • Danny says:

    Dears,
    I have stopped the AntiSpySafeguard by doing this:
    1. Start - Run -> Browse to C:\WINDOWS\Regidit
    2. Open the map: HKEY_CURRENT_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
    3. Delete the file: "WarnonBadCertReceving"
    4. Delete the file: "WarnOnPostRedirect"
    5. Open the map: HKEY_CURRENT_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.
    (Click with the right mouse on the file: "Shell" and then Modify. You see that the filename is "Hotfix.exe")
    6. Delete the file: "Hotfix".
    7 Restart your computer.

    Succes !!!!!
    Danny.

  • Windows says:

    Hi! Thanks for sharing your comment I am having troubles with this f****** AntiSpy Safegaurd and I was wondering where I can find the 'startup programs' I've searched for it in the control panel but no sign, so please help me I really need to remove this s***

  • Carl says:

    Thanks, your manual instructions worked for me. Got that bad boy off.

  • josh wood says:

    HI, on my laptop this fake spyware wont let me go online. so im using my main computer how do i get ride of it if it wont let me go online?

  • hi i cant find startup programs? says:

    I CANT GET RID OF THIS ANTISPY SAFEGUARD I CANT ACCESS SYSTEM RESTORE ITS DRIVING ME MAD !!!! PLEASE HELP REGEDIT BEEN DISABLED BY YOUR ADMINISTRATOR ?

  • Eric says:

    i don't see how your way works, either. there is no "currently running programs" choice in Windows control panel

  • matt says:

    I have windows 7 and there is nothing in my Startup folder. Is there another Startup programs location? How can it be done that way on Windows 7?

  • BART DEDMAN says:

    michael, where in the control panel is a icon labeled \" startup programs\" ... i am having the same problems, i have the antispy safeguard going on but i cant access my task manager to ride myself of it...please anyone help....thanks!

  • Joe says:

    Can someone please help.I have antispy safeguard running and can't get rid if it.I tried to start in safe but it comes up in all the modes?? I don't know what to do next the darn thing is driving me crazy. Tks,Joe

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