Adware.WinFetch - Removal

The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the virus definitions.
2. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Adware.WinFetch.
4. Delete the value that was added to the registry.
   

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To update the definitions
To obtain the most recent definitions, start your Symantec program and run LiveUpdate.

2. To restart the computer in Safe mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode or VGA mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

3. To scan for and delete the files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
2. If any files are detected as Adware.WinFetch, write down the file name, and then click Delete.
   
   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file name. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.

4. To delete the value from the registry

WARNING: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified keys only. Read the document, "How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK.
   
   
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the following value detected as Adware.WinFetch:
   
   "[ORIGINAL FILE NAME]" = "[PATH TO FILE NAME]"
   
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor.
   
   
6. Restart the computer in Normal mode. For instructions, read the section on returning to Normal mode in the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

Technical Details