Spyware.Winvest - Removal

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

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Note: The uninstaller of the Spyware can be accessed through the main configuration application %ProgramFiles%\wv\wv.exe. Accessing the application requires a password (default password is "winvestigator").

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1. Update the definitions.
2. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Spyware.Winvest.
4. Delete the values that were added to the registry.
   

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

1. Updating 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. Scanning for and deleting the files

1. Start Norton AntiVirus and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files. For more information, read the document, "How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files."
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as Spyware.Winvest, click Delete.
   

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   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file names. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.

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4. Deleting the value from the registry

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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.

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Note: This is done to make sure that all the keys are removed. They may not be there if the uninstaller removed them.

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1. Click Start, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
2. Type regedit then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "loaddll" = "loaddll.exe"
   
   
5. Delete the subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\tropsoft
   
   
6. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths
   
7. In the left pane, delete the subkey:
   
   wv.exe
   
8. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
   
9. In the left pane, delete the subkey:
   
   Winvestigator
   
10. Navigate to the key:
    
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
    
11. In the left pane, delete the subkeys:
    
    wvFile
    .send
    
12. Navigate to the key:
    
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft
    
    
13. In the left pane, delete the subkey:
    
    wvsys
    
    
14. Navigate to the key:
    
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    
    
15. In the left pane, delete the subkey:
    
    Tropsoft
    
    
16. Exit the Registry Editor.

Technical Details