Microsoft Antivirus 2009 trying to override avast

Hello Out There,

I have downloaded avast! and it has worked just fine for some time now. I have a problem with Microsoft Antivirus 2009 trying to bore its way in. I get a message every few minutes now that a spyware file has been detected. It is a blue screen and “restarts” the computer back to where I was. Part of the message says that Windows has detected an unregistered copy of Antivirus 2009 on my computer and recommends that I “register” it for $49.95. Another popup saying. “WARNING! 48 infections found!” keeps showing up as well.

Like I said, I have a fully functioning avast! program installed. I would just remove the “unregistered” Microsoft Antivirus 2009 but it is not in Add/Remove Programs. How do I get rid of this?

Thanks.

Lucky you. (Not.) This is a rogue antispyware application. Such things often arrive through vulnerabilities in outdated software, especially if scripting is set to allow, and double especially if you are using IE6, or by downloading a codec “required” to play a video file.

Try downloading MBAM http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php , install it, update it, and run a full scan with it. This is a good (non-rogue) antispyware with a good reputation for cleaning this problem.