How To Remove SpywareSTOP

SpywareSTOP is a rogue antivirus program that propagates itself through Google Ads, popups on various websites, and various other ways. It was formerly called SpywareBOT (not to be confused with SpyBot S&D). It's website, www.spywarebot.com, is still active and the software is commonly downloaded, sadly. It is very sneaky (it's status is disputed, so some sources may say the program is legit), so most antivirus software does not detect it (similar to how the rogue RegGenie is a "spyware-free" download on Cnet's website when it is not). AVG LinkScanner says that the program's official website is safe, while McAfee's report says that there is potential spyware or adware on it.

Instant Removal of SpywareSTOP- Download MalwareBytes Antimalware (free) for instant removal of SpywareSTOP by completing the setup and running a scan (usually a quick scan is recommended) or download the trial version of PC Tools Spyware Doctor . (Note: The trial version of Spyware Doctor only detects threats. You have to pay $29.95 USD to buy the full version that removes them.)

Manual Removal of SpywareSTOP- KILL the following processes using the Windows Task Manager:

spywarestop.exe, setupxv.exe

PRESS on your keyboard the keys "Windows Logo" and "R." The Run box should come out. TYPE "regedit." The registry editor should come out. Now DELETE the following registry values:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SpywareStop
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SpywareStop
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SpywareStop
• Objects\{10F0C2A9-8E38-43e3-204D-45524C494E20}
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SpywareStop
• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{10F0C2A9-8E38-43e3-204D-45524C494E20}
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{10F0C2A9-8E38-43e3-204D-45524C494E20}
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper

LOCATE and DELETE the following files:

• %ProgramFiles%\SpywareStop\SpywareStop.pkg
• %ProgramFiles%\SpywareStop\SpywareStop.db
• %ProgramFiles%\SpywareStop\SpywareStop.exe
• %ProgramFiles%\SpywareStop\IeExtension.dll
• %ProgramFiles%\SpywareStop\PopupBlocker.dll
• %ProgramFiles%\SpywareStop\program.info
• %ProgramFiles%\SpywareStop\Uninstall.exe
• %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Temp\[RANDOM CHARACTERS].tmp
• %UserProfile%\Application Data\SpywareStop\config.xml
• %UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\.protected
• %UserProfile%\Application Data\SpywareStop\logs\1205156013.log
• %UserProfile%\Application Data\SpywareStop\Sites.bl
• %Windir%\.protected
• %CurrentFolder%\log
• %System%\drivers\etc\.protected
• %SystemDrive%\.protected
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\SpywareStop\SpywareStop Uninstall.lnk
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\SpywareStop\SpywareStop.lnk
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\.protected
• SpywareStop
• SpywareStop.exe
• SpywareStop.lnk
• SpywareStop on the Web.lnk
• SpywareStop.url
• spywarestop.srv.exe

You're done!

NOTE: Posts about how to delete files, delete registry values, kill processes, and unregister DLLs will be posted soon.