ByteDefender is a malicious anti-spyware application that imitates legitimate anti-malware programs. ByteDefender uses scare tactics the same as other rogue antimalware applications to trick users into purchasing a license to its full version. This malicious application reaches the user’s computer via Trojans that get downloaded along with fake video and audio codec packs or get delivered as an infected PDF attachment to a spam email. Once established on the computer, ByteDefender then proceeds to perform a large number of fake security scans on the system, returning results that state that the computer is dangerously infected with a number of non-existent viruses. It also generates fake warning pop-ups from the Windows taskbar. Finally ByteDefender urges the user to purchase a license to the ‘full’ version of the software, claiming that the currently installed ‘trial’ version is incapable of cleaning the detected false ‘threats’. However, all users should be aware that this is a trick aimed at swindling their money, as no version of System Security can scan or clean any computer.
As soon as you find a copy of this malicious software installed on your computer, you should take steps to delete ByteDefender. ByteDefender removal involves the stopping of processes, removal of files and folders and the deletion of registry entries.
File Removal Procedures
The first step in ByteDefender removal is to kill the following processes:
- ByteDefender.exe
- Uninstall.exe
The next step in ByteDefender removal is to delete the following files and folders:
Windows XP:
- c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ByteDefender.lnk
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\ByteDefender.exe
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\Uninstall.exe
- %UserProfile%\Desktop\ByteDefender.lnk
Windows Vista/7:
- c:\Users\%USER%\Documents\Start Menu\Programs\ByteDefender.lnk
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\ByteDefender.exe
- c:\Program Files\ByteDefender Software\ByteDefender\Uninstall.exe
- %UserProfile%\Desktop\ByteDefender.lnk
After the above steps have been completed, all ByteDefender files have been removed from your hard disk. However, due to the fact that rogue antivirus products are most likely installed by additional malicious software it is recommended to conduct a full system scan in order to make sure that there are no other infections present.
Registry Removal Procedures
File deletion alone is not sufficient to completely remove ByteDefender. The following keys and settings should be removed from the Windows Registry for complete ByteDefender removal:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ByteDefender
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ByteDefender
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ByteDefender
Now it is safe to say that your computer is completely devoid of anything to do with ByteDefender.
Conclusion
Manual ByteDefender removal is not recommended for inexperienced users as any wrong move made during the removal process could cause irreversible damage to the operating system of the computer. Therefore inexperienced users are strongly advised to use a web-based repair service such as www.onlinecomputerrepair.org or legitimate antivirus software such as Spyware Doctor with Antivirus to safely remove ByteDefender.