WINDOWS Updates & patches   HARDWARE (A-K) Drivers & updates   HARDWARE (L-Z) Drivers & updates   OFFICE SUITES Service packs   GAMES Latest patches   GRAPHICS Updates & patches   TIPS Fix PC problems   SOFTWARE Recommended downloads     Search   Home   Contact   Disclaimer   Copyright   Privacy WinFixer - fix and remove the WinFixer popup attack WinFixer - adware pest removal   The WinFixer popup is a frustrating problem that will present frequent popup windows. This can occur even when your Web browser is not running. In some cases it will continually pop up each time you visit a new Web site and since the program can load with Windows it means that standard popup blockers are generally ineffective. Needless to say, it can be extremely annoying. Your first step is to identify that WinFixer is the problem. Generally, the popups will make this clear because they will display WinFixer in the window or title bar (the strip across the top of a Window). You will also get fake error messages saying that there is a problem with your computer and you should install WinFixer to correct the problem - this will then tell you to pay for the full version of WinFixer. In a few instances, you may be able to remove the program via Windows Add/Remove Programs (go to the Windows Control Panel and click Add/Remove Programs. Look for WinFixer in the list - it is generally towards the end). If you are one of the lucky ones, remove the program, restart your computer and your system should be clear. Be aware however, that WinFixer may have been installed by some other adware program on your computer, so it is possible that it may return. If this happens, follow the steps listed under 'Avoiding WinFixer in the future'. Another particularly annoying aspect is that sometime the program keeps re-installing itself - this will require a bit more work. If Add/Remove Programs wasn't successful in the removal of the WinFixer popup, it is time to clean up your system and use a specially designed spyware removal tool. Step one is to flush out all the temp files on your system: Cookies, Temporary Internet Files and Temp files (you can do this via Internet Explorer's Tools-Internet Options or for a more thorough clean, use an eraser tool. There are numerous reports that WinFixer is becoming more devious, so if your removal was successful, make sure you take some preventative measures to stop its return: Avoiding WinFixer in the future Keep your system fully patched - including Windows, anti-virus software and anti-spyware tools. WinFixer is included in many 'free programs' or modified versions of free programs downloaded from untrusted sites or file sharing networks. There have been reports that some installations of Limewire and a modified but unauthorised release of Internet Explorer 7 Beta have had WinFixer inserted. As a general rile. during the installation of free software, take a moment or two to see if they mention other bundled programs. Most quality free programs do not have a budget to advertise, so beware of ads that offer something for free. Normally they include some kind of adware/spyware. Finally, consider adding an anti-adware tool to work next to your anti-virus software. You are here: WinFixer- fix and remove the Winfixer adware/spyware popup attack of your PC.