How to Remove Windows Smart Security (Removal Guide)
Windows Smart Security is a rogue spyware application that may fool people into installing and purchasing due to the use of the words Windows and Security in the title. It may fool people into thinking that it is related to Microsoft Windows and perhaps even a part of the operating system. This is not the case and the application will scare the user with claims of viruses that aren’t there and offer to fix them if the user pays. Of course, paying for the software doesn’t solve all it’s problems, really it’s main purpose is to separate you from your money. In addition to fake warnings about nonexistent security problems this software will prevent some legitimate security software from running which might be able to remove Windows Smart Security from the system.
You should first visit the virus removal page and download malwarebytes antimalware. You may not be able to install it until after killing off the process listed below. An alternative may be to reboot into safe mode, and a second idea is to rename the file mbam.exe to another filename and then attempt your install of malwarebytes antimalware.
The running process name associated with Windows Smart Security is as follows, it is likely randomized though so, use the filename as a template for starting your search:
hl11734594.exe
If you are unable to access task manager (if the rogue is preventing that from running), you may be able to rename taskmgr.exe to another name (Personally I’d copy it and paste – then rename.) Then you should be able to run the renamed program and kill off the process associated with Windows Smart Security. Also you could try using Process Explorer (see the virus removal toolkit page.)
After killing of the running process above you should be able to install and run malwarebytes antimalware. Make sure to update it and run a full scan. If you’re still not able to install and run this you may want to proceed with a manual removal of windows smart security by deleting the files listed below.
The following files and folders are associated with WIndows Smart Security:
%docs%\All Users\Application Data\hl11734594
%docs%\All Users\Application Data\hl11734594\hl11734594
%docs%\All Users\Application Data\hl11734594\hl11734594.exe
%docs%\All Users\Application Data\hl11734594\pchl11734594ins
%userprof%\Desktop\Windows Smart Security 2009.lnk
%userprof%\Start Menu\Programs\Windows Smart Security
%userprof%\Start Menu\Programs\Windows Smart Security\Windows Smart Security 2009.lnk
The file names listed above are examples, it appears that this rogue may randomize the file names, so you should take these file names as a sample, or example of what you should be looking for. Even after deleting the files above I would suggest a run of malwarebytes antimalware (make sure to update it first) and then you will have completed the Windows Smart Security Removal.