Take action immediately to remove the already introduced malware. Know that once you see these pop-ups, you are already infected and that taking the wrong steps can only let the infection strengthen. If you wait too long, your system will literally come to a halt.

No downloads, no internet access. Yes, these beasts prevent you from accessing the very sites that could offer you assistance with legitimate antivirus removal tools. Eventually there is no escape without spending big bucks to erase your drives and reinstall Windows.

We recommend Exterminate but be aware that no single software can cover all threats. Use a minimum of two programs to search out threats. If you would rather take advantage of the free programs available, choose one from those suggested in our Safe Software list.

If you are experiencing unexplained popups or other weird behaviour,  please take the following action immediately.

HOW TO REMOVE ROGUE SOFTWARE

1. Boot into SafeMode With Networking. To do this, reboot your system while continuously tapping the F8 Key.

2. At the Options screen choose SafeMode With Networking.

3. Download each of the following free software programs:

a. Malwarebytes
b. Superantispyware
c. Avast Home
d. Exterminate scan

4. Be sure to update the definitions for each program before running. These threats are changing by the hour and updating definitions is a must. Without updating, you are wasting your time.

5. Once you have downloaded and installed at least two of these, (I suggest Avast Home as a second choice), turn off your system restore, and run the antivirus. It's necessary to turn off system restore because this is a favorite hiding place of Fake AntiMalware. Turning it off allows access to your complete drive. The restore function is usually disabled by the virus anyway so you're not losing anything. Running System Restore when infected only strengthens the trojans hold because copies are probably hidden in previous restore points.

6. If given the option, allow the programs to check memory and boot sector on reboot.

7. I would run each program at least once in SafeMode With Networking and again in regular Windows Mode.

8. When clear, be sure to turn on System Restore and create a new clean restore point.

If fortunate, you'll successfully remove these threats, but be aware that these nasty thieves are getting better and better at disguising themselves. If ignored for too long, their strangle hold is impossible to break.