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Don’t Panic: XP Defender Pro

Our experts answer questions about getting rid of malware and choosing the right inkjet cartridges for your printer

Despite having paid for antivirus software, my PC still appears to have been infected by something that calls itself XP Defender Pro. How can I can get rid of it?
JM, Fordingbridge

XP Defender Pro is a nasty piece of malware that can embed itself in legitimate downloads (which is how it slipped past your antivirus), before burying itself deep in the Windows XP operating system. It then uses various tricks, such as redirecting your internet browser, to get you to run a fake antivirus scan. Surprise surprise, it duly judges your system “infected” and says that you need to pay for a more advanced version of the software in order to clean your PC. Decline the offer and it will continue to pop up…

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