What is AdvancedCleaner?

Type: Spyware
Category: Rogue Programs
Discovered: 1 November 2007
Removal tools: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, Spyware Doctor

1. Introduction

It is a fake and useless anti-spyware software, trying to scare user with exaggerated computer scan reports hoping user will purchase full program version. In order to bring user notice a message box pops up and warns PC owner about computer system errors or viruses. Then it offers to install AdvancedCleaner tool to check computer for free. In short it's a scam, because even after the purchase program will not be able to clean your computer from various threats properly. An "Urgent Privacy Protection Warning" alert may show up telling that "Online Scanner detected programs that may compromise your privacy or damage your computer" (shortcut below). Actually, this is not a real warning window - it is a picture in the IE browser, which, after clicking on it, will start downloading rogue AdvancedCleaner computer software.
Related rogue sites:
advancedcleaner.com

AdvancedCleaner fake warning:

2. AdvancedCleaner removal tools:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (for the installation guide click here)
Spyware Doctor (for the installation guide click here)

3. Screenshot:

4. AdvancedCleaner files:

ADCFreeInstaller.exe (setup file), ian_monitor.exe, UADC.exe

5. Hijackthis entries:

O4 Entries: O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdvancedCleaner Free] "C:\Program Files\AdvancedCleaner Free\UADC.exe" /min O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SM_IAN] C:\Program Files\AdvancedCleaner Free\ian_monitor.exe