WinFixer,WinAntiVirusPro, ErrorSafe, SystemDoctor, WinAntiSpyware, AVSystemCare, WinAntiSpy, Performance Optimizer, StorageProtector, PrivacyProtector, WinReanimator, DriveCleaner, WinspywareProtect, PCTurboPro, FreePCSecure, ErrorProtector, SysProtect, WinSoftware and ECsecure are a family of Rogue security programs, developed by Winsoftware available for the Microsoft Windows Operating Systems which claim to repair computer system problems if a user purchases the software. These programs are generally installed without the user's consent. They display false information about the user's computer, confusing the user into believing that their PC is infected with viruses, spyware and/or other forms of malware. The advertisements pop up a display with notifications to convince the user that something may be amiss with the computer, or run a fake diagnostic. The program repeatedly prompts the user to purchase a licensed copy of the program. Due to these problems, WinFixer and its sister applications are generally considered scareware and Rogue software through misleading popups and forced downloads.

WinFixer claims it "is a useful utility to scan and fix any system, registry and hard drive errors. It ensures system stability and performance, frees wasted hard-drive space and recovers damaged Word, Excel, music and video files", but its claims have not been verified, and it has not been vetted by any reputable vendor.

Methods of Installation

The WinFixer application is known to infect users using the Microsoft Windows Operating system, and is browser independent, One infection method involves the Emcodec.E trojan, a fake codec scam. Anouther involves the use of the Vundo family of Trojans.

Typical infection

The infection usually occurs during a visit to a distributing web site using a web browser. A message appears in a Dialog Box, or popup asking the user if they want to install WinFixer, or claiming a users machine is infected with malware, and requests the user to run a free scan. Download of the software may be triggered when a user attempts to exit the window by clicking 'Ok' or 'Cancel' or by clicking the corner 'X', it will trigger a pop-up window and WinFixer will download and install itself