It looks like you have a few different issues on your computer. Let’s take a look at each one individually.

My Identity Defender

This is a program by CyberDefender that protects you from identity theft while you are on the Internet. It is designed to work with Microsoft Internet Explorer. It is not an antivirus or malware program and you need to have a strong antivirus program installed besides My Identity Defender.

XP Antivirus

Despite its friendly-sounding name, XP Antivirus Protection is actually fake antivirus software that is usually introduced to your computer after installing a specific video codec. It is not your friend. It contains Trojans and malware and needs to be completely erased from your system, and then a new and dependable antivirus program needs to be downloaded and run frequently.

You can go the easy route and run a program such as Malwarebytes to remove the XP Antivirus program and everything associated with it, or try to remove it manually. Follow these steps if you want to try to remove it yourself:

1. Click on Start, then Run and type in cmd in the box and click Open.
2. In the command window, type: regsvr32/u shlwapi.dll and press Enter.
3. Then type in: regsvr32/u wininet.dll and press Enter.
4. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc
5. Find XP Antivirus.exe in the process window and right click on it. Select End Process.
6. Then find XP AntivirusUpdate.exe, right click and select End Process.
7. Go to Start, Search and then Files and Folders.
8. Find and delete anything to do with the XP Antivirus Program including anything with XP Antivirus in the title, shlwapi.dll and wininit.dll.
9. Go to Start, Run and type in: regedit. Click Open.
10. Find the path HKEY_USERS\Software\ and delete XP Antivirus.
11. Restart your computer. You should now be free of the XP Antivirus Program.

Install Antivirus Program

After you have rid yourself of this fake antivirus software, you need to install real software to keep your system protected. Check out our Filetonic Blog antivirus software reviews if you are unsure what program is right for you. Download a program and run it often and you should be protected from something like this in the future.

I think once you’ve gotten rid of this malware and run a quality antivirus program you should be able to use your computer without annoying messages popping up.

Depending on the anti-virus/anti-spyware application that you are using, all of the files associated with total secure 2009 might not have been removed. Since this is a recent creation, defenses against the totalsecure2009.exe and gettotalsec2008.com need to be current as well as reliable.

Defragging the Computer

Since you are having difficulty defragging the computer, you might want to try it from Safe Mode. When you start the computer up in Safe Mode, it is using the fewest applications and files and will sometimes operate more efficiently whenever a problem exists. Follow the directions to turn your computer on in Safe Mode first and defrag it. Follow these directions: Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ Disk Cleanup.

How to Boot Up the Computer in Safe Mode

Starting with the computer turned off, turn it on and immediately begin pressing the “F8″ key on the keyboard. Now, use your arrow keys to navigate to “Last Known Good Configuration,” select this, and press enter. Your directions might vary a bit depending on your operating system, but this should give you a good idea how to get into Safe Mode. At this point, you have two good options. You can either use the directions below to defrag the computer or use System Restore (provided you can select a date prior to the infection).

Using System Restore

If you can select a date prior to the infection by totalsecure2009.exe and gettotalsec2008.com, you can use System Restore to bring your computer back to good performance capability. Follow these directions: Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Restore. Select the option to restore your computer to an earlier time. Remember that this needs to be a date before your computer became infected. Click next and then verify the choice and click next again.

At this point, the computer shuts down and reboots. When the window pops up stating that the restoration is complete, you can click OK.

Scan Your Computer with RegCure

RegCure is a software application that is designed to return your computer to optimum performance levels. It is designed to analyze the registry of your computer in order to isolate and repair corrupt entries or to replace missing ones. You can check out this application at the following link: RegCure and decide whether it would be beneficial in your situation.

Remove Registry Entries

Dealing with the registry is a tricky process that I don’t recommend to anyone who does not already know how to do it. The only way to be sure that you are completely rid of these two pests is to check the registry for signs of any keys related to totalsecure2009.exe and gettotalsec2008.com. My recommendation is to get outside help trained in this type of procedure to do it for you. The technicians at Filetonic’s favorite remote tech support can provide a quote for getting this done. You can access them at the following link: Remote Tech Support.

It sounds like you have more than one issue with your computer at the moment. My suggestion is to boot up in safe mode, run system restore, run an anti-spyware/anti-virus application to remove all forms of adware, spyware, viruses, etc form the computer, and to try again to download your updates for Internet Security 2008. Most likely, you are having difficulty due to the presence of some type of undesirable application as noted by your reference to spam. However, I am also going to provide some tips that might help if malware applications aren’t the problem.

How to Boot Up in Safe Mode

Booting up in safe mode uses the fewest number of applications, drivers, and files, so you should have the best chance of getting into your computer’s system with this method. Follow these steps:

1. Turn the computer power button on.
2. Immediately begin to press the “F8″ key on the keyboard.
3. Select “Last Known Good Configuration.”
4. Press enter.

With different versions of the Windows operating system, these directions might vary somewhat. However, you should be able to figure it out easily.

How to Run System Restore

Follow this set of instructions to restore your operating system to a previous time when it was working properly.

1. Click Start.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Accessories.
4. Click System Tools.
5. Click System Restore.
6. Select “Restore my computer to an earlier time” and select a date prior to the day that you attempted to download the updates for Internet Security 2008.
7. Click Next.
8. Verify your selection if prompted to do so and click ok.

How to Run an Anti-Spyware/Anti-Virus Application

If you don’t already have one, obtain a current version of an anti-spyware/anti-virus application to run on your computer. This type of program will remove any spyware, adware, or viruses that have infected your computer. This should help to eliminate any trouble that you have been having with the functioning of your computer. If you need a reliable anti-spyware/anti-virus program, I can recommend ParetoLogic Anti-Virus Plus, which you can obtain at the following link: Anti-VirusPlus.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Once you have completed each of the above steps, you can attempt to reinstall the download for Internet Security 2008. Make sure that you close all other applications at the time of the download. If you are still experiencing problems, look at some of the additional tips for ideas on how o resolve the problem.

Each of the following might pertain to some instances of problems with the updates to Internet Security 2008 download. However, not everyone will experience these issues. Look at each one to determine if it might pertain to the issues that you are having.

1. Install the download from a user account with administrative rights.
2. Reboot the computer after you install the update for Internet Security 2008.
3. Defrag your computer to clean up your files.
4. Check the amount of memory that you have available and install more if you do not have enough available. You can also clean out all of your unnecessary files and applications to free up space.
5. If you are using Internet Explorer in protected mode, you might receive a warning about “Microsoft Applications Error Reporting. If you do, you need to select “allow” in order for it to continue functioning properly.

Compare Antivirus Personal Security Software  

1. Paretologic Antivirus PLUS

Review | Free Download | Free Support | Price $39.95

2. PCtools

Review | Free Download | Free Support | Price $39.95

3. Cyberdefender

Review | Free Download | Free Support | Price $29.99

4. Lavasoft

Review | Price $39.95

5. Bitdefender

Review | Price $69.95

If you like charts … quick -comparison chart for all 20 here

If your the literary type … read all 20 reviews in order here

A Look at ParetoLogic Antivirus Plus

Buy Now - $39.95 | Download

Fast and Powerful- Anti-virus PLUS offers home and small business users the most complete protection possible. 100 % Guaranteed Full on-guard protection against:

• Viruses

• Spyware

• Adware

• Rootkits

• Trojans

• Hijackers

ParetoLogic Software, which has long been one of the best Software security and utility developers, has added this exceptional and comprehensive anti-virus application to its lineup of award-winning products.

ParetoLogic Antivirus PLUS is Westcoast Labs ™ certified in all 4 categories - this is almost unparalleled for a consumer antivirus solution - Click to verify

Antivirus Plus takes computer protection to a proactive level, actively blocking computer viruses, spyware, malware, rootkits, and other malicious programs and preventing them from causing harm to computers or computer users’ identities.

Just download it and forget about it - Antivirus Plus is non-intrusive, automatic, has the smallest footprint and is the easiest to use of any products we’ve found. Your PC is protected and your private matters are safe. Period.

Features

ParetoLogic Antivirus Plus protects against all types of computer viruses and malware including notorious programming such as scripts, driveby downloads, and rootkits. Known websites that have been identified as malware promoters, phishers, or other scams are automatically blocked, further protecting against threats.

Antivirus Plus from ParetoLogic is packed with useful features including backups, active protection, Internet and computer monitors, tools, scheduling, automatic updates, and the ability to allow certain programs to run even if the software has identified it as possible adware.

Benefits

Active protection and automatic updates continuously guard the computer from harm. As soon as a malicious code is run or a malware program attempts to invade the computer, ParetoLogic Antivirus Plus kicks into action and blocks it.

Scheduled scans take place according to the user’s needs, scanning the entire computer for infections that may have snuck in between updates. A variety of tools allow for customization such as the browser hijacking and browser helper object adjustable protection levels.

Customization allows users to make choices that are best for their unique situations. For example, some users are willing to view adware in exchange for free products. By allowing users who are willing to live with questionable terms to override the blocking on a case-by-case basis, Antivirus Plus gives the user a measure of control. Without this option, a program that generates advertisements would otherwise be blocked despites the user’s acceptance of such terms.

ParetoLogic products are well known for their clean, non-complicated user interface and Antivirus Plus fits right in. A task bar of controls lines the left side of the screen with a large window displaying each control’s options. Brand new users can easily get started with scanning, backing up, scheduling, and actively protecting their PCs from malicious computer viruses and malware.

How it works

ParetoLogic offers a free download of the Antivirus Plus scanner. This free download allows users to see if their computer is clean or infected while also giving users the chance to try out the software before purchasing it. Antivirus Plus uses a subscription based license that is available for in several different configurations. For example, a single computer license is available as are two, three, five, and ten computer licenses.

Recent Testimonial

“Thank you so much for your help!!!!!!!!!! Your anti-virus program found 98 things that needed to be cleaned up! I had been kind of afraid to use my computer for the past couple of weeks because I got some kind of a crazy warning message to say that it had a virus…so now, I am good to go. Again, many thanks for your help. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Warmest Best Regards,” Darshe BC, Canada

Recommendations

ParetoLogic Antivirus Plus is a sophisticated computer protection tool that is extremely user friendly. Try the free scan to get a feel of its capabilities before you make your final decision to buy a security product. You’ll see that it is fast, accurate, and easy.

Buy Now - $39.95 | Download | Antivirus whitepaper

Compare top 20 Antivirus

Feedback

Do you have experience with Paretologic Antivirus PLUS? Please share your thoughts below …

A Look at PC Tools

Buy now $39.95 - PCtools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus | Download

Overview

Sometimes “free” comes with a catch; other times, free really is free. PC Tools offers a free antivirus program that protects against computer viruses, Trojans, and worms and does so in real time. This same product comes in a commercial version that offers a few additional features.

PCtools Antivirus is Westcoast Labs ™ certified in a very good 3 catagories.

Features

The free edition of PC Tools Antivirus comes with the following features:

• Virus protection
• Virus scanning
• Virus removal
• File Guard
• E-mail Guard

The commercial edition of PC Tools Antivirus the following features:

• 24/7 technical support
• Phone support
• High speed updates

Both editions provide users with Smart Updates which keep the computer protected against the latest threats. Scan settings are customizable so that users can configure their PC Tools software to best meet their needs. Real time protection and on-demand scans are easy to set up. The new “Memory Guard” feature prevents computer viruses and malware from running in the computer’s memory.

Benefits

Computer users on a budget will find that the free edition of PC Tools Antivirus does a decent job of protecting their PC from computer viruses and some forms of malware in real time. By actively protecting the PC from incoming viruses and conducting periodic scans, computer infections are drastically reduced.

The paid version offers a few more features such as support and faster updates, further ensuring the proper use of the product and the computer’s protection.

Macintosh users are often overlooked by antivirus software developers as the Windows operating system is more often targeted by viruses. However, Macintosh computers can and do get infected. PC Tools makes a free version for Mac users called iAntivirus. Now, Macintosh users can enjoy the same peace of mind that their computers are protected from the most common threats.

How it works

PC Tools offers a free download of either the Windows or Macintosh version of Antivirus on its Web site. While Antivirus protects against some malware threats, it is primarily an anti-virus program. Spyware, adware, and other malicious programs are not covered by this program. The commercial version of PC Tools is offered for a yearly subscription with various licenses offered including the entry level license that protects up to three computers for the entire year.

Recommendations

Is there a catch when choosing the free version? If you don’t mind slower updates and a lack of technical support, the free version might be right for you. If you prefer high-speed updates and 24/7 technical and phone support, then the paid version may be a better choice. Keep in mind that this product is not an “all-in-one” solution. If you want to be protected from spyware as well, consider moving up to the next level or selecting a complete Internet security software solution.

Buy now $39.95 - PCtools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus | Download

Compare top 20 Antivirus

Feedback

Do you have experience with PCtools Antivirus ? Please share your thoughts below …