"Bryan Lambertson" <bryanlambertson@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:U3Hri.19996$rX4.8351@pd7urf2no...
>I have never run into this problem before and not sure how to fix it.
> Somehow an icon has been added to my start up tray that flashes
> between a
> blue question mark and red circled "x". About every five minutes it
> flashes
> a warning note on my screen that says:
> "System Alert.
> System has detected a number of active spyware applications that
> may
> impact the performance of your computer. Click the icon to get rid of
> the
> unwanted spyware by downloading an up to date anti-spyware solution."
> Before I clicked the icon I looked at "settings, control panel,
> add/delete programs: but no unusual name came up that would be this
> program.
> When I put my curser over all the icons in the tray, it shows the
> name
> of the program. except for this one, that shows no name.
> I have used my adaware and an offline program to check and I can
> find no
> spyware on my machine. Norton also finds nothing.
> In desperation, I finally clicked the icon and was taken to
> www.protectpro.com who wish to sell me their antispyware program which
> I, of
> course, do not want. I searched all files/folders including hidden
> ones and
> did not find protectpro or any derivative of that name that I could
> think
> of.
> When I restart my computer, it returns, so there must be list
> somewhere
> that tells what programs are initiated at start-up and where they are.
> Does
> anyone know how to access that list or have any idea how I can get rid
> of
> this loathsome annoyance? I am running Windows XP Media Centre
> Edition.
> If I am asking in the wrong newsgroup, could you direct me to the
> correct one?
> Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

How to remove VirusProtectPro or VirusProtect Pro:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic98219.html

-jen