i just bought a brand new computer—working fine— now i keep getting a message saying that the computer is infected! i see an icon for some "anti-virus system pro" program (which is sending me the message about the infection) opens up and scans the computer (listing all the "infections"), but when i try to open it or delete it from add/remove programs (from control panel) or even do a search of the files—nothing comes up for this program!
antivirus system pro is not on the add/remove programs list because it’s not a regular program. antivirus system pro is a computer infection. you need anti-spyware to delete it. if you don’t use any anti-spyware, here’s manual removal guide: http://www.spywarevoid.com/remove-antivirus-system-pro-antivirus-system-pro-removal.html
Unfortunately, yes, these types of programs exist; they are known as ‘rouge’ anti-virus/anti-spyware programs. They will show fake results (i.e they will claim that you are infected, when in reality, you are not) to try and ‘scare’ you into buying their software. They are another type of malware that are ‘doing the rounds’, and unfortunately, there are *many* of them out and about.
Antivirus System Pro removal instructions (using Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware):
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-system-pro
It is possible that you may be infected with other malware also (sometimes a pre-existing infection will download these rouge programs onto your system); I suggest downloading and scanning with SUPERAntiSpyware after you are done with MBAM – to double-check that you are clean.
http://www.superantispyware.com/
EDIT:
Do you currently have legit anti-virus software installed? If not, at the very least, consider a freebie. Avast! Home Edition or Avira AntiVir Personal are good. However, all of the freebies (including these two) are incomplete one way or another. If you are willing to fork-out some cash, you would do much better by getting a top-rated commercial AV such as ESET NOD32, Kaspersky AV or Avira AntiVir *Premium* (three of the best).
Anti virus system pro is not a real anti virus program, it’s designed to look and feel like a Microsoft-related product but will do more harm than good.
Here’s a Google results page so you can choose your antidote.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=F9l&ei=3Ss3Svv-M5q_twfX063eDA&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=antivirus+system+pro&spell=1
1) Did you install an antivirus (or had it installed) when you bought the computer? If so, is it called anti-virus system pro? (From my knowledge, its highly likely that its not since i havent heard of antivirus system pro before)
If you didnt install an AV (antivirus) or the AV is different to the one that popped up. You have a malware infection. Using your real AV, or you can download the following (free) AVs (Avira, Avast, AVG); scan your computer via safe mode. Just follow the instructions then.
Also download malwarebytes anti-malware and superantispyware to double check against against your AV.
Note: If the malware was successfully removed but it pops back up after restart, it is probably attached to your system restore files. Simply go to control panel, "system", "system restore" and then turn if off. (This dels your system restore files). Once you’ve confirmed that the malware is removed do you turn it back on.