Home » Unwanted Programs » Privacy Center

Privacy Center

26 March 2009

Privacy Center virus is potentially unwanted program being promoted as a “Simple one-click solution to protect your PC” which was also used by Privacy Components. Just like other rogue program, Privacy Center virus will sneak into computers by means of a separated Trojan and fake security center web sites. This program can be installed on computers when users click or executes any prompts from the web sites. If successfully installed itself on the system, it will pop-up misleading alerts and warnings of possible computer infections and advise users to register the program so that Privacy Center can remove the infections. One certain indication that it was a rogue program is its method to open a payment processing web page once users click on a virus removal and configuration button.

Never pay for the licensed version of this potentially unwanted program. Any symptoms observed should be given immediate attention. A removal of Privacy Center should be carried immediately before it can further harm a computer. Use only efficient anti-malware and anti-virus programs. Be sure to have the latest database to get rid of all the files and process associated to Privacy Center virus.

Aliases:
PCenter, PrivacyCenter

Risk Level: Medium

File Size: Varies

Affected System: Windows

Common Symptoms:
1. Internet browser will be redirected to privacy-centr.org

Image of Privacy Center

Update: July 29, 2009
New variants of Privacy center is making another rounds. It has new interface that is a mimic of Windows Security Center. A new fake warnings and popup will also be observed.

new-privacy-center

Update: August 22, 2009
A new method to spread itself is by embedding itself with an installation of another rogue called PC AntiSpyware 2010. Privacy Center will also popup warning that says: “Don’t Panic! Privacy Center software managed to detect and block the attack attempt! Please follow the instructions to get full protection”

Update: August 1, 2010
This once popular rogue program is being mutated and surfaced once again with a new graphical user interface. It still carries some of its so-called features like Cookie Guarder, Surf Protector and Registry Doctor. Once a removal or details links is clicked it will display an Antivirus Software Error that will ask users to register the program by obtaining credit card details to be charge with inappropriate amount.

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48 Comments »

  • 1 }
    Joe said:

    It has taken over my entire computer. After I login it automatically satrts up and will not allow me to exit out of it. My desk top never loads, and behinh its window is just a black screen. how can i remove it from my computer competely. This is the second time it has coe up on my computer and the first time when I deleted it, it was done. The second time I deleted it, the next day whenI turned my computer on it took over. Plase help.

    13 April 2009 at 1:52 am
  • 2 }
    webmaster (author) said:

    1. Download Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (mbam-setup.exe) and save it on your Desktop.
    2. After downloading, double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
    3. Follow the prompts and install as “default” only
    4. Before the installation completes, check on the following prompts:
    – Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
    – Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
    5. Click “Finish.” Program will run automatically and you will be prompt to update the program before doing a scan. Please update.
    6. Scan your computer thoroughly.
    7. When scanning is finished click on the “Show Results”
    8. Make sure that all detected threats are marked, click on Remove Selected.
    9. Restart your computer.

    Note: Some malware may prevent mbam-setup.exe from downloading and running. You can download and rename this program from a different computer before running it on infected system.

    13 April 2009 at 2:41 am
  • 3 }
    axel said:

    THANK you SOOOO muchwebmaster

    this works :)

    15 April 2009 at 6:13 pm
  • 4 }
    Jak1190 said:

    hey, i kinda have the same problem as axel had only it stops working and wont let the computer start up in my case. are there ways to circumvent this issue?

    15 April 2009 at 8:19 pm
  • 5 }
    DanBrazil said:

    I have the same problem as Jak. I cant use my computer…I cant even see my desktop, only this Privacy Center. is there a way to remove it by safe mode as i tried before?

    16 April 2009 at 2:28 am
  • 6 }
    John Davis said:

    First thing you should know is that this virus/trogan comes from PRIVACY-CENTR.ORG so I would recommend sending many complaints to their backbone providers to get them shut down.

    I was able to CTRL ALT DEL and shut the process down. I then went to RUN and typed MSCONFIG then in the “startup” tab, uncheck Privacy Center (PC.exe) and I have no problem. My machine works fine now.

    22 April 2009 at 3:47 am
  • 7 }
    Matt Ivey said:

    I have the same problem; I can’t get past the Privacy Center on start-up with the Admin account. I am on here with the Guest account. Unfortunetly I can’t do much with this account; I can’t even install the program recommended above. When I CTRL-ALT-DELETE and end the “PC.exe” process it just closes the Privacy Center and goes to a blue screen. Any suggestions?

    23 April 2009 at 2:56 am
  • 8 }
    LB said:

    CTRL + ALT + DEL and then go to RUN and type: “explorer” without the “”.

    25 April 2009 at 9:09 am
  • 9 }
    zonamojo said:

    I caught this malware as well. I used malwarebytes and it fixed me right up.

    Thanks for the help.

    30 April 2009 at 12:18 am
  • 10 }
    zorex said:

    how can u start the run on a blank screen??

    30 April 2009 at 12:45 pm
  • 11 }
    zorex said:

    thanks. instructions for vista.
    1.when the privacy center starts press ctrl+alt+del
    2.click start task manager and end process on the Processes tab (pc.exe)
    3.click file, and select new task(Run)
    4. type on the run explorer
    5. you will see your desktop on your screen.

    thanks again

    30 April 2009 at 12:58 pm
  • 12 }
    LB said:

    My pleasure friend! ^^

    1 May 2009 at 8:30 am
  • 13 }
    mattandbenny said:

    I have the exact same problem but cant get rid of it. After I login it automatically starts up and will not allow me to exit out of it. My desk top never loads, and behind its window is just a black screen.

    I’ve tried control-alt-delete but when i do that the whole screen just goes black. Any ideas on what i can do?

    1 May 2009 at 5:12 pm
  • 14 }
    jcg said:

    LB & John Davis thanks so much for the info. I was starting to get pretty pissed off. Appreciate it guys.

    2 May 2009 at 6:41 pm
  • 15 }
    Lozrenzo said:

    Remove Privacy Center manually – kill processes pc.exe and agent.exe using Windows Task Manager and then delete C:\Program Files\PCenter
    That should do the trick!

    5 May 2009 at 12:42 pm
  • 16 }
    BRiCE said:

    OMG thank you guys for the help! worked perfectly! My girlfriend is sooooo happy that her computer could be saved! you guys rock!

    7 May 2009 at 7:11 pm
  • 17 }
    KE said:

    Am I the only one experiencing this issue ALONG WITH two or three sentences in a foreign female voice upon login? (Sounds Swedish, German)

    8 May 2009 at 1:39 pm
  • 18 }
    AF said:

    I cannot thank you guys enough.

    9 May 2009 at 1:24 pm
  • 19 }
    tn said:

    I had the same thing with my computer. I paid 129 to this privacy center and it didn’t do anything. Does anyone know how can i get my money back from that company? I couldn’t find a contact info?

    thanks

    10 May 2009 at 6:05 pm
  • 20 }
    John said:

    tn,

    Just call your credit card company and have them stop payment. I would also have a new card issued so whoever created the virus can’t use the info you gave them.

    11 May 2009 at 10:55 pm
  • 21 }
    rose said:

    THANK YOU SO MUCH! Just helped my boyfriends mom fix her computer. Your website and the tips were a big help! I Just used the task manager and the run function!!!!

    12 May 2009 at 2:06 am
  • 22 }
    mike said:

    thanks a lot really helped!

    14 May 2009 at 11:11 am
  • 23 }
    kyle said:

    I have the problem of Privacy Center starting right at startup, and it leaves me with a blank screen, cept I cant access Task Manager to kill the program and get to everything to delete it. Am I in trouble?

    15 May 2009 at 9:08 pm
  • 24 }
    Pam said:

    I have the problem of Privacy Center starting when i turn on my computer. I cannot access my desktop, or the task manager, as it is ‘disabled’. Also, that means that the Control- Alt – Delete is also not accessible. Please tell me how i can get rid of this. It’s driving me mad.

    Thanks.

    16 May 2009 at 8:20 pm
  • 25 }
    Jim said:

    I had the same problem, hit F8 to go into safe mode during startup. Then access the administrator acct and perform system restore to a previous date. I downloaded CCCleaner. It found Privacy Center and removed it.

    Good luck.

    19 May 2009 at 10:09 pm
  • 26 }
    Arnold said:

    very, very, very thanks to you Webmaster. It solved the problem

    24 May 2009 at 2:57 pm
  • 27 }
    Aerys said:

    i hate them. thx for the tips guys, you are honorable.

    (sry iam still very wrath coz of this evil, i hate them.)

    24 May 2009 at 8:01 pm
  • 28 }
    computer-illiterate said:

    Thanks webmaster – totally worked.

    26 May 2009 at 11:02 pm
  • 29 }
    Penny R said:

    Thank you so much!!!!!!! I did what Lozrenzo said to do and it worked perfectly!!!!

    27 May 2009 at 12:52 pm
  • 30 }
    Steve T said:

    For those with the black screen issue, just restart in safe mode with networking (press F8 before Windows begins to load). Once it boots up, install Malwarebytes and perform the updates. Once you’ve gotten it up to date, go ahead and run the full scan. Remove the infected files and reboot. After rebooting, download CCleaner and have it clean up your temp files. Then turn off system restore and turn it back on. This will remove your restore points, some of which are infected. If you have trouble connecting to the network wirelessly, plug in a network cable instead, those drivers tend to work in safe mode where wireless drivers don’t.

    Cheers!

    28 May 2009 at 12:56 am
  • 31 }
    Kishore Patwardhan said:

    Hi
    I am Using inspiron 1420 Laptop since from one year, yesterday when I on my lap top It went privacy center. I have tried above all methods to resolve my problem.I was unable to solve my problem. I am staying in Bangalore, if some can help me it will be great. I am ready to bring my lap to your place please call me 99802-18814.
    Kishore

    28 May 2009 at 6:30 am
  • 32 }
    Steve M said:

    The advice to type in ‘explorer’ worked then running my Windows One Care did the rest – Thanks – a great help

    28 May 2009 at 11:38 am
  • 33 }
    Bob said:

    Newest varient has task manager disabled. You cannot load malwarebyte. Safe mode does not help.

    Where is the pc.exe file located so I can go in at dos prompt to delete?

    Is there any other way out if you have this new variety that does not allow access to task manager or desktop?

    29 May 2009 at 10:15 pm
  • 34 }
    Sophie said:

    I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! IT WORKED INSTANTLY IT GOT RID OF PRIVACY CENTER!!

    I am soo happy and relieved i cannot express how greatful I am to Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware.

    Everytime I turned on my computer my screen went blank black, then privacy center came up, it wouldnt close, it wouldnt let me do anything!!

    This is genuine, I read the first comment on this page and it described the EXACT same problem I had! I thought that this site must b a scam, but i was soo desperate!

    So I clicked on the download link from this page, and carefully followed the instructions as I went along, after instilation, and within aprox 8 mins of scanning, I clicked show results (came up with privacy center and related items) then removed selected, and restarted my computer.

    I didnt keep my hopes up just incase, but I turned on my computer, and omg! thank god!! it was gone!!!! my usual screen appeared after a long two weeks of having privacy center! I couldnt believe it!! im soooo relieved and happy. :)

    I came straight onto here to comment on how thankful I am to this site.
    Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou.
    x

    18 June 2009 at 12:35 am
  • 35 }
    Shawn said:

    I am having the same problem as everyone else…I can turn the computer on though and get my regular desktop after Xing out of the main privacy screen. When I Ctrl Alt Del I don’t have anything that says PC.exe so I can’t cancel it and the virus keeps blocking me from downloading the Anti Malware software. Is it disguising itself under a different name on the Process screen of the Task manager?

    31 July 2009 at 2:11 am
  • 36 }
    liz said:

    Is anyone else getting “access denied” when trying to use google or ask after this thing downloads?

    1 August 2009 at 1:42 am
  • 37 }
    lisa said:

    Yes – I’ve been working all day on this horrible virus. I have no pc.exe.

    I can’t log into the internet anymore. I am working off of another laptop.

    I can’t run any of my scans because my computer shuts down right in the middle of the scan. (this is with Malwarebytes and Spybot)

    ANNNNYYYY help would be appreciated.

    1 August 2009 at 10:28 pm
  • 38 }
    Gina said:

    Just want to let you know this beast got my home computer also. I paid Dell Support $239.00 (since the warranty on my computer had expired) and they couldn’t even remove it! Then talked me into buying Norton Spyware for $69.99 which didnt work either. I call my cable company and the tech had me download their FREE spyware and guess what? Its gone! I just wasted $309.99. I will NEVER buy a DELL COMPUTER AGAIN. HOW CAN I RECOUP THAT $309.99??

    5 August 2009 at 1:37 pm
  • 39 }
    nyinyi said:

    hello

    6 August 2009 at 11:02 am
  • 40 }
    Karl said:

    Same problem as Liz and Shawn. No PC.exe — I think the PrivacyCenter has morphed a bit. How can I get rid of now?

    10 August 2009 at 1:04 am
  • 41 }
    C T said:

    Hey,

    I did the same, however there was rubbish all through the registry files and temporary internet files were all infected, so i would recommend soughting that out

    Watch out for the process agent.exe to

    Peace Out

    12 August 2009 at 12:49 pm
  • 42 }
    DJ said:

    Apparentley I have the mutated version. Task manager didn’t work. Nothing has worked. I had several support specialists tell me no anti-spyware would remove this pain in the rear. The only fix is to pay $300 to have it professional cleaned. Hackers should be caned . . . . publicly. Any help would be great.

    19 August 2009 at 2:54 am
  • 43 }
    Chris said:

    wow it works thnx guys my computer is restored from the annoying pest!! :)

    19 August 2009 at 3:10 am
  • 44 }
    Jzekeira said:

    Thanks a lot guys, it really works.:)

    2 December 2009 at 8:52 pm
  • 45 }
    Kristin said:

    Ok – so I did seem to get rid of most of it but, not all of the effects. It is still preventing me from going to some websites so who knows what else it is still doing on the computer. I can’t go to malwarebytes.org or lavasoft.com. Anything I can do to make sure that all of this stuff is really gone?

    2 December 2009 at 9:27 pm
  • 46 }
    Kristin said:

    Cant get to many other websites as well – yahoo for example.

    2 December 2009 at 10:11 pm
  • 47 }
    Justin said:

    I am having the same problem (including the ctrl+alt+delete being disabled). When I try to reboot in safe mode it goes to blue screen for a few seconds and then reboots. Any suggestions. I know I can get rid of this if I just can get windows to launch in safe mode. Thanks very much for any advice you may have. Starting to loose it.

    5 December 2009 at 1:34 am
  • 48 }
    krystal said:

    I am having a serious problem! I don’t have the pc.exe or agent.exe in the processes area. Maybe it’s a mutated version and it’s not called Privacy center anymore. It’s called Control Center. Is there any new methods to removing this rogue-ware?

    24 August 2010 at 2:02 am

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