Remove W32/Bancos Trojan Free — Step-by-Step Removal Tool

Remove W32/Bancos Trojan Free — Step-by-Step Removal Tool

W32/Bancos is a banking Trojan that targets Windows systems to steal financial credentials. This guide walks you through a safe, step-by-step process to detect and remove W32/Bancos using free tools and built-in Windows features. Follow each step in order and reboot only when instructed.

Before you begin — precautions

• Disconnect from the internet to prevent data exfiltration while cleaning.
• Back up important files to an external drive (do not run executables from the backup).
• Note account logins and change sensitive passwords from a clean device after removal.
• Use the steps below on the infected machine; if you’re unsure, perform steps from a clean PC or seek professional help.

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (optional)

Booting into Safe Mode can prevent the Trojan from running.

1. Windows ⁄₁₁: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. After restart: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
2. Older Windows: Press F8 during boot and select Safe Mode with Networking.

(If the machine can’t enter Safe Mode, skip to Step 3.)

2. Download free malware-removal tools (from a clean device if possible)

• Microsoft Defender Offline (built into Windows Security)
• Malwarebytes Free (on-demand scanner)
• Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (free scanner)
• ESET Online Scanner (free, runs in-browser)
  Download installers to a USB drive from another clean computer if you cannot safely browse on the infected PC.

3. Run a full system scan with Microsoft Defender

1. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
2. Under “Current threats,” choose “Scan options.”
3. Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan and run it (this reboots the PC and scans before Windows fully starts).
4. Follow prompts to remove/quarantine detected items. Reboot when finished.

4. Use Malwarebytes for a second opinion

1. Install Malwarebytes Free (do not enable trial of Premium unless you want real-time protection).
2. Update signatures and run a Full Scan.
3. Quarantine or remove all detections. Reboot if prompted.

5. Run additional on-demand scanners

• Run Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or ESET Online Scanner for extra assurance.
• Quarantine or delete detections they find. Multiple scanners reduce the chance of leftover components.

6. Check and remove persistence mechanisms manually

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Startup tab. Disable suspicious entries (unknown publisher or odd names).
2. Run msconfig (or System Configuration) > Services tab > Hide all Microsoft services > disable unknown services.
3. Check Scheduled Tasks: Start > Task Scheduler > Task Scheduler Library. Delete unfamiliar tasks.
4. Inspect common autorun locations:
   • Registry: Run regedit and review:
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_CURRENTUSER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • Startup folders:
     • %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
     • %PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
       Remove entries you’re sure are malicious (export registry keys before deleting).