How to remove IDP.Generic
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is IDP.Generic?
For people who use various anti-virus software, IDP.Generic is a common threat name. IDP is 'Identity Protection', so when a security application detects a threat called IDP.Generic, it indicates that it was detected by this component (Identity Protection), which generalized a detected file. This detection is often a 'false positive'.
More about IDP.Generic
There are many possible infections that could be generalized as IDP.Generic threats. For example, a game file. If the installed anti-virus software detects it as a threat, it is very likely that the game will not be able to start. The same applies to other programs that contain files identified as IDP.Generic threats.
As mentioned, this threat is commonly categorized as a false positive detection - the installed anti-virus program detected a harmless/legitimate file as a threat and either quarantined or removed it. In some cases, these detections lead to removal of important system files or other significant data, however, not all detected threats are false positives.
In many cases, cyber criminals disguise malicious files as legitimate. They make their names very similar to legitimate files, which are then not detected as threats or malicious. In this particular case, we advise that you double check and run a virus scan using another program. Also ensure that the installed anti-virus (or anti-spyware) software is up-to-date.
If not, update it and run the scan again. Check if it still detects files as the IDP.Generic threat and if other security programs/tools detect the same file as a threat. If so, it should be removed immediately. It could be a Trojan designed to proliferate viruses and cause data/financial loss and other serious problems.
| Name | IDP.Generic trojan |
| Threat Type | Trojan, Password stealing virus, Banking malware, Spyware. |
| Detection Names (setup.exe) |
Avast (Win32:OnLineGames-AB [Trj]), BitDefender (Trojan.Crypt.Delf.AF), ESET-NOD32 (a variant of Win32/PSW.Lineage.AJP), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), Full List (VirusTotal). |
| Additional Information |
Be aware that information within anti-virus databases continually changes, and thus that the IDP.Generic detection name could change as well. For this reason, files detected as IDP.Generic might be detected under a different threat name (and vice versa) after a database update. |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent. Thus, no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software cracks. |
| Damage | Stolen banking information, passwords, identity theft, victim's computer added to a botnet. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar cases
Some examples of other cases whereby legitimate files are detected as threats, or cyber criminals use their names to disguise malware, are Gwx.exe, Csrss.exe, and Fuerboos. We recommend that you do not to remove files without ensuring that they are actual threats, and to remove them immediately if they are.
How did IDP.Generic infiltrate my computer?
Computer infections can be proliferated in various ways. Some most commonly used methods are spam campaigns, Trojans, fake/unofficial software updaters, software 'cracking' tools, and dubious software download sources. Spam campaigns are used to proliferate malicious programs by sending emails that include infected attachments.
In most cases, attached files are Microsoft Office documents, archives such as RAR, ZIP, PDF documents, executables (.exe and other files), JavaScript files, and so on. Once opened (executed), they infect operating systems by downloading and installing malicious programs. Trojans are computer infections that, if already installed, proliferate other malware.
Their purpose is usually to cause chain infections. Unofficial (fake) software updating tools cause damage by downloading malicious programs rather than updates/fixes, or by exploiting outdated software bugs/flaws. Software 'cracking' tools operate in a similar manner.
They supposedly bypass software activation, however, if designed to proliferate viruses, they download and install malicious programs.
Untrustworthy software download tools such as Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule and other such tools), third party downloaders, unofficial pages, free file hosting, freeware download websites etc., are often used to present malicious executables as legitimate files.
In summary, opening files downloaded using these channels can trick people to install malicious programs.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Download software from official and trustworthy, websites only and using direct download links. All other channels/tools mentioned above should not be used. It is also important to keep software updated, however, use implemented tools or functions provided by official software developers only.
Furthermore, do not to open email attachments without in emails received from unknown/suspicious addresses. These are usually presented as official and important, however, if they (and their attachments) are irrelevant, they should be ignored. Using 'cracking' tools (activators) that bypass paid activation is illegal and they often cause download and installation of malware.
Finally, use reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware software to prevent system infection by viruses. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is IDP.Generic?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of IDP.Generic malware.
- STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.
How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically.
To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows. If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup. Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck the "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software.
To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your storage device can certainly get rid of malware on your computer, but it is a drastic step that may not be necessary in all cases. Before formatting your storage device, you should consider using reputable anti-malware software to scan your system and attempt to remove the malware.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can cause a wide range of issues for computer users, including theft of personal information, financial losses, system damage, data loss, and other problems.
What is the purpose of a malware?
It can vary depending on the specific type of malware. Malware can be designed to steal sensitive information, carry out fraudulent activities, cause damage to a computer's system, lock users out of their system, create botnets, and more.
How did a malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware can be spread through phishing scams, which involve tricking users into clicking links or downloading malicious attachments and through drive-by downloads. Also, malware can exploit software program vulnerabilities, spread through social engineering tactics, be bundled with free or pirated software, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner has the capability to identify and remove nearly all known malware infections, though it should be noted that sophisticated malware can be deeply embedded in a system. Thus, it is recommended to perform a full system scan to ensure complete detection and removal.
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