How to Use the Symantec Trojan.Xrupter Removal Tool to Clean Your PC

How to Use the Symantec Trojan.Xrupter Removal Tool to Clean Your PCTrojan.Xrupter is a type of malware that can stealthily compromise a Windows PC, often enabling remote access, data theft, or persistence mechanisms that make removal harder. If you suspect your machine is infected, using a reputable removal tool like Symantec’s (Norton) removal utilities is a solid step. This article explains what Trojan.Xrupter typically does, how to prepare for removal, how to download and use Symantec’s removal tool safely, steps to follow during and after cleanup, and tips to reduce the chance of reinfection.

Trojan.Xrupter is commonly identified by deceptive behaviors such as:

Unauthorized remote control or communication with command-and-control servers
Modification of system files or persistence via startup entries or scheduled tasks
Data exfiltration or credential theft attempts
Slowed performance, unexpected pop-ups, or disabled security software

Exact behaviors vary by variant; some focus on stealth and persistence while others act as loaders for additional malware.

Backup important personal files (documents, photos). If possible, copy them to an external drive that you will not connect to the infected PC until after it’s cleaned.
Note any unusual symptoms you’ve seen (error messages, new programs, changed browser behavior). This helps verify cleanup success.
Ensure you have another device (phone or second PC) to look up instructions if your main PC becomes unstable.
Disconnect from the internet if the infection appears to actively communicate or if you want to limit data exfiltration before cleanup. You can reconnect later when safe.

Download tools only from the official Symantec/Norton website. Using third-party sites risks fake “removal tools” that are themselves malicious.
Symantec offers several utilities: full Norton Antivirus/Norton 360 products, their free Norton Power Eraser, and specific removal tools for some threats. For difficult trojans, Norton Power Eraser is often recommended because it performs aggressive scanning for deeply buried threats.

On a safe device, go to the official Norton/Norton Power Eraser download page.
Download the Norton Power Eraser installer (an .exe file).
Transfer the installer to the infected PC via a clean USB drive if you disconnected the infected PC from the internet.
Run the installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator). If Windows warns about unknown publisher, confirm that the publisher is “NortonLifeLock” or the official Symantec entity.
Follow on-screen prompts to accept the license and start the scan. Norton Power Eraser performs an aggressive scan and may flag legitimate software as suspicious; make careful choices when quarantining.
When the scan completes, review the list of detected items. The tool usually provides recommended actions (repair, remove, or ignore). If unsure about an item, look up the file name or path online or choose to back it up before removal.
Apply the recommended fixes and restart the PC if prompted.

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking and rerun the removal tool; some malware hides or resists removal while Windows runs normally.
Use a second on-demand scanner: Malwarebytes, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, or ESET Online Scanner can complement Norton Power Eraser. Run scans one at a time to avoid conflicts.
Consider a full system restore to a clean restore point dated before infection (if available and you trust the restore point is clean).
As a last resort, perform an in-place reinstall of Windows or a clean OS reinstall. Back up personal files first and be sure not to back up executable or system files that could reintroduce the infection.

Change passwords for important accounts (email, banking, social media) from a known-clean device.
Update Windows, all installed applications, and drivers. Apply security patches immediately.
Install and run a full antivirus product (Norton/Norton 360, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes with real-time protection) and enable automatic updates.
Reconnect external drives only after scanning them on the cleaned PC.
Monitor your system and accounts for unusual activity for several weeks.

If Norton Power Eraser flags a system file as malicious (false positive), research the exact file path and hash before removing; you can also submit the file to Symantec for analysis.
If the malware has disabled security tools or blocked downloads, use Safe Mode or a bootable rescue environment (e.g., Kaspersky Rescue Disk or similar) to run offline scans.
If you lose access to data after cleanup, do not immediately format; try file-recovery tools (Recuva, PhotoRec) from a clean environment, but be cautious as recovery attempts may complicate forensic analysis.

Keep OS and software patched and enable automatic updates.
Use a reputable antivirus with real-time protection and enable browser protections.
Avoid running unknown attachments or executables; verify email senders and download software only from trusted vendors.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where available.
Regularly back up important data to an offline or cloud location with versioning.

If you want, I can:

Provide exact download links and step-by-step screenshots for Norton Power Eraser.
Walk you through Safe Mode, rescue disk creation, or a clean Windows reinstall.