Why does my Dell show me a Vista Internet 2012 alert?

Reformatting should only be done as a last resort, it will render all your personal files inaccessible.

People who tell you to use system restore to remove a virus don't know what they are talking about.

A well written virus will infect system restore, so turn it OFF before following my directions so the virus can't resurrect itself. After malware is removed you can turn system restore back on.

Many forms of malware are able to remove the executable part of antivirus and anti malware programs WHILE you are downloading them, so my suggestion is this.

What you should do is use a second computer to download a copy of malwarebytes and then update it. Next, copy the updated malwarebytes to a CD or DVD(if your pc can read DVDs) and insert the CD or DVD into the drive.TURN OFF your infected pc, not restart, TURN OFF.Wait 2 minutes then hit the power button while continuously tapping the F8 key. You want to enter safe mode (WITHOUT networking) and run the malwarebytes from there.

If you have problems doing this, register at forums.techguy.org/

They will walk you through it.

I would also suggest that you install some kind of antivirus, there are many free ones. I have used !avast quite successfully for well over a year, and it's FREE!

Being that windows Vista is well passed it's sell by date and no longer supported by MS, What you should do is Install a operating system that's up to date (August 2011) that is supported by Dell then it will never ever get windows Viruses, spyware, malware worms or trojans again. It is free to download with all the software you'll ever need, You will never have to buy software ever again

Windows and Mac operating systems are not the only operating systems and software in the world

Vista Internet Security 2012 description and removal instructions:

http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2011/06/remove-v...

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remo...

Install anti-malware software and remove the rogue anti-virus program from your computer properly.

Recommended anti-malware tools:

Malwarebytes Antimalware http://malwarebytes.org/

SUPERAntispyware http://www.superantispyware.com/

Spybot S&D http://www.safer-networking.org/

Hitman Pro http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

according to spyware doctor (download here -> http://www.spywaredb.com/spywaredoctor.php ) vista internet 2012 is a rogue anti-spyware product. you should perform a full system scan ASAP

Download and install http://www.malwarebytes.org/ run, update and full scan.

Once removed, use a good antivirus such as Avast, AVG or Microsoft security Essentials (all free).