Trend Micro Virus Protection company that doesn't protect Internet

Trend Micro, unlike a lot of anti-virus software vendors, charges annually (~$70) for the upkeep of it's flagship anti-virus software, Titanium.  A recent virus on my computer disabled Titanium, blocked its re-installation, and is slowly barring access to other applications.

A call to Trend Micro yielded some downloaded applications, all of which were disabled by the virus.  Having failed to protect my computer using the money I give them every year, Trend offered to let some distant technician link to my computer and search for the culprit, for an additional $88.  They also scolded me saying that this particular virus was "user generated" meaning, in their words, I had to have clicked on a link to allow it access. I guess that's to distinguish my virus from the ones that could infect my computer if I don't use it.