This page is here to help you remove PC Optimizer Pro. This PC Optimizer Pro removal guide is suitable for all Windows versions.
PC Optimizer Pro has been designated a PUP – a Potentially Unwanted Program. These programs are generally just an inconvenience to experienced computer users, though they can be far more… so delete PC Optimizer Pro as soon as it shows its snout. It is among a growing number of such unwanted downloads that cause varying degrees of problems and security risks. The infection comes from either visiting dubious sites or more commonly, it is unintentionally downloaded and installed along with freeware. Increasingly now, companies give freeware samples or trials as marketing and the job of distributing these are given to third parties known as download clients. This middle-man has the opportunity to incorporate or bundle other programs along with the desired one with varying degrees of stealth. Many times, this bundle can consist of harmless, market related products that may be of interest to the receiver. This passive/aggressive advertising is something which we have become used to as customers – nothing is free, after all. Though it is when an unwanted program is offensive – tries to control us via our system – this when the problems begin. It is currently estimated that 70 – 80 000 computers are currently infected by this specific program. There are many variants of this pest and its associated sites with similar names (PC Utilities Pro is just one). Anything that sounds generic should be avoided – remove PC Optimizer Pro and anything that sounds like it.
How does PC Optimizer Pro behave?
PC Optimizer Pro claims to do exactly what the name suggests – clean your files and registry and make your PC more efficient. The general opinion in the software and security community is that at best this is a useless piece of free wear that is being used for system extortion. It enters as detailed above and then states your sysem is in deparate need of clean-up to operate normally. Uninstall PC Optimizer Pro as soon as you see it. Tests have been run and shows no functionality in the trial version – that the on-screen scans and results are fake. It insists that by buying the full version ($39.00 – 50.00) will your computer be restored to its previous functionality. There is no full version, and there is no way to know how your credit card details will be used if you try to buy the mythical. Clean PC Optimizer Pro up as quickly as possible. Blogs and forums record that paying for the ‘licensed’ version bring more malware and system problems and it is thought that if this program embeds too deeply it will leave a system open to remote access by a third party. Another hazard of PC Optimizer Pro is that essential boot files can be destroyed, making the system irrecoverable. This is often mistaken for hardware failure and not traced by technicians who simply replace the hard drive. For precautions against these type of situations, remote back-up of data is advised. You need to stop PC Optimizer Pro in its tracks.
Problems caused by PC Optimizer Pro
PC Optimizer Pro will give you incessant pop-ups and desk-top disruption trying to get you to buy the full version. Apart from increasingly frequent alerts regarding computer security and need for registry cleaning, it can redirect web browsing and effect changes to browser settings. The longer the program stays on the system, the more the disruption increases and the more difficult it is reported to be to remove. The background activity of the program will slow processing speeds as the program’s activity increases.
What are the Potential Risks of Using PC Optimizer Pro?
The links that the program establishes to your browser could allow it to redirect you to pages that could be a gateway for remote access from a third party, and at very least it is capable of monitoring a computer’s browser history and bookmarks – and possibly of key-logging any data entered on webpages. If bank details are entered to purchase a full version then these could end up anywhere. The technical support team for the company are based in India and some users have had success contacting them, demanding instructions to remove the program. They were informed that they needed to purchase a separate program in order to achieve uninstalling. Whilst many users have managed to remove the program, there have been loss of important files and extreme cases where entire hard drives have been destroyed.
PC Optimizer Pro Removal Steps
Navigation:
1: Permanently delete PC Optimizer Pro from Task Manager’s processes.
2: Uninstall PC Optimizer Pro from your Add/Remove Programs.
3: Uninstall the threat from Msconfig.
Run the Task Manager by right clicking on the Taskbar and choosing Start Task Manager.
Look carefully at the file names and descriptions of the running processes. If you find any suspicious one, search on Google for its name, or contact me directly to identify it. If you find a malware process, right-click on it and choose End task.
Open Control Panel by holding the Win Key and R together. Write appwiz.cpl in the field, then click OK.
Here, find any program you had no intention to install and uninstall it.
Open MS Config by holding the Win Key and R together. Type msconfig and hit Enter.
Go in the Startup tab and Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.
Still can not remove PC Optimizer Pro from your computer? Please, leave a comment below, describing what steps you performed. I will answer promptly.
Summary
If you already have this infection, eliminate PC Optimizer Pro immediately. It is possible to remove manually (instructions above). To prevent a recurrence of similar PUPs be more vigilant when downloading freeware and install with Advanced/Custom settings. For long term security install a decent, reputable anti-virus/malware package (from a well-trusted supplier!!!). When out exploring, you may see a stray pup. However cute this animal seems, don’t communicate because it will follow you home and create problems. Take precautions, and leave the PUPs alone – they may be wolves in disguise!
