While I was out my son accidentally clicked a link from a game to optimizer pro, how do I remove it from my computer?
Son has downloaded Optimizer Pro. How do I remove it?
bsk on 31/12/2013 - 14:41
Comments
yep, we did the google thing and found a few options, hoping it is gone now, thanks
Bit late for an abortion, but someone offered to get rid of chooks for $1500 in the bad neighbour thread..
Download Revo Uninstaller (free version). When you open Revo it lists all programs on your computer. Double click the program you want to uninstall and follow the prompts. It's an excellent utility.
Combofix downloaded from bleepingcomputer.com
2nd for Revo Uninstaller (free) but make sure you follow directions carefully to rid you of all unwanted programs or bits can be left behind.
System restore back to before you installed.
^^^THIS THIS THIS. Don't go through the torment of removing malware if you can do a system restore first.
System Restore - return to the time before the program was ever installed in minutes
Removal - Hope you remove it all and hope no damage has been done
I know where my time would be best spent
If a system restore works you make a very valid point. I have come across plenty of malware that unfortunately survive a restore, but indeed, shane_au is correct - you can definitely try this first.
Yes I would agree. I have come across plenty of Malware which survives system restores too. A lot of the time it is because the Malware is much older than first though. Symptoms came well after a machine was 1st infected.
Even if a system restore works I still go through my removal process to make sure everything is clean.
The malwaretips guide you have linked is excellent. That process will remove most unwanted spyware. Revo is great. CCleaner is a quick way to clean up cookies and temp files before starting the removal process
Guy, it's a Virus or at least Malware or PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). I think REVO is also an excellent program, but it's not designed to remove programs like this at all.
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/pc-optimizer-pro-virus/
Above contains removal instructions. These instruction are pretty much 100% the steps we take here at work to remove malware from client's PCs also, so I can vouch for the effectiveness.
Please be aware the #1 most important to cure getting junk like this on your PC is NOT to download these sorts of "free games", and if you must, NEVER click on one of the links. These "games" unfortunately only exist to BAIT you into downloading and installing this other junk.
to download these sorts of "free games"
It's not just free games. Seemingly legit apps and websites do it too.
Even if you do find an entirely reputable program, you’ll have to keep your eyes open while installing it. It will likely try to install adware, add browse toolbars, change your default search engine, or change your web browser’s home page.
Even Microsoft’s own programs do this — when you install Skype for Windows desktop, it will attempt to modify your browser settings to use Bing, even if you’ve specially chosen another search engine and home page. With Microsoft setting such an example, it’s no surprise so many other software developers have followed suit.
Java updates for example, always come with a Ask Toolbar, and that thing is actually pretty tricky to remove. The developers must have made it intentionally hard to
People don't know this and unintentionally install the toolbar, then wonder where the heck it came from.Scrimshaw is correct. More and more legitimate software is doing this also. However there are usually check boxes that you can untick to stop these things installing. Instead of blindly clicking the next button remember read and uncheck when installing. Good point.
Yeah flash and the mcafee toolbar……all it takes is one little tick box(ticked by default). This one always pisses me off!
Shane is also spot on. System restore can solve a multitude of carelessness. You should always create a restore point before doing anything questionable!
My recommendation:
- Go into the Programs control panel, sort by date (click the date column heading), uninstall the programs you do not want
- Download and run Anti-Malware from www.malwarebytes.org
- Download and run CCleaner and use its registry cleaner, then click Tools/Startup and check for dubious startup items
Your son has done you a massive favour.
Your computer is now probably infected.To Solve, follow these 2 simple steps:
Step 1. Buy case of beer, drink beer, and watch as much porn on computer as possible whilst case of beer lasts.
Step 2. After beer finished, or from RSI in either hand, follow all other posts mentioned above to remove infection from computer.Good Luck.
http://bit.ly/19BLNz4
Honestly… your best bet is always going to be google… if that doesn't turn up anything ask a tech site.