This article aims to help you remove PC Smart Cleanup fake PC cleaner program completely and effectively from your computer.
A fake PC optimizing software has recently been detected to be pushed onto the computers of victims and use fake scanning and detection in order to deceive you into thinking you have issues and also viruses on your computer. The program, called PC Smart Cleanup then asks you to either activate it via purchasing a very expensive license key or to call the number (800)-935-0549 in order to activate it and remove malware that does not exist. If you see pop-ups and fake detections by PC Smart Cleanup on your computer it is strongly recommended to read this article and learn how to remove it completely from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | PC Smart Cleanup |
| Type | Hoax antivirus/PC optimizer software. |
| Short Description | Pretends to scan your computer for malware and discovers non-existent threats to get you to purchase it’s licensed version. |
| Symptoms | Performs fake scans. Appears without you remembering to install it. |
| Distribution Method | Via browser redirects that are advertising it, bundling, malware or adware installed on your computer. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PC Smart Cleanup. |
PC Smart Cleanup – How Does It Spread
The primary method used to spread PC Smart Cleaner is most likely via adware programs and fake error web pages, whose goal is to deceive you into downloading the software in order to remove a virus on your computer. The web pages which “advertise” the fake software present the following messages to victims via a fake Microsoft web page:
The messages can also appear on mobile phones and instead of the software, a fake tech support number has been added. They can also be seen on iPhones and MacBooks and these fake errors can appear as a result of visting a suspicious website or if your computer has already been compromised by viruses. Here is how the fake detection web pages look like:
Another method by which you could end up having PC Smart Cleanup on your computer is if you have previously installed ad-supported programs that may have automatically downloaded and installed this software in the background.
In addition to this, PC Smart Cleanup may also exist as a bundled program to one of the installers downloaded from suspicious website. It may come as “a free extra” in one of the installation steps of the installer itself. To best detect such bundled software when you are installing a free program, you should always choose the Custom or Advanced installation preferences that take you through all installation steps.
PC Smart Cleanup – More Information
As soon as it has been installed on your computer, the program modifies registry entries in the Windows Registry Editor. The sub-keys attacked by it are reported to be the Run and Run once registry sub-keys. After this has occurred, PC Smart Cleanup may also cause your computer to misbehave by slowing it down significantly and modifying it’s settings.
Then, PC Smart Cleanup may automatically run on Windows startup only to display a fake scanning message that pretends to detect issues on your computer:
Then, the program displays a screen asking to call a tech support number for activation of the software or to directly buy the license for PC Smart Cleanup online:
To increase trust in the victims of this fake program, it has added a fake certificate and images that it is an official Microsoft Gold™ partner. However, there is no such thing and PC Smart Cleanup should not be trusted, because all it wants is either your money or your financial information when you conduct the online purchase.
Remove PC Smart Cleanup you’re your Computer
For the removal of this suspicious software, it is highly recommended to follow the instructions below. They are specifically designed to help you fully erase all of the files that are created by this software. However, since manual removal may be tricky, because this software may reappear after the files are deleted, security experts recommend to remove it by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, which will automatically and protect your PC in the future as well.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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