How to uninstall ScanMyReg from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ScanMyReg?
ScanMyReg is one of many system optimization tools that supposedly fix various errors and improve computer performance in other ways. In fact, developers distribute these apps through the set-ups of other programs by including them as "additional offers".
Typically, people download and install these programs unintentionally and, therefore, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Do not trust applications that are distributed in this way.
ScanMyReg allows users to scan the operating system for registry errors, and defragment and backup the registry, however, this app does not fix any 'detected' problems or perform other tasks unless it is registered (purchased). Commonly, PUAs display fake results and thus do not fix any genuine problems.
These apps often trick people into paying for a so-called "full version". It is unknown whether ScanMyReg detects fake results, however, most PUAs have this capability. Furthermore, software set-ups that contain offers to download or install additional software such as ScanMyReg are often used to distribute multiple PUAs.
Therefore, ScanMyReg might be distributed together with other browser hijackers, adware-type applications, etc. Browser hijackers promote the addresses of fake search engines by changing certain browser settings. Adware-type apps serve coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and other advertisements.
When clicked, these can open untrusted websites or even run scrips designed to download and install unwanted programs. Note that adware-type applications and browser hijackers can also track information.
They collect browsing data (e.g., IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, and so on), however, they might also be capable of accessing sensitive, private information. The data might be sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.
Therefore, if any PUAs are already installed on browsers and/or operating systems, remove them immediately and never trust ScanMyReg.
| Name | ScanMyReg potentially uwnanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
| Supposed Functionality | This app supposedly fixes, backs up and defragments the system registry |
| Detection Names | Avast (FileRepMalware [PUP]), BitDefender (Application.Agent.HWM), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/UwS.ScanMyReg.A), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.DeceptPCClean.hie), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment to eliminate the supposedly found errors. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many other programs that are similar to ScanMyReg including, for example, Tuneup Pro, SpeedyFixer and PC Power Speed.
Commonly, these apps are advertised as legitimate and useful, however, they can provide fake results to encourage people to spend money on activation. They often installed together with other PUAs, which could cause issues relating to browsing safety, online privacy, identity theft and other problems.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In some cases, people download and install PUAs by clicking deceptive advertisements - this causes them to execute certain scripts. Rogue downloads and installations also happen when these apps are included into the set-ups of other (usually free) programs.
Typically, PUAs are included as 'additional offers'. This PUA distribution method is called "bundling".
The offers to download and install PUAs are usually mentioned in "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", and other settings of the set-ups, however, many users fail to check and change them, thereby inadvertently allowing included PUAs to be downloaded and installed with their required software.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
PUAs are distributed through third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial pages, etc. Therefore, such tools and channels should never be used to download or install any software or files. Use official web pages and direct links.
Check all software download/install settings such as "Advanced", "Custom", and "Manual" and decline offers to download and install additional, unwanted software before completing the process. Do not click intrusive advertisements that appear on dubious sites, since they can open potentially malicious pages or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted extensions, add-ons and plug-ins already installed on the browser, and programs of this kind on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting the ScanMyReg application:
Installation setup of the ScanMyReg application:
Appearance of the ScanMyReg application (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is ScanMyReg?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "ScanMyReg" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, ScanMyReg did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the scanmyreg potentially uwnanted application, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the scanmyreg potentially uwnanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with scanmyreg potentially uwnanted application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the scanmyreg potentially uwnanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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