How to uninstall the Dll-Files Fixer potentially unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is the Dll-Files Fixer PUA?
Much as the name implies, Dll-Files Fixer is software endorsed as a tool capable of fixing DLL file errors, thereby improving system performance. Due to the dubious techniques used to proliferate this app, however, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
This category contains questionably marketed and distributed products, yet this software is often nonoperational and/or has additional functionality that is not listed.
While legitimate products can be distributed in dubious ways, these techniques are primarily used to spread untrusted software. PUAs often seem normal and harmless. They entice users into download/installation with offers of various "useful" functionality, however, the features promised rarely work as advertised and, in most cases, do not work at all.
Prime examples are fake anti-virus tools/system optimizers. These programs require activation (i.e. purchase) to perform their functions, yet following activation, they remain nonoperational. This is likely to be the case with Dll-Files Fixer as well. Furthermore, PUAs can have undisclosed capabilities.
These unwanted apps can force-open rogue, sale-oriented, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious websites. Adware-types can run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e. deliver pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.). These ads overly web page content and limit browsing speed.
When clicked, they redirect to dangerous sites and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Other PUAs called browser hijackers modify browser settings in order to promote fake search engines.
With a browser hijacker installed, each search query typed into the URL bar and new browser tab/window opened redirects to the address of the promoted web searcher. Rogue search engines are seldom capable of providing unique results, and so they tend to redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other genuine sites.
Furthermore, most PUAs (regardless of type) have data tracking capabilities. They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).
The collected data is likely to contain personally identifiable information. PUA developers monetize this information by sharing it and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to financial loss, system infections, serious privacy issues and even identity theft.
To ensure device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | Dll-Files Fixer potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
| Supposed Functionality | DLL file error repair |
| Detection Names | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.1502), Fortinet (W32/Generic_PUA_CI.AA), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Systweak.AB Potentiall), McAfee (Artemis!48A864A7A84D), 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. |
ScanUtilities, System Care Pro, Abrasive, Perfect Optimizer and RocketFixio are some examples of other potentially unwanted applications. This software may seem legitimate and useful, however, despite how good the functionality might sound, it is rarely operational.
The only purpose of these unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs cause redirects to untrusted/malicious websites, run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers and gather private data.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some PUAs can have "official" promotional web pages, from which they can be downloaded. These apps can also be downloaded/installed with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive ads can infiltrate such applications into systems as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs, without users' permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and/or bundled content.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).
If you encounter ads and/or redirects of this type, inspect the system and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of Dll-Files Fixer application (GIF):
Installation setup of Dll-Files Fixer application:
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:
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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 Dll-Files Fixer?
- 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 "Dll-Files Fixer" 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, Dll-Files Fixer 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 dll-files fixer potentially unwanted 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 dll-files fixer potentially unwanted 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 dll-files fixer potentially unwanted 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 dll-files fixer potentially unwanted 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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Outstanding!
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