How to uninstall SmartPCFixer?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
SmartPCFixer removal instructions
What is SmartPCFixer?
SmartPCFixer is advertised as a tool that helps users to fix Windows errors and optimize the operating system. It is likely that this application arrives bundled with other software, or it is distributed using other questionable methods (e.g., through specific deceptive advertisements). Typically, users do not know that they have such apps installed on their computer or how they got installed. Therefore, SmartPCFixer is called a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
SmartPCFixer scans the operating system for issues with the Windows registry, junk files, shortcuts, and other problems, files. However, it does not fix any detected issues/remove unwanted files unless users register it. In other words, SmartPCFixer is not free software. The problem with paying for registration/activation of programs that are categorized as PUAs is that it could be a waste of money. It is common that PUAs do not fix any actual problems, remove files, or are useful in some other way - they display fake scan results to trick users into paying money for their registration/activation. There is no guarantee that SmartPCFixer is not one of these apps. Therefore, it is advisable not to spend money on its registration. Another important thing to mention is that PUAs often come bundled with other apps of this type, for example, browser hijackers, adware.
A browser hijacker is a type of unwanted application that modifies a web browser’s settings without the user’s permission to promote some fake search engine or other shady address. Also, a browser hijacker can be designed to collect browsing data or even personal information. Typically, when users have their browsers hijacked, they cannot restore their original settings unless they remove browser hijackers. Adware is a type of PUA that generates advertisements, for example, coupons, banners, surveys, various pop-up ads. It is common for advertising-supported software to display ads that are used to promote untrustworthy websites or even to distribute (download or install) unwanted applications. I tis noteworthy that adware can be designed to collect personal information too.
| Name | SmartPCFixer potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | System optimizer |
| Detection Names (Installer) | Avast (FileRepMalware), BitDefender (Application.Deceptor.TS), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/UwS.SmartPCFixer.B), MaxSecure (Trojan.Malware.74592289.susgen), Microsoft (Misleading:Win32/Softeallion), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Application) | Arcabit (Application.Deceptor.TS), BitDefender (Application.Deceptor.TS), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/UwS.SmartPCFixer.B), MaxSecure (Trojan.Malware.74592289.susgen), Microsoft (Misleading:Win32/Softeallion), 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 Malwarebytes. |
More examples of programs like SmartPCFixer are SpeedFixTool, Registry Medic and PC Optimizer Pro. What most of them have in common is that it is necessary to activate, register (purchase) them to unlock their full functionality. There are many legitimate system optimizers or other tools that remove errors, fix registry, etc., available for purchase on the Internet. It is strongly advisable to choose them over tools that are categorized as potentially unwanted applications.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Most users download and install unwanted applications through downloaders, installers of freeware, advertisement-supported applications, or other programs. In other words, users cause unwanted downloads and installations when PUAs are bundled with other programs. It is common that downloaders, installers have "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" settings or include checkboxes that can be used to opt out (decline) unwanted offers. Users who finish downloads and installations without changing those settings agree to download and install bundled applications. Sometimes users cause unintentional (unwanted) downloads or installations by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to distribute software by running certain scripts. Such ads appear mostly on dubious websites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Avoid downloading, installing apps or files from unofficial, questionable sites, through Peer-to-Peer networks (such as torrent clients, eMule, and so on), using third party downloaders, installers, etc. Download software (and files) only from official websites and via direct download links. Always check downloaders and installers for offers to download or install unwanted applications and opt out those apps before finish downloads, installations. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, it can be done via "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" settings, or by unticking checkboxes. Also, avoid clicking on ads that appear on questionable pages. It is common for those ads to be designed to promote other shady websites or even to download, install unwanted software. Additionally, make sure not to have any unwanted extensions, add-ons, or plug-ins installed on a browser or software of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of SmartPCFixer application (GIF):
Installation setup of SmartPCFixer application:
Website promoting SmartPCFixer application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Malwarebytes
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 Malwarebytes. 14 days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is SmartPCFixer?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
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.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 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.
Mac 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 "SmartPCFixer" 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, SmartPCFixer 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 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 smartpcfixer 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 plugins 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 smartpcfixer 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 smartpcfixer 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.
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 smartpcfixer 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.
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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove smartpcfixer potentially unwanted application from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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