How to uninstall the K9-PCFixer potentially unwanted application?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
K9-PCFixer removal instructions
What is K9-PCFixer?
K9-PCFixer is a piece of untrustworthy software advertised as a tool for operating system scanning and performance boosting. However, due to the dubious methods used to distribute this app, it is categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). It is noteworthy that software within this category often cannot perform the promised features. Furthermore, PUAs may have unmentioned and undesirable abilities.
Questionable marketing techniques are primarily used to spread unreliable and even harmful software (e.g., PUAs). However, such tactics may be employed in the distribution of legitimate products. As mentioned in the introduction, "useful" functionalities of PUAs are seldom operational. Fake anti-virus tools are prime examples of this; they require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the functions, yet following activation - they remain nonoperational.
PUAs can have heinous abilities. Some can force-open sale-based, misleading, deceptive/scam, compromised, and malicious websites. Adware-type PUAs deliver intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.). Aside from diminishing the browsing experience, these adverts pose a threat to device/user safety. When clicked on, intrusive advertisements redirect to dangerous sites and may be able to stealthily download/install software. Browser hijackers are another type of PUAs; they operate by modifying browser settings and limiting/restricting access to them - in order to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are usually unable to generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other legitimate search engines.
Most PUAs can track data. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details. PUA developers monetize the gathered data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). To summarize, presence of unwanted apps on devices - can result in system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues, and identity theft. Therefore, it is crucial to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection
| Name | K9-PCFixer potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | System scanning, cleaning, and performance optimizing. |
| Detection Names (installer) | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.1501), Emsisoft (Application.InstallAd (A)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Systweak.V Potentially Un), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.PCFixer.gen), Microsoft (PUA:Win32/Systweak), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (application) | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.565), Emsisoft (Application.InstallTune (A)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Systweak.AB Potentially Unwante), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.PCFixer.gen), Microsoft (PUA:Win32/Systweak), 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. |
PC Optimizer Pro, SpeedFixTool, and Registry Medic are a couple examples of PUAs akin to K9-PCFixer. This software looks legitimate and offers a broad range of "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, despite how good the promised functions may sound - they rarely work. Functionality and user privacy are irrelevant since the only purpose of unwanted applications is to generate profit for the developers. Hence, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can cause redirects, run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, and collect private data.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other programs. "Bundling" is the name of this deceptive marketing method - packing ordinary software with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., skipped steps and settings, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission. PUAs may also have "official" promotional/download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders) commonly offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this type, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of K9-PCFixer application (GIF):
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is K9-PCFixer?
- 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 "K9-PCFixer" 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, K9-PCFixer 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 k9-pcfixer 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 k9-pcfixer 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 k9-pcfixer 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 k9-pcfixer 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 k9-pcfixer potentially unwanted application from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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