PUP.PC Cleanup 2018

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Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 21,362
Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 3,744
First Seen: April 9, 2018
Last Seen: August 30, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may be causing issues with your computer's performance and security. It is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take appropriate steps to remove it and prevent future infections.

What Is PUP.PC Cleanup 2018?

PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 is a type of malware that is designed to deceive users into installing and paying for unnecessary software or services. These programs often claim to offer benefits such as improved system performance, virus removal, or disk cleanup, but in reality, they may cause more harm than good. PUPs can be downloaded from the internet, often bundled with other software, or installed through deceptive advertising.

How PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 Operates

Once installed, PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 may operate in various ways, including displaying fake alerts and warnings, scanning the system for non-existent problems, and offering to fix these issues for a fee. These programs may also collect user data, such as browsing history and personal information, which can be used for targeted advertising or other malicious purposes. In some cases, PUPs may also install additional malware or create backdoors for remote access.

Symptoms of Infection

Systems infected with PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 may exhibit a range of symptoms, including slow performance, frequent pop-ups and alerts, and unexpected changes to system settings. Users may also notice unfamiliar programs or icons on their desktop, or experience issues with their web browser, such as redirected searches or unwanted toolbars. In some cases, PUPs may also cause system crashes or freezes, or prevent legitimate programs from functioning correctly.

  • Unwanted software installations
  • Fake alerts and warnings
  • Slow system performance
  • Unfamiliar programs or icons
  • Browser redirects and unwanted toolbars

How to Remove PUP.PC Cleanup 2018

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the PUP from loading and to allow for easier removal.
  2. Download and install a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, and perform a full system scan to detect and remove all instances of PUP.PC Cleanup 2018.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or software that may be related to the PUP, using the Windows Control Panel or Settings app.
  4. Reset your web browser settings, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default values to remove any unwanted extensions or add-ons.
  5. Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all remnants of the PUP have been removed.

Conclusion

Removing PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 from your system requires a combination of technical knowledge and caution. By following the steps outlined above and using reputable anti-malware tools, you can effectively remove this threat and prevent future infections. It is essential to remain vigilant and to regularly scan your system for malware to ensure your computer remains secure and performs optimally. Additionally, being cautious when downloading software and avoiding deceptive advertising can help prevent PUPs from infecting your system in the first place.

File System Details

PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. 1.0.0.0_setup.exe 7c236022293e0f8adc3f91231ba51752 10
2. pcl.exe 5ddce0fe8f5c05e4f5bb787e039f9821 3

Registry Details

PUP.PC Cleanup 2018 may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
File name without path
PC Cleanup 2018.lnk
PC-Cleanup-2018.lnk
Regexp file mask
%WINDIR%\System32\Tasks\PC Cleanup 2018_Logon
%WINDIR%\System32\Tasks\PC[RANDOM CHARACTERS]Cleanup-2018[RANDOM CHARACTERS]Logon
%WINDIR%\Tasks\PC Cleanup 2018_Logon.job
SOFTWARE\aHR0cDovL3d3dy51cGRhdGVteXBjcy5jb20v
SOFTWARE\aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jbGVhbm15cGN0b29scy5jb20v
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\PC-Cleanup-2018_Logon
SOFTWARE\spct-pr