PUP.PCTechHotline
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Popularity Rank: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Popularity Rank: | 20,913 |
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 933 |
| First Seen: | February 25, 2014 |
| Last Seen: | September 7, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Your system has been detected with a potentially unwanted program (PUP) known as PUP.PCTechHotline. This detection indicates that your computer may be compromised with a program that is not malicious in nature but can still cause issues with your system's performance and security. It is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take necessary steps to remove it from your system to prevent any potential harm.
Table of Contents
What Is PUP.PCTechHotline?
PUP.PCTechHotline is a type of potentially unwanted program that may have been installed on your system without your knowledge or consent. PUPs are programs that are not necessarily malicious but can still cause problems with your system's performance, stability, and security. They can be bundled with other software, downloaded from the internet, or installed through deceptive means. PUPs can collect user data, display unwanted advertisements, and slow down system performance.
How PUP.PCTechHotline Operates
PUP.PCTechHotline, like other PUPs, can operate in various ways to achieve its goals. It may collect user data, such as browsing history and search queries, to display targeted advertisements. It can also slow down system performance by consuming system resources, such as CPU and memory. Additionally, PUP.PCTechHotline may install additional software or plugins without user consent, which can further compromise system security.
Symptoms of Infection
Systems infected with PUP.PCTechHotline may exhibit various symptoms, including slow system performance, unwanted advertisements, and suspicious program installations. Users may also notice unusual browser behavior, such as homepage changes or unwanted toolbar installations. In some cases, users may experience system crashes or freezes due to the PUP's resource-intensive activities.
- Unwanted advertisements and pop-ups
- Suspicious program installations
- Slow system performance
- Unusual browser behavior
- System crashes or freezes
How to Remove PUP.PCTechHotline
- Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the PUP from loading and to allow for a safe removal process.
- Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all instances of PUP.PCTechHotline.
- Uninstall any suspicious programs or software that may be related to the PUP.
- Reset your web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default settings to remove any unwanted plugins or extensions.
- Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan to ensure that the PUP has been completely removed.
Conclusion
Removing PUP.PCTechHotline from your system is crucial to prevent any potential harm and to restore system performance and security. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove the PUP and prevent future infections. It is essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your system from PUPs and other types of malware. Regularly updating your operating system, using reputable anti-malware software, and being cautious when downloading software or clicking on links can help prevent PUP infections and keep your system secure.
SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.PCTechHotline
File System Details
| # | File Name | MD5 |
Detections
Detections: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on
infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | PCTHHook.exe | f9848829e5e3be02dda0fd3385de39fc | 15 |
| 2. | PCTHHook64.exe | c9d591eb47ba25de05f647b0fe229976 | 15 |
Registry Details
Directories
PUP.PCTechHotline may create the following directory or directories:
| %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\PC Tech Hotline |
| %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\PC Tech Hotline |
| %APPDATA%\PC Tech Hotline |
| %PROGRAMFILES%\PCTechHotline |
| %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\PCTechHotline |
