PUP.RegServe

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Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 58
First Seen: February 21, 2020
Last Seen: March 15, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.RegServe indicates that your system has been compromised by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). This type of malware is designed to perform actions that are not in the best interest of the user, and its presence can lead to a range of issues, from annoying advertisements to serious security vulnerabilities. In this report, we will provide an overview of PUP.RegServe, its operating methods, symptoms of infection, and most importantly, steps to remove it from your system.

What Is PUP.RegServe?

PUP.RegServe is categorized as a potentially unwanted program, which means it is not necessarily malicious in nature but can still cause significant disruptions to your computing experience. PUPs often find their way onto systems through bundled software downloads, where they are included as an additional component that is installed alongside the primary program. Once installed, PUP.RegServe can modify system settings, collect user data, and display unwanted advertisements, among other actions.

How PUP.RegServe Operates

Upon installation, PUP.RegServe begins to integrate itself into the system, often by modifying registry entries and creating new files and folders. It may also alter browser settings to redirect searches, display pop-up ads, or change the default homepage. The program operates in the background, consuming system resources and potentially slowing down the computer. Its primary goal is to generate revenue for its developers through pay-per-click advertising, data collection, and other means.

Symptoms of Infection

Identifying a PUP.RegServe infection can be challenging, as its symptoms may resemble those of other malware or system issues. Common indicators include an increase in pop-up advertisements, unexpected changes to browser settings, slow system performance, and the presence of unknown programs in the list of installed applications. Users may also notice that their search results are being redirected to unfamiliar websites or that their personal data is being collected without consent.

  • Increased appearance of pop-up ads and banners
  • Unexplained changes to browser homepages or search engines
  • Slowing down of system performance
  • Presence of unknown or suspicious programs

How to Remove PUP.RegServe

  1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent PUP.RegServe from loading and to give you a clean environment to work in.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all components of PUP.RegServe.
  3. Manually uninstall any suspicious programs that were installed around the time the symptoms began, as these could be related to the PUP.
  4. Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any changes made by PUP.RegServe, such as altered homepages or search engines.
  5. Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all remnants of PUP.RegServe have been removed.

Conclusion

Removing PUP.RegServe requires careful and systematic steps to ensure that all its components are eliminated from the system. By following the guidance provided, users can effectively remove this potentially unwanted program and restore their system to a secure and stable state. It is also crucial to adopt preventive measures, such as being cautious with software downloads, reading user agreements carefully, and regularly scanning the system for malware, to avoid future infections. Remember, vigilance and the use of reputable security software are key to maintaining a safe computing environment.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.RegServe

File System Details

PUP.RegServe may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. regserve-setup.exe d41b65841198422271c2e75556e518f2 10

Analysis Report

General information

Family Name: PUP.RegServe
Signature status: Self Signed

Known Samples

MD5: 2f65327bf2376f74cc15df3eeb9aa2c1
SHA1: 57c41f9ad4ac5aeab80b6d61a25708774e0a8a3a
SHA256: 554C6C4B929E166120B1843D542C0C2BE630298AC84156A85B8147B8C263A6DC
File Size: 1.24 MB, 1244152 bytes

Windows Portable Executable Attributes

  • File doesn't have "Rich" header
  • File doesn't have debug information
  • File doesn't have exports table
  • File doesn't have relocations information
  • File is 32-bit executable
  • File is either console or GUI application
  • File is GUI application (IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_WINDOWS_GUI)
  • File is Native application (NOT .NET application)
  • File is not packed
  • IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
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  • IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)

File Icons

Digital Signatures

Signer Root Status
Xionix Thawte Code Signing CA - G2 Self Signed

Files Modified

File Attributes
\device\namedpipe\gmdasllogger Generic Write,Read Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0c.tmp Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data,Delete
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0d.tmp\iospecial.ini Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0d.tmp\iospecial.ini Generic Write,Read Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0d.tmp\modern-header.bmp Generic Write,Read Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0d.tmp\modern-wizard.bmp Generic Write,Read Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0d.tmp\newadvsplash.dll Generic Write,Read Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0d.tmp\spltmp.gif Generic Write,Read Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\nsabd0d.tmp\system.dll Generic Write,Read Attributes
c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\~df4b41747bfc7e016f.tmp Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data

Registry Modifications

Key::Value Data API Name
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::proxybypass  RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::intranetname  RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::uncasintranet  RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::autodetect RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::proxybypass  RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::intranetname  RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::uncasintranet  RegNtPreCreateKey
HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::autodetect RegNtPreCreateKey

Windows API Usage

Category API
Process Manipulation Evasion
  • ReadProcessMemory
Anti Debug
  • IsDebuggerPresent
  • NtQuerySystemInformation
User Data Access
  • GetUserObjectInformation
Keyboard Access
  • GetKeyState