How to remove Browser Assistant (Virus Removal Guide)
What is Browser Assistant?
Browser Assistant is a Trojan that primarily functions as a vessel to install additional malware, adware, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs. Browser Assistant may also be referred to as an adware bundler because it is known to promote, download, and install other malicious and potentially malicious programs without user consent and knowledge.
Browser Assistant isn’t software that can be voluntarily downloaded. It is typically loaded onto an infected computer by other Trojans without user consent and knowledge. Trojans such as Direct Game UNI Installer may introduce the malware to an infected computer.
Once Browser Assistant is installed it will download and install other programs including malware, adware, browser hijackers, and spyware in the background.
Is Browser Assistant safe?
According to Google’s VirusTotal analyzation tool, software that introduces Browser Assistant to an infected machine is recognized as malware by reputable antivirus engines and is, therefore, considered unsafe. VirusTotal confirms that the Browser Assistant has an active detection rate and numerous antivirus program will detect, quarantine, and remove it.
In addition, Browser Assistant may download alongside dangerous auxiliary software including malware, adware, browser hijackers, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that can cause additional symptoms and put a user’s personal information at risk.
This is a list of symptoms that may occur if this program is installed:
- Pop-up advertisements
- Unwanted notifications
- Browser redirects
- Negative computer performance and functionality
- Computer crashes
Furthermore, Browser Assistant and malware associated with it may collect and share personal data in order to manufacture a marketing profile on their users or sell the information they collect. This may result in unsolicited email messages, junk mail, and telephone calls from telemarketers and scammers.
How to remove Browser Assistant
Like most programs, Browser Assistant can be uninstalled from Add/Remove Programs; However, uninstalling the unwanted program through the Windows control panel will not remove all traces of the Trojan or malware, adware, and other files that it installs. Since this is the case we recommend to scan the infected machine using reputable antivirus tools once Browser Assistant is uninstalled.
Step 1: Uninstall Browser Assistant from Windows
Step 2: Use Malwarebytes to remove Browser Assistant and other malware
Step 3: Use HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan
Step 4: Use CCleaner to clean up and repair Windows registry
Step 1: Uninstall Browser Assistant from Windows
First, uninstall Browser Assistant from Windows.
1. Right-click the Start menu.
2. Click to Apps and Features.
3. Click Browser Assistant and an Uninstall button will appear. Click the Uninstall button.
Step 2: Use Malwarebytes to remove Browser Assistant and other malware
Then use Malwarebytes to remove left-over Browser Assistant files and known malware. Malwarebytes will detect this threat as: PUP.Optional.PCVARK.
Why should you buy the premium version?
Malwarebytes Premium has real-time protection that automatically protects your computer and other devices from viruses, spyware, and malware. With Malwarebytes Premium you can stay ahead and safely browse the web with confidence.
2. Double click the executable file or icon, such as mb3-setup-1878.1878-3.7.1.2839.exe to begin installing the program.
3. When you have installed Malwarebytes, click the Scan Now button to begin scanning your computer.
4. When the scan is complete, click the Quarantine Selected button to remove all threats detected by Malwarebytes.
Step 3: Use HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan
Use HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove remaining trace files, malware, and files used for tracking and data collection.
1. Download HitmanPro. Fill out the information on their website and download the executable file.
Why should you buy the full version?
HitmanPro is a little different than your usual security program. It goes beyond simply removing viruses, it completely eradicates all traces and remnants of the infection. HitmanPro is also designed to run alongside your Antivirus program which makes it a match up great with Malwarebytes Premium.
2. Double click the executable file or icon, such as HitmanPro.exe to begin installing the program.
3. When you have installed HitmanPro, click the Next button to begin scanning your computer.
4. When the scan is complete, click the Next button to remove all threats detected by HitmanPro.
Step 4: Use CCleaner to clean up and repair Windows registry
The last step is to use CCleaner to clean up Windows registry and repair settings that may have changed.
Why should you buy the professional version?
CCleaner Professional has the power of real-time automation, so your computer always stays clean, safe, and fast. CCleaner Pro bundles privacy protection, system cleaning, and more with outstanding customer service.
2. Double click the executable file or icon, such as ccsetup556.exe to begin installing the program.
3. When you have installed CCleaner, click the Analyze button to begin analyzing your system.
4. Once analyzation is complete, click the Run Cleaner button to clean your system.
5. Now, let’s run through the Tools section; Go to Tools.
6. Uninstall: Is there a program you missed uninstalling before? CCleaner can often show you programs that are hidden from the Control panel.
7. Software Updater: Are there any programs to update? Make sure to keep the programs on your computer up-to-date to avoid issues with security vulnerabilities.
8. Startup: Go through the Windows, Scheduled Tasks, and Context Menu tabs. Are there any suspicious startup keys enabled? If so, highlight them with your mouse and click the Delete button to remove them.
9. Browser Plugins: Go through the tabs for each browser installed on your computer. Are there any suspicious plugins installed? If so, highlight them with your mouse and click the Delete button to remove them.
10. Finally, let’s clean up the registry. Get out of the Tools area and go to Registry.
11. Click the Scan for Issues button and follow the instructions.
12. Once the registry scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues… button and follow the instructions to fill all the selected issues found in your computer’s registry.
