DLCleaner virus (Systweak Software)
The DLCleaner virus (also found as DL Cleaner or DLCleaner powered by Systweak virus; though not technically a computer virus) is potential malware categorized as scareware that is promoted as an unregistered (free) and registered (full) Microsoft Windows cleaner and optimizer tool; however, DLCleaner is essentially considered a non-beneficial Windows Optimizer program that participates in unethical marketing practices and performs fraudulent, non-beneficial computer scans with highly misleading results in order to create customers and collect user information using scare tactics.
DLCleaner promotes a free trial is a that displays misleading information, misleading scan results, including disk performance and space scans, security related scans, system driver scans, and registry related issues.
Once in stalled the potentially non-beneficial cleaning software will begin to perform a scan titled “Smart PC Care” without authorization stating that “Smart PC Care is scanning the selected areas.” The scan will then claim that the computer system has a large amount of new errors found and that registry optimization is needed.
DLCleaner malware also opens internet browser windows and cause unwanted pop-ups to appear.
DLCleaner may also collect and distributes user information manually submitted online while the program is installed or information submitted to the initial party and involved third-parties, as well as what they describe as anonymous usage information (anonymous information can still be used to identify a person or make communications).
DLCleaner may collect complete computing and browser activity. The information collected is often submitted to marketing and mailing lists. Victims have reported excessive email spam from DLCleaner by Systweak Software and third-parties, as well as junk mail and telephone calls from telemarketers at home.
DLCleaner malware often bundles with third-party adware, spyware, and browser hijackers used to display pop-up ads, banner ads, coupon drop-down ads, and cause browser redirections and start-ups.
How does DLCleaner malware get onto a computer?
DLCleaner by Systweak Software can be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of locations including download.com, and others; however, most users claim that DLCleaner scareware installed without consent.
DLCleaner also bundles with third-party freeware and shareware.
In some instances DLCleaner scareware may be contracted via advertisements, email spam, and compromised social media content.
How to remove DLCleaner (Systweak)
- Automatically remove DLCleaner – Scan for and automatically remove DLCleaner malware
- Manually remove DLCleaner – Remove/Uninstall DLCleaner and third-party malware if allowed
1. Automatic DLCleaner removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove DLCleaner scareware and third-party malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.
3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.
4. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall stubborn and possibly rogue DLCleaner software.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found. Something to look for might include the title “DLCleaner or systweak.”
4. To automatically uninstall DLCleaner and unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and located software in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the programs as selected.
2. Manual DLCleaner removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall rogue DLCleaner software using generic removal procedures (if allowed), as well as third-party malware that may have installed alongside rogue Windows optimization software.
How to uninstall DLCleaner
1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.
3. In the list of installed programs, search for DLCleaner (Systweak Software) and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
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