PC Registry Shield virus (ShieldApps)
The PC Registry Shield virus (also found as the PCRegistryShield virus, PC Registry Shield by ShieldApps, and other terms; though not technically a computer virus) is potential malware categorized as scareware or rogue software that is promoted as an unregistered (free) version, trial version, and registered (full) Microsoft Windows cleaner and optimizer tool; however, PC Registry Shield is essentially a non-beneficial Windows Optimizer program that utilizes unethical marketing practices and performs fraudulent, non-beneficial computer scans with highly misleading results in order to create customers and collect user information by using scare tactics.
PC Registry Shield promotes a free trial product (PC Registry Shield 2.0.4 – Trial) that displays misleading information, misleading scan results, including a quick clean scan, deep clean scan, system boost, and more. The scan may also backup a users computer system to a remote location without user consent or knowledge. After the backup is performed, the software may frequently prompt unwanted pop-up messages and send emails notifying the user that they can receive their backed up files by purchasing and activating the product.
Once installed, the non-beneficial PC Registry Shield software will immediately begin to perform a scan without authorization for System related errors, COM and ActiveX errors, User related errors, Startup and uninstall errors, and more. The automatic scan will then claim that a large number of registry errors or found which may indicate that “your computer is at high risk of software crashes, unwanted system errors, and a slow startup process.”
In some cases the errors shown in scan results do not exist on the computer system and is fabricated by the software. The issues detected by PC Registry Shield (ShieldApps) may also be simple fix issues in which the software is attempting to display the issue as malicious or problematic.
PC Registry Shield malware also opens internet browser windows and cause unwanted pop-ups to appear, as well as change your homepage, default search engine, and start page causing your internet browsers to constantly start up on and redirect to unwanted websites when users search the web, open a browser window, open a new browser tab, and perform similar tasks.
If attempting to purchase or activate the software a user may be directed to the PC Registry Shield shopping cart. If attempting to leave this shoppingcart page or close any page associated with the software a pop-up message may appear in attempt to get the users to chat online with the publishers. The browser windows are often difficult to close.
PC Registry Shield malware 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). If you input information to purchase this product or other products while PC Registry Shield is installed, the program and associated third-party titles may collect and track your activity and inputted purchase information.
PC Registry Shield 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.
PC Registry Shield by ShieldApps and the items they develop and promote are very suspicious and have connections to Hong Kong, Brazil, Mexico and other countries. In most cases the items seem to be repackaged and renamed.
PC Registry Shield has been reported to be difficult to install for many users.
How does PC Registry Shield malware get onto a computer?
Potentially rogue PC Registry Shield Software can be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of locations including download.com, Softonic, and others; however, most users claim that PC Registry Shield scareware installed without consent.
PC Registry Shield also bundles with third-party freeware and shareware.
In some instances PC Registry Shield scareware may be promoted and contracted via advertisements, email spam, and compromised social media content.
How to remove PC Registry Shield
- Automatically remove PC Registry Shield virus – Scan for and automatically remove PC Registry Shield malware
- Manually remove PC Registry Shield virus – Remove/Uninstall PC Registry Shield and third-party malware if allowed
1. Automatic PC Registry Shield virus removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove PC Registry Shield 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 PC Registry Shield 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 “PC Registry Shield or ShieldApps.”
4. To automatically uninstall PC Registry Shield and unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and located software in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the programs as selected. Keep in mind that the publisher of the program often changes from Elex do Brasil Participações Ltda located in Sao Paulo, Brazil to WoodtaleMedia.com and iSafe Virus Removal.
2. Manual PC Registry Shield virus removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall rogue PC Registry Shield 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 PC Registry Shield
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 PC Registry Shield (published by ShieldApps or other) and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
It is important to stay alert when uninstalling PC Registry Shield as the process may be difficult. If a prompt appears, click Uninstall PC Registry Shield, then click the Uninstall button, then choose a reason for uninstalling the malware, and click the new Uninstall button.
Leave a Comment