How to Remove IconRunner (PUP Removal Guide)
IconRunner is a potentially unwanted program, or PUP, that creates random shortcuts and pins them to Windows desktop taskbar. Once one of the shortcuts is clicked by the user it will open up on a website that promotes unwanted programs, malware, miners, adware, and other threats. Some sites may open on advertisements that try to swindle you into updating your video player or flash player; However, the updates are really unwanted programs or malicious files in disguise.
The IconRunner PUP can also automatically launch your browser in order to display advertisements to you or direct you to websites it wants you to visit. Most of the advertisements displayed by the program are the same as the ones shown by the shortcuts. They claim that your system needs an update such as a java update, flash update, browser update, or other and will try to dupe you into installing a malicious file.
How was IconRunner installed?
The IconRunner PUP is acknowledged to use aggressive and unethical advertising methods on various websites that are not allowed to show Google AdSense advertisements due to their prohibited content. Websites that contain streaming videos, torrents, pornography, and live streams often utilize malicious advertising networks in order to generate revenue because they are banned from using legitimate networks.
The program also has the possibility to be installed by a third-party downloader or software bundler without user consent or knowledge. If you recently downloaded and installed freeware or free content online the program may have been installed in the background by a third-party program.
Remove IconRunner with Malwarebytes
It is recommend to use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to remove the IconRunner PUP, malware, computer viruses, and other malicious files from your computer. The program will help you remove IconRunner and other threats that are present on your machine for free.
1. Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.
2. Double click the executable file (mb3-setup.exe or other) to begin installing Malwarebytes.
3. In some versions of the installation file you can simply select your language and click Next to install the program; Otherwise, select your language, click Next, then select “I accept the agreement,” click the Next button several times, and then click the Install button to install Malwarebytes. Click Finish once the install process is complete.
4. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your computer.
5. Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.
6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.
Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner
Malware and potentially unwanted programs can ruin your system settings and leave junk files throughout your machine. CCleaner can repair your system settings and clean up your machine to get it up to shape.
1. Open your browser window and download CCleaner Professional or CCleaner Free.
2. Double click the executable file (ccsetup.exe or other) to begin installing CCleaner.
3. Click the Install button to begin stalling the program.
4. Click Run CCleaner to open the program when installation is complete.
5. Select the Cleaner tab and click the Analyze button.
6. When the Analyze process is complete click the Run Cleaner button to clean all files.
7. Next, select the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button to scan for issues in your registry.
8. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues button and Fix All Selected Issues button to fix the issues.
9. Next, select the Tools tab and click Startup. Examine each area, search for suspicious entries, and delete any suspicious startup entries by selecting the entry and clicking the Delete button.
10. Next, click Browser Plugins and search each internet browser for unwanted browser add-ons and extensions. Click the extension you want to delete and click the Delete button to remove it.
