How to remove Local Scavenger (Virus Removal Guide)

by Sean Doyle · Published May 29, 2015 · Updated September 11, 2022

Local Scavenger (Local Scavenger virus, LocalScavenger) is an adware program and browser plugin that is known to produce pop-up advertisements across Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari internet browsers. Once Local Scavenger adware has been introduced to a computer system it will schedule new tasks to remain enabled and gather personal browsing information which it uses to specially craft ‘targeted’ advertisements it feels users are most likely to click on.

Local Scavenger

Local Scavenger is not technically defined as a computer virus but it is still as a very intrusive piece of adware. One of the biggest concerns with this particular adware is that it serves ‘targeted’ advertisements and targeted ads are a privacy concern because the program will need to access and collect user browsing data, such as all browsing activities, bookmarks, app data, and browser history in order to generate ads that ‘target’ the internet user based off their current and past browsing experiences.

Furthermore, potential Local Scavenger malware primarily bundles with additional unwanted programs, malware, and other possible malicious threats. This means that it might be necessary to uninstall multiple programs from Windows and remove multiple browser add-ons and extensions from Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari. Many of these programs can not easily be found on a computer system without third-party security software.

Local Scavenger adware and the programs that it bundles with also schedule new tasks and change existing Windows start-up settings in order to run every time Windows starts and remain enabled. Programs and browser attachments that bundle with this deceptive piece of adware can also cause other issues for computer and internet users aside from pop-up advertisements including browser redirects and a loss in computer and internet functionality.

Local Scavenger adware is usually contracted without consent or knowledge of the computer user alongside third-party programs and files, such as freeware, shareware, torrent files, and other free downloadable content. The potentially unwanted programs and files that deliver the adware can be introduced to a computer system and affected internet browsers with or without user authorization.

Computer and internet users who download and install free programs and files online may be given an opportunity to accept or decline a ‘custom’ offer to install Local Scavenger adware. However, the request to decline Local Scavenger adware from installing is often presented in a very confusing manner or, in some cases, the download manager may completely ignore the user request to decline Local Scavenger from installing and the adware will install against user consent.

How to remove Local Scavenger

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Step 1: Remove Local Scavenger extensions
Step 2: Uninstall Local Scavenger malware from Windows
Step 3: Remove Local Scavenger virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner by Piriform
For Tech Support Call: 1-888-986-8411

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Step 1: Remove Local Scavenger extensions

We recommend that you write down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while removing this infection. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon on the top menu and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the Local Scavenger extension in the list. Remove unwanted browser extensions individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to each one.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. Search for the Local Scavenger add-ons on the Extensions and Plugin tab. Highlight each one individually and click remove.

Apple Safari

1. Click Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.

2. Find the Local Scavenger extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

Step 2: Uninstall Local Scavenger malware from Windows

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. On Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section.

3. Search for Local Scavenger and other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the item or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. If you can not find this program in the list of installed program please see steps 3 and 4 below.

Step 3: Remove Local Scavenger virus with Malwarebytes

1. Download and install the free or full edition of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full edition of this program enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is only a free scan and removal tool.

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2. Open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Malwarebytes

3. Click the Scan Now button or go to the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan.

Malwarebytes 2

4. When the malware scan is complete you will notice a list of files it has detected. Click the Remove Selected button, then click Finish, and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with malware it is recommended to download and install a second opinion scanner such as HitmanPro by Surfright to eradicate existing malicious files and automatically repair corrupted settings.

Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Download and install the free or full edition of CCleaner by Piriform.

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2. Open the program and go to Cleaner and click the Analyze button. After files and have been analyzed, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

3. Go to Registry and click Scan for Issues. When the scan is complete click Fix selected issues… and then click the Fix All Selected Issues button.

CCleaner startup

4. Go to to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from Windows, Internet Explorer, all the way to Context Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Delete once anything suspicious is found to remove it.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential Local Scavenger malware after using this removal guide we recommend to perform a system restore/recovery or a reset/refresh for Windows 8.