How to remove PC Speed Maximizer (Virus Removal Guide)
PC Speed Maximizer virus
The PC Speed Maximizer virus (also found as the PC Speed virus, PC Speed Maximizer v3.2, PC Speed Maximizer by Smart PC Solutions) is a potentially unwanted program or malware categorized as scareware and spyware (rogue software). Many users have claimed that PC Speed Maximizer installed without their consent in order to perform a scan, which results in misleading errors meant to cause FUD. This program may engage in unethical marketing practices in order to aggressively create customers.
PC Speed Maximizer is not technically a computer virus; However, the program is a non-beneficial Windows Optimizer program that is very similar to SpeedUpMyPC 2014 because it can cause a plethora of issues for computer and internet users. Most problems with this PUP are relating to the loss of computer functionality and the invasion of privacy or violation of civil liberties.
Once PC Speed Maximizer is installed the scareware program performs several scans that will claim there are a very large number of errors and junk items found (in our case-study it found 3,857 errors). Once a user tries to fix the errors by clicking the Fix Now button a pop-up will appear that claims a user must register PC Speed Maximizer in order to immediately clean and optimize your PC. This can be defined as FUD or an aggressive marketing tactic that is meant to scare victims into purchasing the full version of this scareware.
PC Speed Maximizer does not run unless you run the program as an administrator and may prompt a pop-up that says “In order to access PC Speed Maximizer functions you must have administrator privilege!”
The PC Speed Maximizer virus may also install third-party software including Search Protect by Conduit and other items. The third-party items are often attached to internet browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer as a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension and are used to change existing internet browser settings. In turn this causes affected internet browsers to start up on and redirect to unwanted websites.
The PC Speed Maximizer virus and similar potential rogue software or non-beneficial software raise many privacy concerns and are often categorized as spyware. Some reports indicate that PC Speed Maximizer and associated parties may include users to marketing and mailing lists without user consent. Some users have reported unwanted email spam, junk mail, and even telephone calls from telemarketers concerning their recent computing and browsing activity.
PC Speed Maximizer is promoted as a Windows Optimizer and free download, but it should be noted that the program is not actually free to use.
How does the PC Speed Maximizer virus get onto a computer?
PC Speed Maximizer can be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of online locations; However, PC Speed Maximizer primarily bundles during the installation and setup of third-party freeware and shareware from websites such as brothersoft.com, download.com, and softonic.com.
PC Speed Maximizer malware and related items may also download to a computer without user authorization via advertisements, content, and torrents found on media related websites like Movie4k.to.
How to remove PC Speed Maximizer virus
How to remove PC Speed Maximizer virus- OPTION 1: Automatically remove PC Speed Maximizer virus with Malarwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and/or CCleaner by Piriform
- OPTION 2: Manually uninstall PC Speed Maximizer from Windows
- FOR TECH SUPPORT – Call 1-888-879-0084 and we will kindly assist you with removing this infection
1. Auto PC Speed Maximizer virus removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove PC Speed Maximizer scareware and third-party malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. We highly recommend writing down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while following the instructions. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.
if you need help give us a call
2. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 Speed Maximizer 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 you do not recognize is found. Something to look for might include the title “PCSpeedMaximizer.”
4. To automatically uninstall potential rogue PC Speed Maximizer software (by Smart PC Solutions) and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and located software in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the programs as selected and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Manual PC Speed Maximizer virus removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall PC Speed Maximizer software using generic removal procedures (if allowed), as well as third-party malware that may have installed alongside potential rogue Windows optimization software.
How to uninstall PC Speed Maximizer
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 Speed Maximizer (by Smart PC Solutions) and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
