PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine is a malicious program that only targets Windows computers. This malware attempts to take control of both the system and the internet browser application. Microsoft Defender Antivirus and other known security solutions can detect and remove malicious browser extensions and standalone apps that are frequently installed on computers without the user’s knowledge.
PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine regularly infects computers without the user’s knowledge. It is typically included in malicious websites or programs that users use to manipulate the game and get unique advantages. Once started on the computer, this unwanted program may perform a range of activities that may annoy the user. When it detects a user’s internet surfing activity, it regularly displays pop-up ads and redirects them.
How does it infect the computer?
Malicious software bundles have the capability to introduce PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine into the system. This could be bundled with shareware or freeware. This risk sometimes accompanies a serial key generator or software that has been obtained illegally from websites.
In order to spread their malware, cyber attackers nowadays also utilize an advertising campaign. For example, PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine might be paired with fake software updates, and it might utilize aggressive pop-up advertisements to persuade users to download them.
Once activated, PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine immediately installs the payload on the system. If the payload is a browser extension, the script is integrated into Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome without the user’s consent.
How does this malware operate?
PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine was developed by hackers with the intention of surreptitiously installing a potentially unwanted application (PUA) on the user’s computer. This unwanted application might be a carefully designed malicious program, such as a system optimizer or rogue security utility. In some circumstances, PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine has been linked to malicious browser extensions. Regardless, the major goal of this virus is to trick victims into making payments by tempting them to buy a product or contact online customer support.
Symptoms
When PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine is present on the computer, an antivirus program may send an alert to the user that the associated file or program is hazardous. Aside from the virus warning, computer users may also see unusual changes on the internet browser program. Internet and search redirects may be observed as PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine is able to contaminate the browser in order to insert malicious code known as browser extensions.
| Avast | Win32:Malware-gen |
|---|---|
| Elastic | Malicious (high Confidence) |
| ESET-NOD32 | Variant Of Win32/HackTool.CheatEngine.AF |
| Fortinet | Riskware/CheatEngine |
| Gridinsoft | Hack.Win32.Patcher.sa |
| Malwarebytes | Generic.Malware.AI.DDS |
| Sophos | Mal/Generic-S |
| TrendMicro | TROJ_GEN.R002C0PBL23 |
| Varist | W32/ABRisk.QHDZ-3083 |
How to Remove PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine
To totally remove PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.
Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program
Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of computer virus like PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine, including all harmful objects from the computer.
To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the computer virus and malicious items linked to it.
Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine
The steps below will guide you to manually remove PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine without having to purchase a recommended virus scanner. We have tested the procedures; hence, the attackers may make modifications overtime. As a result, terms, names, and images in the guide may differ from what users are seeing recently.
The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Boookmark or Print this page. You must be logged in to Windows with an Administrator account to be able to execute some of the tasks. Check here to know if you are currently using an account with Administrative rights.Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking
The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.
1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.
2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.
3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.
5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.
Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.Step 2 : Run Sophos Home Virus Scanner
To remove PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine hidden files, scanning the computer with this powerful virus and malware removal tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware; it is also effective in discovering harmful files associated to PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine.
1. Please click on the link below to download the program.
2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.
3. Install by double-clicking on the file.
4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.
5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.
6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.
7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.
8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine components.
9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.
10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine.
11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine, as well as associated malware and viruses.
After executing the above instructions, PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.
Another alternative for Windows 10/11 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps
Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.
Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:
Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:
1. Tap or click the Search charm and search for Windows Security
2. Click Open to run the program.
3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.
4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.
5. Next, please select Full Scan button.
6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine. The process may take a while to complete.
7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.
For Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.System Compatibility Notice
We ensured that our method to get rid of PUABundler:Win32/CheatEngine is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.
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