PUA:Win32/Packunwan System Infection

PUA:Win32/Packunwan is a detection for malware that operates on computers and even in network environments. Software detected with this alias has a poor reputation, and therefore, computer security experts do not advise installation, or if so, removal is highly recommended. PUA:Win32/Packunwan is a potential undesirable application that can install an additional threat from a remote server or website.

If an antivirus program detects the existence of PUA:Win32/Packunwan, computer users should act immediately to remove the threat. It is necessary to scan the computer with an effective security program to totally eliminate the threat. Activating the antivirus program in full mode also helps protect the computer because of its real-time scanning, which can instantly detect and delete harmful files.

Illustration for PUA:Win32/Packunwan

How does it infect the computer?

PUA:Win32/Packunwan usually arrives on the computer uninvited, as it is usually embedded in various freeware, shareware, and third-party applications. Once it enters the computer, PUA:Win32/Packunwan’s primary target is commonly leading internet browser programs like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. It will try to exploit the vulnerabilities in the software to further infect the computer with other malware that it can recover from a distant location, including its own web server.

Because the majority of infection cases were obtained from software installer packages, malware researchers are advising users to download necessary programs only from the official website. It is also suggested to refrain from acquiring and installing applications that are offered by unauthorized providers. The mentioned malicious objects are the common sources of PUA:Win32/Packunwan infection.

How does this malware operate?

PUA:Win32/Packunwan‘s entry into the computer usually causes an additional malware infection. Furthermore, it can make unauthorized changes to the homepage of the browser and the search provider. It also modifies some settings that will allow PUA:Win32/Packunwan to display various types of ads on the infected Internet software. Overall, the existence of this unwanted application causes risks as well as distractions from online browsing activity.

Symptoms

If the computer is infected with PUA:Win32/Packunwan, users are going to encounter unwanted programs on the system. Most of this malware is loaded without the user’s knowledge during the installation of the carrier program. In addition, if the browser is affected, several ads and redirects will occur while users are navigating the internet.

PUA:Win32/Packunwan is also detected as:
Avast Win64:TrojanX-gen [Trj]
Avira HEUR/AGEN.1314605
ESET-NOD32 Variant Of Win64/Packed.Themida.L
Fortinet Malicious_Behavior.SB
Gridinsoft Trojan.Heur!.03210023
Malwarebytes Themida.Trojan.MalPack.DDS
McAfee Scanner Real Protect-LS!A7BEB58E9507
Sophos Mal/Generic-S (PUA)
Symantec ML.Attribute.HighConfidence
Webroot W32.Malware.Gen
WithSecure Heuristic.HEUR/AGEN.1314605
Zillya Trojan.Themida.Win64.4042

How to Remove PUA:Win32/Packunwan

To totally remove PUA:Win32/Packunwan 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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan 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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.

Screenshot of Combo Cleaner PC

7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete PUA:Win32/Packunwan, 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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan

The steps below will guide you to manually remove PUA:Win32/Packunwan 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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan. 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.

Screenshot of Win 11 Search

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.

Screenshot of Msconfig Win 11

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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan 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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan.

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.

Screenshot of Terms by Sophos Home

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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan components.

Screenshot of Sophos Home

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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan.

11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from PUA:Win32/Packunwan, as well as associated malware and viruses.

After executing the above instructions, PUA:Win32/Packunwan 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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan. 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 PUA:Win32/Packunwan, 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.

Screenshot of Win 11 Search

3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.

Screenshot of Win 11 Virus Protection

4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.

5. Next, please select Full Scan button.

Screenshot of Full Scan Win 11

6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of PUA:Win32/Packunwan. The process may take a while to complete.

7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to PUA:Win32/Packunwan 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

Logo of Windows

We ensured that our method to get rid of PUA:Win32/Packunwan 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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