PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A

PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A is a distinctive detection given by Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and other security tools to identify entities of PC Performer. This is a potentially unwanted program that may act like a real computer utility program but its main intention is to extract money from computer users by selling this worthless software. This detection is not limited to the program and its files alone. Browser add-on or extension that attempts to promote the program may also be identified as PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A.

Technically, PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A is not a virus or malware. It is dubbed as potentially unwanted program that may get installed on the computer without user’s permission. Normally bundled to other programs, user are often not aware for the installation of PC Performer.

Why PUP?

PUP is the term used to claim a program that not so many computer users want or need. It is Potentially Unwanted Program. In short, it will get into the Windows system on its own even without your command. In general, PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A is a module of PC Performer like toolbar and search hijacker that overrides Internet browser without getting approval from user.

Why Optional?

Optional was used in this detection due to some instances that user may opt-out in the installation of PC Performer program. When PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A comes bundled with shareware, there is a portion in the installation process where in PC Performer will be installed by default. All you have to do is remove the check mark to exclude this unwanted program from the install process.

PUPOptionalPCPerformerA

About PC Performer

PC Performer is an alleged computer utility program that can optimize system’s performance. It scans the registry for errors and recommend fix that only can be performed when user pays for the registered version of the program. Most computer users found the program to be showing false alerts and therefore it was deemed rogue by many people. Not to mention that many are not happy with the way it gains access on the computer. Some also complains that removal of this unwanted program is impossible because there is no entry presence on the add/remove program of Windows. For this reason, its presence may be identified as PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A.

PCPerformer

How to Remove PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A

Stage 1: Scan the Computer with ESET Rogue Application Remover (ERAR)

1. Download the free scanner called ESET Rogue Application Remover.
Download Link for ERAR (this will open a new window)

2. Choose appropriate version for your Windows System. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.

3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start the program. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file ERARemover_.exe.

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4. On ESET Rogue Application Remover SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS, click Accept to continue.

5. The tool will start scanning the computer. It will prompt when it finds PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A and other malicious entities. Follow the prompt to proceed with the removal.

ERAR

Stage 2: Double-check for PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A’ leftover with Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Download the free scanner called Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Malicious Software Removal Tool Download Link (this will open a new window)

download-msrt

2. The tool automatically checks the operating system and suggest appropriate download version. Click on Download button to begin. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.

3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start scanning for PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file to run.

msrt-icon

4. The tool will display Welcome screen, click Next. Please note the message “This tool is not a replacement for an antivirus product.” You must understand that this program is made specifically to find and remove malware, viruses, Trojans, and other harmful elements on the computer. It was not designed to protect the computer.

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5. Next, you will see Scan Type. Please choose Full Scan to ensure that all PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A entities and other harmful files left on the computer will be found and removed. For advanced computer user, you can opt for Customized Scan, if there are other drives or folders you wanted to include in this scan.

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6. Full scan may take a while, please wait for Malicious Software Removal Tool to complete the tasks. However, you may cancel the scan anytime by clicking on the Cancel button.

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7. After scanning, the tool will reveal all identified threats. There may be other threats that our first scan fails to detect. Please remove/delete all detected items.

8. When removal procedure is complete, you may now close Malicious Software Removal Tool. We hope that PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A have been completely deleted from the computer. Please restart Windows to proceed with the normal operation.

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1 thought on “PUP.Optional.PCPerformer.A”

  1. This has been the simplest and fullest explanation of the specific pup threat regarding the PC Performer software. Thanks for also giving a precise advice on how to remove it. I will definitely follow it straight now. Though I’m fully aware that by doing so I trigger the hackers who get used to terrorize me each time after I have left any gratifying comment in the web. I only wonder why they feel bad when the others get satisfied?

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