PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.A is a unique name used by Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and other security tool to classify a potentially unwanted programs related to LinkSwift Ads. There are multiple entities of this adware that can be loaded installed on the browser like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Components inlcuding browser plug-in, add-on, extension, registry entries, files, and any form that are found relevant to LinkSwift will be named as as PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.A.
Files or entries identified as PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.A does not imply any harsh virus infection. LinkSwift is technically regarded as potentially unwanted program (PUP) that infiltrates the system through third-party applications.
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 computer even without your request; even you do not want its presence. In particular, PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.A is a module of any programs from LinkSwift like add-on, extension, toolbar and search hijacker that overrides Internet browser without getting approval from you.
Why Optional?
Optional was used in this detection due to some instances that user may opt-out in the installation of LinkSwift modules. When PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.A comes bundled with shareware, there is a portion in the installation process where in LinkSwift will be installed by default. All you have to do is remove the check mark to exclude this adware from the install process.
About LinkSwift
LinkSwift improves the web by providing the best tools to enhance web browsing experience, from searching the web to comparing online deals to find the best prices. LinkSwift combines all of great ideas into the LinkSwift product suite, a free set of tools that work to make your browsing experience much better.
How to Remove PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.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.
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.LinkSwift.A and other malicious entities. Follow the prompt to proceed with the removal.
Stage 2: Double-check for PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.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)
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.LinkSwift.A. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file to run.
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.
5. Next, you will see Scan Type. Please choose Full Scan to ensure that all PUP.Optional.LinkSwift.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.
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.
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.LinkSwift.A have been completely deleted from the computer. Please restart Windows to proceed with the normal operation.
So nothing found still doesn’t explain why the CPU runs at 100% when running flash player or shockwave flash, this is relatively a new issue like the past couple of months on all of our computers.