How to remove PestSweeper ?

June 27th, 2008
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What is PestSweeper?

PestSweeper is a new rogue anti-spyware program - a fake spyware remover, which uses illicit methods to lure money from users. As most rogues lurking the net these days, PestSweeper uses trojans, such as the infamous Zlob or Vundo, to enter the system. These trojans typically roam in porn/warez websites disguised as video codecs.

Once inside and active, PestSweeper will flood the user with popups and fake system notifications, supposedly to "inform" him that he is infected, which is, in fact, false information. The idea behind this method is to convince the user he is infected and therefore needs an antispyware program to dispose of the threat. The first antispyware program he comes across is of course PestSweeper, which is hardly a coincidence.

PestSweeper.com, the home of this parasite, is full of exaggerated claims and undeserved self-praise. The same can't be said about contact information, which is nowhere to be found or a legitimate payment system for that matter. The website fails to create trust in the product and with good reason: PestSweeper is a scam and should be treated as such. Do NOT download or buy it and block pestsweeper.com using your HOSTS file.

PestSweeper is Extremely dangerous

arrow PestSweeper is a corrupt Anti-Spyware program
arrow PestSweeper may spread via Trojans
arrow PestSweeper may display fake security messages
arrow PestSweeper may install additional spyware to your computer
arrow PestSweeper may repair its files, spread or update by itself
arrow PestSweeper violates your privacy and compromises your security
for PestSweeper
removal

Manual PestSweeper removal


Important Note: Although it is possible to manually remove PestSweeper, such activity can permanently damage your system if any mistakes are made in the process, as advanced spyware parasites are able to automatically repair themselves if not completely removed. Thus, manual spyware removal is recommended for experienced users only, such as IT specialists or highly qualified system administrators. For other users, we recommend using automatic spyware removal applications found on 2-viruses.com.

Remove these PestSweeper processes:
Remove these PestSweeper Registry files:
Remove these PestSweeper files:
for PestSweeper
removal

PestSweeper is classified as Rogue Anti-Spyware. After infecting a user’s system, it proceeds to scare its victim into buying the “product” by displaying fake security messages, stating that your computer is infected with spyware and only PestSweeper can help you to remove it after you download the trial version. As soon as the victim downloads PestSweeper trial version, it pretends to scan your computer and shows a grossly exaggerated amount of non-existent errors. Then, PestSweeper offers to buy the full version to fix these false errors. If the user agrees, PestSweeper not only does not fix the errors, but it takes the user’s money and may even install additional spyware into the victim’s computer.

Some Rogue Anti-Spyware, such as PestSweeper, may offer users to buy it after the victim clicks on a banner or a pop-up while surfing the internet. Usually, a Trojan is installed to a victim’s computer after clicking on the advertisement. It then proceeds to download or even install PestSweeper, which is another way for Rogue Anti-Spyware to spread itself.

Most of rogue Anti-Spyware, such as PestSweeper, is nearly impossible to remove manually.


How to tell if your PC has been infected by a Rogue Anti-Spyware such as PestSweeper?

Numerous undesirable and annoying pop-ups: A typical Rogue Anti-Spyware parasite keeps track of your internet browsing habits, sending your browsing history data to remote servers, owned by third party companies that use this information to advertise their products via numerous pop-ups, toolbars, hijacked homepages and spam letters. All these undesirable advertising methods are used on the victims of Rogue Anti-Spyware.
Changed or new icons: Sometimes, Rogue Anti-Spyware installs unwanted software to a victim’s PC without user’s knowledge and consent. This may lead to slower PC performance and stability, as well as more unwanted programs you can't remove.

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