Registry Scanner Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Registry Scanner?
Developers present Registry Scanner as a legitimate application that allows users to improve system performance by cleaning and fixing registry entries.
Judging on appearance alone, Registry Scanner may seem legitimate and useful, however, developers promote it using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, Registry Scanner is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Once installed, Registry Scanner performs a 'full system scan' and displays a list of errors that must supposedly be fixed, however, the 'free version' is apparently not capable of resolving any of the problems - it only allows users to scan the system. Therefore, to fix the listed errors, users must pay for the full version (i.e. purchase the Registry Scanner application).
It is not clear whether the Registry Scanner app can be trusted. Many system optimization tools are distributed using the "bundling" method. Most attempt to trick users into paying for 'full versions' by displaying fake scan results. These apps perform fake system scans to scare and trick gullible users into purchasing software.
Full versions of these applications merely clean the false list and nothing more. They do not optimize the system or fix any errors. Therefore, we strongly advise you to uninstall these applications immediately. Note that "bundling" is often used to proliferate several PUAs at once.
Therefore, Registry Scanner might not be the only unwanted program that has infiltrated your computer. In most cases, this method is used to distribute adware and browser hijackers. These apps deliver intrusive advertisements, cause unwanted redirects, and gather various information relating to browsing activity.
They significantly diminish the browsing experience and pose a direct threat to your privacy and browsing safety. As well as uninstalling Registry Scanner, you should also eliminate other dubious applications/browser plug-ins.
| Name | Registry Scanner potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Symptoms | A program that you don't recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. New application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about found issues. Asks for payment in order to eliminate the supposedly found errors. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Registry Scanner shares many similarities with dozens of other potentially unwanted applications such as Web Companion, Lowe Registry Scanner, Power PC Care 2018, Advance PC Protector, and many others. These applications offer "useful functionality", however, many potentially unwanted applications are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
They typically deliver no real value for regular users and provide none of the functions promised. These apps promote in-app purchases, cause unwanted redirects, gather information, deliver advertisements, and perform other malicious tasks.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Registry Scanner has an official download website, however, users often install this app inadvertently, since it is also distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software). Developers are not honest enough to adequately disclose installation of third party applications.
Therefore, these applications are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users often rush these procedures and skip steps. This behavior often leads to installation of unwanted apps. In this way, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the internet. Download apps from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are often monetized using the "bundling" method, and thus these tools should never be used.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, however, most redirect to dubious websites, such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.
If you continually encounter ads/redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of Registry Scanner application:
Appearance of Registry Scanner unwanted application (GIF):
Registry Scanner files in the "Program Files" folder:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Registry Scanner?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "Registry Scanner" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Registry Scanner did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications are installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or receive unwanted redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the registry scanner potentially unwanted application, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the registry scanner potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with registry scanner potentially unwanted application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the registry scanner potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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