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How to uninstall the RocketFixio unwanted application

Also Known As: RocketFixio potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

What is RocketFixio?

RocketFixio is a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) endorsed as a tool to clean and optimize operating systems. The advertised functionalities include removal of junk files, optimization of the Windows Registry and improvement of system startup speed.

This type of software is classified as a PUA due the dubious methods used to proliferate it, such as "bundling". I.e., many users download/install PUAs inadvertently, or they are tricked into doing so. Furthermore, these unwanted apps can have dangerous capabilities, which endanger device and user safety.

RocketFixio unwanted application

While dubious distribution techniques are used for legitimate and functional software, they are more commonly employed to promote untrusted content. Often, PUAs (e.g. fake anti-viruses) require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the functionality promised, however, following activation, the features tend to remain nonoperational.

These applications can have additional capabilities as well. Some types can force-open various sale-based/promotional, rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious websites. Adware-types run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This kind enable the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other ads on any visited site.

These overlay web pages and reduce browsing speed. Additionally, when clicked, intrusive advertisements redirect to similarly dangerous web pages and can stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Another type called browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engines and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of bogus search engines.

Thus, users are forced to visit the promoted address. Fake search engines are seldom capable of providing unique results, and so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine sites. Furthermore, browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the affected browser's settings and/or reset any permitted changes made.

Most PUAs have data tracking capabilities. They can monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This sensitive data is often shared with third parties seeking to misuse it for financial gain.

In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. You are strongly advised to eliminate all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name RocketFixio potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application).
Supposed Functionality Operating system cleaning and optimization.
Detection Names BitDefender (Application.Deceptor.RT), DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.3976), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/RocketFixio.A Potentially Unwanted), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.DeceptPCClean.dbh), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal).
Symptoms A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment 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.
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WinOptimizerPC Win BoosterFast Computer and DriverMax are some examples of other unwanted apps. They may seem legitimate normal and harmless, however, the advertised functionalities rarely work as promised and, in most cases, do not work at all.

Functionality, user convenience and safety are irrelevant, since the sole purpose of PUAs is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, they cause redirects to untrusted and malicious pages, run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers and gather private data.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Some PUAs (including RocketFixio) have "official" promotional sites from which they can be downloaded. These applications are often downloaded/installed with other software. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular programs with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

While it is often possible to opt-out of these unwanted supplements and/or learn about dubious behavior, the options and details are often missed due to rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. skimming or ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using pre-set options, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts designed to make unwanted downloads/installations without users' permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are strongly advised to research all software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and bundled content and are, therefore, untrusted.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).

If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Appearance of RocketFixio application (GIF):

Appearance of RocketFixio PUA (GIF)

Installation setup of RocketFixio application:

RocketFixio PUA installation setup

Website promoting RocketFixio application:

Website used to promote RocketFixio PUA

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Quick menu:

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

RocketFixio adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "RocketFixio" 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, RocketFixio did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options 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".

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the rocketfixio 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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the rocketfixio potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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.

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with rocketfixio 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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the rocketfixio potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
RocketFixio potentially unwanted application QR code
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