How to uninstall the RocketFixio unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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.
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.
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. |
WinOptimizer, PC Win Booster, Fast 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):
Installation setup of RocketFixio application:
Website promoting RocketFixio application:
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 RocketFixio?
- 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 "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:
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 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.
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 rocketfixio 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 plugins 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 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, 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 rocketfixio 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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