How to uninstall the CRaccoon potentially unwanted application?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CRaccoon?
CRaccoon is a piece of software endorsed as a tool for cleaning operating systems. According to its promotional material, among its listed features are deletion of browsing cookies and temporary and download files.
Due to the dubious methods used to promote this app, it is considered to be a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Software within this classification may have unmentioned abilities and/or be distributed alongside harmful programs.
Questionable distribution methods can be used for legitimate products; however, they are more commonly employed to proliferate undesirable and possibly malicious software. Furthermore, several programs can be bundled together - both ordinary and dangerous products.
PUAs rarely appear suspicious, and they typically offer "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities that are seldom operational. Fake anti-virus tools are a prime example; they require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the promised functions, yet following activation - remain nonoperational.
PUAs can have heinous abilities. Some can cause redirects to sale-based, rogue, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, compromised, and malicious websites.
Adware-types run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The delivered ads diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety.
Once clicked on, intrusive advertisements redirect to dubious/hazardous webpages, and some can stealthily download/install software. Browser hijackers are another type of PUAs.
They promote fake search engines by making alterations to browser settings. The promoted web searchers usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines.
What is more, most PUAs can track data. Targeted information includes: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details.
PUA developers monetize the collected data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties. In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
To protect device integrity and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
| Name | CRaccoon potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | Operating system cleaning through removal of undesirable files and other content. |
| Detection Names (installer) | Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.CRaccoon), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (application) | BitDefender (Trojan.Agent.FFMH), Emsisoft (Trojan.Agent.FFMH (B)), Fortinet (Malicious_Behavior.SB), Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.CRaccoon), Qihoo-360 (Win64/Trojan.Generic.HgEASSwA), 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. |
| Process Name | Keep your PC clean |
| 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. |
SpeedFixTool, PC Optimizer Pro, G-Cleaner, and Garbage Cleaner are some examples of unwanted apps similar to CRaccoon. PUAs typically appear legitimate and harmless.
Users are enticed into download/installation and/or purchase with offers of various functionalities. However, the features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
The only goal of this software is to generate profit for the developers; to users - they have no genuine value. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can force-open unreliable/malicious sites, run intrusive advert campaigns, and gather private data.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Select PUAs (e.g., CRaccoon) have "official" promotional/download webpages. These applications can be downloaded/installed together with this software.
This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular programs with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, only official and verified download channels must be used.
Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer dangerous and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc.
Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and innocuous; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this type, the device must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Installation setup of CRaccoon application:
Website promoting CRaccoon application:
CRaccoon application's process on Windows Task Manager ("Keep your PC clean" process name):
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is CRaccoon?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
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 "CRaccoon" 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, CRaccoon 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 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 craccoon 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 craccoon 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 craccoon 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.
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 craccoon 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.
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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Outstanding!
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