Remove Windows Tasks Optimizer (Uninstall Guide)

Windows Tasks Optimizer is fake security solution that reports predetermined infections and displays fake security alerts about nonexistent viruses to trick users into participating in fraudulent transactions. It pretends to scan your computer for malware and detects a large number of nonexistent threats. Although, Windows Tasks Optimizer may look like legitimate security software, it's actually a scam. If you suspect or confirm that your computer is infected with this fake AV, please follow the removal instructions below to remove Windows Tasks Optimizer and any related malware for free.



While Windows Tasks Optimizer is running, it displays fake security alerts. It blocks legitimate applications claiming that they are infected and can cause serious damage to the system. In order to remove the threats the user is promoted to pay for the "full version" of the rogue software to remove the viruses and protect PC against other security threats. If you have already bought Windows Tasks Optimizer, please contact your credit card company and dispute the charges. If you need help removing the rogue application from your computer, please leave a comment below. Good luck and be safe online!

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Windows Tasks Optimizer removal instructions:

1. Rename the main executable of the rogue program:

In Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\[UserName]\Application Data\Microsoft\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe

In Windows Vista/7:
C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe



Look for cccayn.exe or similar file and rename it to cccayn.vir.



Then restart your computer. This should disable the rogue program. After reboot, please continue with the rest of the removal process. NOTE: By default, Application Data folder is hidden. If you can find it, please read Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows.

2. Download shell-fix.reg. Double-click to run it. Click "Yes" when it asks if you want to add the information to the registry. This file will fix the Windows Shell entry.
3. Download free anti-malware software from the list below and run a full system scan.

• MalwareBytes Anti-malware
• SUPERAntispyware
• Spybot S&D
• Hitman Pro 3.5

NOTE: in some cases the rogue program may block anti-malware software. Before saving the selected program onto your computer, you may have to rename the installer to iexplore.exe or winlogon.exe With all of these tools, if running Windows 7 or Vista they MUST be run as administrator. Launch the program and follow the prompts. Don't forget to update the installed program before scanning.

4. New threats appear every day. In order to protect your PC from such (new) infections we strongly recommend you to use ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

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Alternate Windows Tasks Optimizer removal instructions (in Safe Mode with Networking):

1. Reboot your computer is "Safe Mode with Networking". As the computer is booting tap the "F8 key" continuously which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode with Networking" and press Enter key. Read more detailed instructions here: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm


NOTE: Login as the same user you were previously logged in with in the normal Windows mode.

2. Download free anti-malware software from the list below and run a full system scan.

• MalwareBytes Anti-malware
• SUPERAntispyware
• Spybot S&D
• Hitman Pro 3.5

NOTE: in some cases the rogue program may block anti-malware software. Before saving the selected program onto your computer, you may have to rename the installer to iexplore.exe or winlogon.exe With all of these tools, if running Windows 7 or Vista they MUST be run as administrator. Launch the program and follow the prompts. Don't forget to update the installed program before scanning.

3. New threats appear every day. In order to protect your PC from such (new) infections we strongly recommend you to use ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

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Associated Windows Tasks Optimizer files and registry values:

Files:

In Windows XP:

• C:\Documents and Settings\[UserName]\Application Data\Microsoft\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe

In Windows Vista/7:

• C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe

Registry values:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon "Shell" = '%UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe'
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\egui.exe "Debugger" = 'svchost.exe'
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ekrn.exe "Debugger" = 'svchost.exe'
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msascui.exe "Debugger" = 'svchost.exe'
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msmpeng.exe "Debugger" = 'svchost.exe'
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msseces.exe "Debugger" = 'svchost.exe'

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