Unwanted applications or software can install themselves on your machine in a number of ways, most commonly occurring if you have downloaded some freeware or shareware. However if you don’t want to stop downloading or streaming videos or music but you also don’t want to be putting yourself at risk, anti-virus software is the answer. Many Potentially Unwanted Programs (known as PUP’s for short) are riddled with adware or install toolbars that you have no use for. They may direct you to websites of their own choosing bombard you with annoying pop up windows and otherwise make using your computer a real pain in the backside!
Let’s take a closer look at one of these potentially unwanted orograms: Trojan.PUP.Optional.FileScout.A.
Trojan.PUP.Optional.FileScout.A is a Malwarebhtes detecttion for this specific infection, however other anti-malware applications detect it as well. The problem is that Malwarebytes doesn't remove this malware properly leaving certain associated files undetected. So, to completely remove this malware from your computer you should use other anti-malware applications as well. Despite this not actually being considered a virus, per se, this PUP is still something that you do not want on your computer. It has a number of nasty characteristics, browser hijacking being just one of them. It will also adversely affect the way you use your computer and disrupt your user experience. It also has a rootkit function which enables to it install itself deep within your operating system, making it hard to locate and tricky to get rid of. This is one PUP which you should definitely delete if you discover it on your machine.
So how did the Trojan.PUP.Optional.FileScout.A get on your computer in the first place? As mentioned above it was most likely triggered when you downloaded or streamed a video or TV show, or installed some free software such as a PDF creator. Malicious software may well be bundled in with the installation of any of these, or with the custom installer that you get on a lot of downloading websites such as CNET (read the story here), Brothersoft or Softonic.
Now you know the name and the risks but how do you limit the chance of being infected by Trojan.PUP.Optional.FileScout.A? As mentioned, install anti-malware software on your machine and run it regularly. You should also never install software if you don’t trust it and you should always read the end user license agreement carefully when installing or downloading anything. It may be long and boring but often software installers will hide browser hijackers in the installation process so you should take a good look at the wording and uncheck any boxes that appear to be offering additional software in addition to the one you actually want. To completely remove Trojan.PUP.Optional.FileScout.A from your computer, please follow the removal instructions below. If you have any questions, just ask. Good luck and be safe oneline!
Written by Michael Kaur, http://deletemalware.blogspot.com
Trojan.PUP.Optional.FileScout.A removal instructions:
1. Download recommended anti-malware software and run a full system scan to remove Trojan.PUP.Optional.FileScout.A and associated malware from your computer.
2. Remove potentially unwanted extensions from your web browser.
Google Chrome:
1. Click on Chrome menu button. Go to Tools → Extensions.
2. Click on the trashcan icon and remove the extensions that might be causing Chitka pop ups. Basically, remove all extensions that you didn't install. It's perfectly OK to remove all extensions since by default Google Chrome comes without any extensions.
Mozilla Firefox:
1. Go to Tools → Add-ons.
2. Select Extensions. Remove all extensions that you didn't install. Please note, by default Firefox comes without any extensions.
Internet Explorer:
1. Go to Tools → Manage Add-ons. If you have the latest version, simply click on the Settings button.
2. Select Toolbars and Extensions. Remove all add-ons that you didn't install or you believe may cause those annoying pop-ups to show up.
3. Download CCleaner and tidy up your computer, remove temp files, etc.
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