Recently I found my browser kept redirecting me to websites I don’t want. So I ran Malwarebytes in full scan, and it found PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A virus in my computer. I tried to remove it immediately, but when I restarted the computer, this PUP came back again. How do I get rid of it completely? Any help will be appreciated.
PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A is categorized as a PUP (potentially unwanted program) which can be found by MalwareBytes Anti-malware. Usually it sneaks into your operating system without your consent. Once found, it is hard to remove because most antivirus or anti-malware program do not have the ability to detect a PUP as a threat since it doesn’t belong to a virus, but it acts as similar as a virus. This unwanted program always gets installed when a user downloads a specific program or application. While downloading, the user neglects to read the download agreement, so he or she doesn’t notice that other unwanted programs are being downloaded at the same time.
When you get PUP threat installed, you will find computer in a huge mess. Generally speaking, PUPs have undesirable effects on a user’s computer. Once downloaded, it may run various background processes that slow the computer down, or redirect computer users to website they don’t want. The sole purpose of these applications is to promote associated products, hoping to get profit from the promotion. It is suggested users check every item like policy and terms before they download something on the Internet. PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A can be downloaded and installed with legitimate applications as well. If users are do not read agreements thoroughly, they can easily get such undesirable thing installed on their computer. As similar as other members from PUP.Optional family, it also contains the ability by modifying your browser settings, changing your homepage and adding malicious tool-bars on the target computer. It may
embed unwanted code to your browser that can lead your browser crashed or slow. To sum up, PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A is an evil thing that should be removed from your computer without any hesitation.
It can bypass the legit security tools and destroy your computer secretly.
It prevents you from opening some application because the files are corrupted.
It can make your browser redirected to all kinds of malicious websites.
It is able to allow remote hacker access the compromised system for illicit purpose.
From malicious drive-by-download scripts from corrupted porn and shareware / freeware websites.
Through spam email attachments, media downloads and social networks.
When clicking suspicious pop-ups or malicious links.
Open unknown email or download media files that contain the activation code of the virus.
Note: No matter how does PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A access your PC, users should know that there are no tools can remove this pesky Trojan automatically at this moment, it is suggested users not spend much time in downloading or paying any security software which claims can delete this stubborn virus. It is totally useless. To completely get rid of it, professional manual guide is needed.
Currently many computer users had the same experience that this virus couldn’t be removed by any anti-virus applications. So the manual approach is always required to combat this virus. And here is the step-by-step removal guide for all computer users.
1. End the malicious process from Task Manager.
Once PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A is installed, computer user may notice that CPU usage randomly jumps to 100 percent. At any time Windows always has many running processes. A process is an individual task that the computer runs. In general, the more processes, the more work the computer has to do and the slower it will run. If your system’s CPU spike is constant and remain at a constant 90-95%, users should check from Task Manager and see if there is a suspicious process occupying system resources and then end it immediately.
(The name of the virus process can be random.)
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to quickly bring up Task Manager Window：
2. Show hidden files and folders.
Open Folder Options by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Folder Options.
Click the View tab.
Under Advanced settings, click Show hidden files and folders, uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) and then click OK.
3. Open Registry entries. Find out the malicious files and entries and then delete all.
Attention: Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.
a. Press Windows key + R to open Run box. In the “Open” field, type “regedit” and click the “OK” button.
Then a Registry Editor window will pop up as the following picture shows:
b. Search malicious files and registry entries related to PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A Virus and then remove all of them:
%AllUsersProfile%\[random]
%AppData%\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\[random]
%AllUsersProfile%\Application Data\.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\[random]
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Temp
PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A is a detection by Malwarebytes Anti-Malware that primarily installs on a computer along with third-party software and files such as freeware, shareware, torrents, and codecs. It disguises itself as a legit process in order to prevent the detection of antivirus software. Once it is running in the background, it may track (aka spy) surfing habits, collect data and then send the collected information to a third party, even though some claim to gather non-evasive data. Don’t give any chance for someone you don’t know to access your computer or collect your information. It can threaten security of your identity and financial stability. All you need to do is to remove PUP.Optional.GreatArcadeHits.A without any hesitation.
Note: If you are not knowledgeable enough to be able to distinguish the location of this virus, or you are afraid of making mistake during the manual removal, please contact experts from Yoocare Online Tech Support for further help.
Published by & last updated on January 28, 2014 12:56 pm
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