PC Cleanup

Welcome to Lunarsoft's PC Cleanup page!

The PC Cleanup page has been converted into a wiki for faster, easier updates. Therefore should there ever be any changes to the programs recommended this page can be updated much faster than before. Also, since the PC Cleanup page is now a wiki version, pages should load faster and images can be loaded separately. When a machine needs to be repaired and is infested with malware, pages do not always load quickly. This is always kept in mind when creating these kind of pages so that even dial-up users may load these pages with ease.

We highly recommend using the Anti-Malware Toolkit to help download the Recommended Software and other useful tools to clean and perform maintenance on your computer.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Lunarsoft (This includes the members, staff, moderators, administrators, and affiliates. Referred to from here on as Lunarsoft) is in no way, shape, or form affiliated with these applications. By viewing this page and/or downloading any files, you agree that Lunarsoft is in no way legally responsible for damage to your computer software or hardware. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the covered code is with you. Should any applications, software or other items prove defective in any respect, you (Not the initial developer or any other contributor) assume the cost of any necessary servicing, repair, or correction. By seeking the assistance of Lunarsoft you hereby waive any possible means of legal action or otherwise.

Recommended Software

This is very highly recommended software for all users. Many of these programs will help prevent and even protect from malware infections.

Application & Homepage	Application Type	Download Link
Mozilla Firefox	Browser	Download
Mozilla Thunderbird	E-Mail Client	Download
Microsoft Defender	Anti-Virus	Built in to Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.
Malwarebytes	Anti-Malware	Download
GlassWire	Firewall	Download
Anti-Malware Toolkit	Toolkit	Anti-Malware Toolkit

Lunarsoft does NOT under any circumstances recommend running two or more anti-virus products on your computer.

Installation Order

This process has been found to be the very best in eliminating and terminating infections. This process will also help to prevent infections from spreading as the infections are removed. You will also want to update each programs definitions/database if updates are available.

1. AdwCleaner does not need to be installed.
2. Install Malwarebytes.

Order of Operations

By following the directions listed below, you increase your chances for a fast reply on getting your logs and your computer cleaned.

Windows 7, 8.x, 10, and 11 users may need to run these programs as Administrator.

Please follow these directions:

1. Run Windows Disk Cleanup.
2. Run AdwCleaner.
   At this point you should perform the recommended reboot to allow AdwCleaner to remove any malware/Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), OEM bloatware, and run fixes.
3. Run Malwarebytes.
   At this point you should perform the recommended reboot to allow Malwarebytes to remove any malware/Potentially Unwanted Programs found.
4. Run Windows Update.

Unable to run Windows Update?

• On Windows 11
  • System
  • Troubleshoot
  • Other troubleshooters
  • Click Run on Windows Update

• On Windows 10
  • Settings
  • Update & Security
  • Troubleshoot
  • Under Get up and running, click Windows Update.
• You can also use Microsoft's Diagnose Windows Update if you're on Windows 7 or higher.

Cleaning & Settings

This section will describe how to update the recommended applications and allow you to configure each program with the best settings for malware removal.

Windows Disk Cleanup

Windows Disk Cleanup helps to clean out old, unused files. It can also help to clean out and remove malware from your %TEMP% folders and other common temporary directories where malware can reside. You don't need to start Windows Disk Cleanup with UAC to clean all of the necessary areas.

Scan Settings:

• It is safe to check all available options except for what is mentioned below.

The following items should not be checked. Windows upgrade log files System archived Windows Error Reporting System queued Windows Error Reporting Device driver packages Delivery Optimization Files Previous Windows installation(s)

Explanation:

• Windows upgrade log files are good to keep in case something went wrong during the upgrade of Windows. You can review the logs for more details about what happened. These kinds of logs are invaluable to technicians in diagnosing errors as well. They are safe to delete after approximately one to two months.

• Windows Error Reporting sends crash reports to Microsoft to help diagnose and get fixes to software that you use and has problems. These error reports are useful to both Microsoft and the developers of the software, to even technicians alike. Anyone who looks at these error reports or dump files can diagnose what the origin of the crash/problem is and help resolve the issue.

• Device driver packages are useful to keep as they will hold your hardware's drivers - software the tells the hardware what to do - in case of any issues, the latest working driver is stored here.

• Delivery Optimization Files allows you to share Windows Updates you've already downloaded locally on your network. This is faster, safe, and secure. Instead of having to redownload updates on computer two, computer two can get the updates from computer one also!

• Previous Windows installation(s) are good to keep for about ten days. This is especially true on Windows 10, where you get upgrades to the OS and if you have any problems you can revert back to the previous version. This was also true with the free Windows 10 upgrade. You had 30 days to revert back to your previous Windows 7/8 install. This changed when the Windows 10 Creator's Update released on April 5, 2017. If you do not experience any problems you can safely delete this or wait and let the OS do it for you.

AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner will run a quick scan to find and remove known malware and OEM bloatware - software that is not necessary.

Scan Settings

1. Click Settings.
2. Under Settings, scroll to Basic Repair Settings.
3. Turn all of the options to On.
4. Return to the Scanner by clicking Dashboard.

Scanning

1. Click Scan Now

Results

You may see two separate panes, one for malware found, then another after for Bloatware.

1. Quarantine all found malware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs).
2. It's optional though recommended to review and remove bloatware that was found.

Need further assistance? Refer to the AdwCleaner screenshots.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is a free program that will scan your computer for numerous types of malware, including ransomware and other advanced online threats.

Update Instructions:

• Malwarebytes will automatically check for updates before scanning. A manual update check can be performed by clicking the gear at the top right, then clicking Check for updates.

Scan Settings:

If you want to do a quick scan and have Malwarebytes scan the top, commonly used infected areas of your computer run a Threat scan. However, we recommend running a Custom scan the first time you believe you're infected and scanning over your entire drive. A full custom scan can take several hours.

This will allow for any infected files found on your system to be quarantined.

Threat Scan

1. Click the Scan button. Alternatively, you can click the Scan pane, and then click the Scan button there.
2. Scanning will automatically start.

Custom Scan

1. Click the Scanner pane at the bottom middle.
2. Click Advanced scanners.
3. Under Custom Scan, click the Configure Scan button.
4. Make sure all the checkboxes on the left are checked.
5. Click to select your hard drive(s) and/or solid state drive(s).
6. Click Scan.

Scan Results

1. When the scan has completed, ensure all entries of both malware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) are checked and click Quarantine.
2. If prompted to reboot, click Yes.

Need further assistance? Refer to the Malwarebytes screenshots.

Optional cleaning software

These are not necessary to scan with. If you feel that AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes did not catch your infection the software below may help.

SpywareBlaster

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed. It will also stop malware from communicating with its host server. This helps to stop popups and malware from functioning and further spreading the infections.

Update Instructions:

1. Under "Quick Tasks" click "Download Latest Protection Updates".
2. Click the "Check for Updates" button.

Activation:

1. After updating, click "Protection" near the top.
2. Under "Quick Tasks" click "Enable All Protection" and you're finished with SpywareBlaster.

Need further assistance? Refer to the SpywareBlaster screenshots.

SUPERAntiSpyware

SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software.

Update Instructions:

• First Install:
  • Click "Yes" on the message box that appears asking about updating.

• Regular Use:
  • Click the "Check for Updates..." button.

First Run:

• A Setup Wizard will appear to assist you.

1. Click "Next"
2. Do not enter any email address and then click "Next".
3. Make sure there is a check applied to Automatic Update checking and then click "Next"
4. Uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to our research center"
5. Protect Homepage appears, click "Do NOT Protect".

Scan Settings:

1. Click the "System Tools & Program Settings" button.
2. Click the "Preferences" button.

• Under "General and Startup" uncheck the following:
  • Uncheck all options.
  • Optionally, you can check to "Disable anonymous threat reporting".
• Under "Scanning Control" uncheck the following:
  • "Display scan option in Explorer context (right-click) menu"
• Under "Scanning Control" check the following:
  • Apply a check to "Terminate memory threats before quarantining"

• You can now click "Back" and then "Home" as all settings have been set accordingly.

Scanning:

1. Make sure "Quick Scan" is selected (it is by default).
2. Click "Scan your Computer..."
3. After the scan completes, a Scan Summary will appear. Click "OK".
4. In the Scan Results window, make sure all results are checked and click "Next >". Reboot if prompted.

On Exit

• Click "Do not show this message next time" if it appears.

Need further assistance? Refer to the SUPERAntiSpyware screenshots.

Conclusion

Haven't registered yet for the Lunarsoft website and forums? Then please register with us!

If you have registered with Lunarsoft already, please post your log on the Malware Removal forum.

After your computer has been given a clean bill of health, you should read the PC Security page for adding extra protection to your computer.

Good luck, Tarun - Lunarsoft