Problem with PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A - How to Remove

What is PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A?

PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A is classified as a computer threat that makes changes in infected computers. It was firstly reported by Malwarebytes security program. PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A generates from PUP familiar and it is related to  PUP.Optional.BrowserProtect.A, Pup.optional.babylon.a   ,PUP.Optional.Conduit.A, PUP.Optional.Tarma.A and PUP.Optional.Sweetpacks.A virus. PUP means redirection. When infected, the targeted computer would experience such unwanted redirections. Normally, people may get infected with PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A virus via installing free applications from hacked domains, junk link from open email or porn sites. It would have been installed without your awareness. Computer users need to be very caution when surfing online.

Regarded as a redirect infection, PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A affects the popular browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. It would always redirect you to unauthorized websites that may contain annoying pop-ups, add-ons, extensions and irritated ads. Besides, it damages the computer with dropping Trojan, key logger, worm, or spyware. Once gets insides,  PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A may facilitate the cyber crime. Thus, your personal data （ like credit card information or online banking account) would be vulnerable to be attacked by hackers. To avoid more ruins, we need to get rid of PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A completely and timely. 

The traditional way to delete PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A with no luck

• Exist from advertising sites
• Using antivirus to block the pop-ups with no success
• Remove all plug -ins or add-ons from infected browsers 
• Trying with adware blocker to prevent from browser extensions

# Even though you have installed advanced antivirus tools, PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A can easily bypass. As many other viruses, it allows remote navigations to embed dangerous java codes without your knowledge. It messes up the computer time by time. Unfortunately it cann’t seem to be picked up. Computer users want to effectively eliminate this virus. But what should be done? It is very wise to seek a manual approach to permanently remove this computer threat.


Step 1 - Please save all open and confidential documents before the manual removal

Step 2 - Delete all these registries 
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings\UID [rnd]
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings\net [date of installation]
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\ConsentPromptBehaviorUser 0

Step 3 - Shall all hidden files 

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Click on the Start button. This is the small round button with the Windows flag in the lower left corner.
3. Click on the Control Panel menu option.
4. When the control panel opens click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
5. Under the Folder Options category, click on Show Hidden Files or Folders.
6. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files, folders, or drives.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types.
8. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).
9. Press the Apply button and then the OK button.

Step 4 - Remove all associated files
%Temp%\smtmp\4\*.*
%systemroot%\system32\*.dll /lockedfiles
%systemroot%\syswow64\*.dll /lockedfiles
%systemroot%\Tasks\*.job /lockedfiles
%systemroot%\system32\drivers\*.sys /90
%systemroot%\system32\drivers\*.sys

Step 5 - Remove all add-ons from infected browsers ( take IE as an example)

1. Open IE and go to ‘Tools‘ → ”Manage Add-ons’.
2. Choose ‘Toolbars and Extensions’ and uninstall everything related to from the list.
3. Choose ‘Search Providers’ → choose the search engine you used before and make it your default search provider. Additionally, select ‘Web Search’, click ‘Disable suggestions’ to disable it.
4. Go ‘Tools’ → ‘Internet Options’ and select ‘General’ tab. Click ‘Use default’ or enter your own website name, google.com or other. Finally, click ‘OK’ to save the changes.

Step 6 - Uninstall all new created toolbars from Add&Remove list
#Windows XP
Go to Start, navigate to Settings and click on Control Panel, navigate to Add or Remove Programs, choose Programs and Features, find new created programs, and hit Remove.

#Windows 7/Vista
Go to Start, navigate to Control Panel, select Uninstall a program/Programs and Features, find new created programs, and click on Uninstall.

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You may come across with possible attacks  because of PUP.Optional.SearchProtect.A

• Slow internet access ( PC performance, startup, browsing speed, opening a program, playing game, watching video)
• Bombard pop-up ads when using the browsers
• Homepage redirected issues
• Numb screen or death error
• Desktop image and shortcuts are changed 
• Sneaky cookies and junks 
• Firewall alerts