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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • System tools
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Apr 2020

How to remove System Assistant

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Jake Doevan · Computer technology expert

System Assistant is a rogue system optimizer that displays pre-determined search results to make people purchase its license

System Assistant - fake optimiser

System Assistant is a legitimate, though highly questionable, PC optimization utility by SoftCity and Smart PC Solutions, Inc. Cybersecurity experts have recently included it in the category of the potentially unwanted programs (PUP) since it started exhibiting suspicious activities on a host computer. Close analysis of the program revealed that this so-called system optimizer displays false positive[1] scan results to scare people into thinking that their machines are heavily polluted by viruses like Trojans, spyware, and keyloggers. However, this optimizer itself is related to heuristic detection names like Riskware/SafeCleaner, PUP.Optional.Avanquest, and PUA: Win32/SpeedingUpMy PC.

This potentially unwanted program can be considered a System Assistant virus because it infiltrates PCs via software bundlers like download managers, free games or software updates. It spreads as a pre-checked component, which can only be opted-out by selecting Advanced or Custom installation options. The installer itself adds an icon in the taskbar, start menu, and desktop. The main installer ends up in the C:\Program Files (x86)\System Assistant. Upon successful infiltration, the System Assistant virus creates a Scheduled Task C:\Program Files (x86)\System Assitant\SANotifications.exe, which launches the scanner on a regular basis.

NAME System Assistant
Developers SoftCity and Smart PC Solutions, Inc.
Classification Potentially unwanted program (PUP), rogue system tools
Distribution It has the official website and can be downloaded directly. However, it is also distributed via software bundles and the vast majority of downloads are indirect. The program is installed by default after leaving it as a pre-checked component of a freeware[2]. 
Symptoms  The tool stars launching its fake scanners once inside the system. The tool displays exaggerated scan results, which may include both system errors and malicious entries. The installed free version cannot fix the alleged issues, therefore, the user is continuously urged to pay for the license. 
AV detection RiskWare:Win32/SafeCleaner.158c515a, Hoax.Win32.SafeCleaner.ax, 
PUA:Win32/SpeedingUpMyPC, PUP.Optional.Avanquest, PUA.Avanquest!8.1070F (CLOUD)
 Removal options Reputable AV engines recognize System Assistant as a PUP or virus and can successfully eliminate it alongside its bundle. The misleading optimizer can also be removed manually from the Applications folder. 
Damage repair System Assistant removal does not ensure a full system's repair. Fake optimization tools like this can have a huge impact on Windows registries, startup programs, Windows startup, files, and others. FortectIntego is a tool that can help you to fix any damage left after a malware infection. 

Despite being misleading, System Assistant malware may attract people’s attention due to a vividly described features. On the official website, it is represented as a remover of potential privacy risks and PC cleaner capable of regaining hard disk space, as well as eliminating PC’s activity logs, unusual files, settings, and chat histories. However, the application can hardly be considered powerful since. It seems to be shareware that has a predefined virus database and a very limited “knowledge” of the Windows system. Therefore, its scanner can actually do nothing except to slow down PC’s performance and regularly remind you that you have to pay for a license key.

System Assistant is actively promoted via freeware and shareware with an intention to spread free trial versions of the utility as widely as possible. Once the free version reaches a host machine, it creates a scheduled task and keeps scanning the system with an alleged intent – to boost its performance. Even though it may load a scanner and imitate research, the scanner does an ostensible procedure during which the system is neither checked for malware, not the system’s nonconformities. The scan typically ends up with a full list of possible improvements and contains a list of PUPs and malware.

Despite the fact of how bad the System Assistant virus scan results may be, the program will fix the situation as long as the full version won’t be installed. A free trial, as notified on the official website of the tool, is only as powerful as nothing, as it supposed to “Clean up disk space|” and “Remove potential privacy risks.” All the other packages of features, including system maintenance, boosting startup speed, removal of duplicate files, shred, and similar has to be purchased. One month subscription costs 9.99 Eur, while 1 month costs 36 Eur. It’s up to you whether its expensive or not, but we do not recommend paying the money for a tool that promises much and does very little.

Aside from misleading features and unfulfilled promises, the System Assistant virus may be involved in privacy-related issues. The application seems to be filled with tracking cookies used to collect non-personal information like IP address, approximate geo-location, web browsing history, search queries, and similar. If you are currently using this program, open Task Manager and check if the CookieExclusions.exe is on the list. This executable may be responsible for continuous registration of web browsing-related activities and regular transmission of collected information to remote servers. Although it can hardly reach credit card details or other personal information, however some details that you probably don’t want to disclose to the third party may be leaked. As stated in the System Assistant Privacy Policy:

“Personal Information” which means information that normally identifies you as a natural person, or that may be used, either alone or in combination with other information, to personally identify you as an individual. Such information may include a first and last name, an email address, phone number, a home or other physical address, and other contact information. In addition, in some jurisdictions (like the EU for example) and given the specific use we make with the information, IP address that your Internet service provider allocates for your device, may also be considered as Personal Information.

“Non-Personal Information” which means information that cannot personally identify or lead to identifying a natural person. For example, statistics or aggregated information.

 If you have started noticing ongoing system scans, System Assistant removal is the only way to stop them. As pointed out before, this optimization tool can hardly improve your PC's performance as its sole intention is to infiltrate  PCs unnoticed and then insist on buying its paid version. 

System Assistant malware

Luckily, it's not difficult to remove System Assistant virus from the system. Its main installer can be eliminated like any other application. A bigger problem is the changes that it may initiate on the system. This rogue optimizer may corrupt some registry entries, delete some of the core system's files, compromise startup programs, and similar. Therefore, upon System Assistant removal you should use a powerful repair utility to fix the damage. We recommend relying on FortectIntego. 

Strategies used to spread PUPs around

Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), including adware, browser hijacker, and rogue system optimizers, often have their official websites and can be installed intentionally by clicking on a direct download link. However, practice shows that these websites are seldom visited and downloads are initiated even less frequently. 

Consequently,  developers tend to misuse software bundlers, which are also known as freeware and shareware. The owners of freeware download websites make an agreement with PUP developers to spread unwanted programs alongside well-requested applications in exchange for commission fees. Consequently, a free application, such as a download manager, a popular game, video streaming software or any other program may disguise more than one PUP under Quick or Basic installation. 

System Assistant mimics real optimization tool

Since people tend to install programs in a hurry, they often forget the risk of bundles and opt for Quick installation, which does not disclose PUPs. Quick/Basic installation is an implicit user's consent to install the bundle. To prevent that, it's a must to opt for Advanced installation, which discloses more installation setup windows and enabled users to remove checkmarks saying that he or she agrees with the installation of additional installers.

System Assistant removal methods

People who have been tricked to install this application will be able to easily remove the System Assistant virus from Windows. You have to access Control Panel, locate the application under the Applications folder, click on it, and select Remove. Then follow the on-screen and finish the process. 

If the program emerged on the system out of nowhere, which means that you were tricked into downloading a software bundle, you will have to take some extra steps to ensure full PUP removal. Carefully check the list of programs and eliminate each one that raises suspicions. Besides, open your web browser – the one that is set by default at the moment, and disable unfamiliar add-ons and plug-ins.  

To speed up System Assistant removal you can use a professional anti-malware program. According to VirusTotal[3], most of the reputable AV engines are capable of detecting this malware. 

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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