How to remove CRaccoon

CRaccoon – software that raises potentially unwanted program flags and often comes with other intruders

CRaccoon is advertised as a useful tool that will delete tracking cookies, temporary data, and other junk files. It looks like legitimate software, but it was flagged by some anti-malware engines as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), making it suspicious. Thus it would be best if you think twice before downloading and installing this software.

Rogue system tools, such as fake anti-malware software, optimizers, driver boosters, etc., usually use various scaring and persuasion techniques to convince users into buying licensed product versions. They also promote other PUPs, so your device gets infected further.

You should only install software that's time-proven and trustworthy because shady software can run questionable processes in the background and act maliciously. If you fell for the advertising campaign and installed the article's culprit, we'll explain how to remove it and get your device back on track safely.

Users that have encountered the unwanted application on their PCs out of nowhere, claiming that various programs also can be found installed when issues with the questionable tool occur. It is difficult to remove and the main country where this PUP gets distributed – Germany. The best option for the infection – anti-malware tools and a full check of the machine that shows all possible threats and places where intruder-related files can be hidden.

A lot of rogue system tools are circulating the internet, such as OnrymSpeedup, K9-PCFixer, PC HelpSoft Driver Updater, and so on. Their main goal is to persuade their users into buying paid product version. They can do that by:

• showing predetermined virus scan results, suggesting that malware infects your system and only their licensed software version can remove it,
• displaying false-positive results for system errors,
• suggesting that drivers are out of date, etc.

Users shouldn't fall for the false advertisement campaigns, and the scare tactics used to convince them into spending money. If you purchase a paid version of a rogue system tool, you'll be stuck with a worthless application that does nothing at all apart from slowing down your device and still showing fake notifications, pop-ups, etc.

Furthermore, potentially unwanted program developers usually advertise one another. Thus if you've installed one rogue tool, others might be knocking on your door soon enough. Before installing any software, you should always conduct research online or check if we haven't already written about it.

Although CRaccoon can be downloaded from its official website, some users have reported that they've installed it through software bundles. If an application is spread this way, it might be best if you stayed away from it. If you've installed it, we recommend removing it, but the choice is yours.

If you decide to remove it, you can do it either manually or automatically. If you choose the former option, please refer to our instructions at the bottom of the article. If you want to eliminate it automatically and ensure no other PUPs or any suspicious files on your device, scan it with free anti-malware software like MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

Either of those security tools will be a great companion and protect your system from installing PUPs, like CRaccoon in the future. According to security experts,^[1] threat removal isn't finished until you perform system diagnostics to eliminate any of its traces from the Registry and other core system files and settings. The recommended app for this procedure is the FortectIntego system diagnostics tool.

PUPs are actively distributed through software bundling

There's a myriad of potentially unwanted programs, and new ones are created very often. According to research,^[2] one of the most known third-party software vendors had PUPs in 31 of 50 of its most popular downloads. That suggests two things. First, you should download legit software directly from its developers.

Second, users have to stay cautious when installing new software. The secret behind stealthy PUP installation is simple – all apps within the bundle are automatically preselected for installation. Thus when Recommended, Quick or installation methods alike are chosen, all software gets installed.

You can evade PUPs from bundles by choosing the Advanced or Custom installation modes. Then you'll be able to deselect all untrustworthy, suspicious, or unwanted apps from installing on your device. If you're on the fence about any app, please do a web search or check it with us.

Directions for a swift CRaccoon removal from Windows devices

No matter how alluring an app might seem or how great its advertisement campaign might be, you should only install time-tested software. The article's culprit could be a harmless app, but since it was flagged (PUP.Optional.CRaccoon) by anti-virus engines as a potentially unwanted program, we recommend withholding from using it.

If you already installed it and want to remove it, we recommend doing that with a trustworthy security tool. To accomplish that, open your AV tool, update its virus database, and perform a full system scan. Proper anti-malware software will automatically detect and remove the PUP.

CRaccoon and other rogue system tools, edit Windows Registry, start-up items, and other key system preferences. Once the removal is done, these changes could cause BSoDs,^[3] freezing, and other system failures. Luckily, all these alterations can be restored by using a compatible system diagnostics tool.