PCBackupWizard

PCBackupWizard is a rather pushy application that is supposed to provide an opportunity to store and backup your files on the net so that they are safe and accessible from anywhere. Since there are some questionable traits shown by this application, we have labeled it as a potentially unwanted program, i.e., a PUP. This program does not pose a dangerous threat to your computer, but it might still cause indirect security-related issues if you keep it on board. We have arrived at the conclusion that it is best for you to remove PCBackupWizard. But, of course, it is your decision. We are here to make it clear for you why we believe there are potential risks regarding this PUP.

There are mainly two ways this application can spread over the net. First, you can download it officially from its promotional website, pcbackupwizard.net. However, it is a bit lengthy because it is not just clicking a download button; first, you have to create an account giving your name and e-mail address and only then you can have your copy. As a matter of fact, you can choose from four plans depending on what you want: Free, Home, Home plus, and Business Pro. The prices are rather high, and start from $4.95 up to $9.95 per month. Strangely enough, when you choose the free version and click on the “Get started” button, on the next page you will be informed that both the Free and Home plans have unlimited storage, which may not be so at all. What’s more, the Business Pro plan on this page is simply called Business. If you check carefully on the main page, you can see that the Free and Home plans have 1Gb and 250Gb storage place respectively. So the website is not very consistent, which is a bit disappointing and misleading as well.

Unfortunately, this is not the only way PCBackupWizard can appear on your computer. As a matter of fact, it is possible that you do not even remember installing this application. Now you might think that it is a malicious infection that has sneaked onto your computer without your permission and knowledge. But the truth is that most of the time the users themselves let such infections on board by downloading bundled malware installers from shady file-sharing websites. This PUP may also come in such a bundle, which means that it may not be the only threat right now on your system; in fact, it may well be the least dangerous one. Have you noticed annoying third-party advertisements, such as banners and pop-ups while browsing the web? Have you found an unfamiliar home page when you launch your browsers? If reply either or both of these questions with a “yes,” there is a good chance your computer has been invaded by a number of threats. In this case, you should delete PCBackupWizard as a first step, and then run a system malware scan to see how serious the malware situation is.

The main goal behind this PUP is to provide you an access to your backed up files from anywhere and anytime. You can backup your photos, music, e-mails, videos, documents and more. You even get a 70% off discount if you sign up today. Well, the website says the special offer is only valid “today,” which is most probably offered every single day as bait. This application has proved to be rather pushy. In fact, once it is installed, it displays a pop-up warning message labeled “Critical Alert” and saying “Activate Windows Backup Now!” If you click on the OK button, the Windows PC Backup Wizard program is executed. However, the shady thing about this application is that you cannot close or stop it; well, unless you kill the process it uses to operate through. In order to do this, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to start up the Task Manager, and find the process in the list named PCW_8002.exe. Select it and click on the “End task” button.

We suggest that you search the web for a more reliable and cheaper application and service that will not potentially cause security issues and bring a bunch of malware programs on board. If you have made up your mind and you are ready to act, let us tell you what you can do to remove PCBackupWizard. First, you need to locate its uninstaller in Control Panel and run it. Unfortunately, the uninstaller is unreliable as well since it tends to leave leftovers in the C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\PCW\PCWRunner folder and all its registry entries as well. We have included all the necessary instructions for you to assist you in your manual removal. Please follow the steps carefully for a good result. Of course, you always have another choice. You can go for an automated solution by using a professional antimalware program that will effectively take care of all the potential infections on your computer and protect it from similar attacks as well.

Remove PCBackupWizard from Windows

Windows XP

1. Open the Start menu and go to Control Panel.
2. Click Add or Remove Programs.
3. Select the program and press Remove.

Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Tap Win+R and type in Control Panel. Hit OK.
2. Access Uninstall a program.
3. Select the program and press Uninstall.

Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10

1. Tap Win+I and open Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program.
3. Select the program and press Uninstall.

Remove leftovers

1. Tap Win+E to launch Windows File Explorer.
2. In the address bar, enter: C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\lohhbhdkrvmtgix\PCW. Hit Enter.
3. Find PCW_8002.exe and delete it.
4. In the address bar, enter: C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\PCW.
5. Delete the PCW folder.
6. Tap Win+R and type in regedit to launch the Windows Registry editor.
7. Locate and remove: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION\PCW_8002.exe.
8. Locate and remove: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PCW.
9. Locate and delete: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\PCW.
10. Restart your computer.