Advanced File Optimizer

Whenever we have to deal with potentially unwanted programs, we have to understand that they are not malicious by nature. Take Advanced File Optimizer, for example. This program comes forth as a supposedly useful tool that can repair Windows file associations. However, more often than not, users do not understand how this program enters their computers, and they automatically think it is a malicious infection. Of course, if a program enters your PC uninvited, there is no doubt that you have to remove Advanced File Optimizer at once. But since the program is not a malicious threat, there is no need to panic, as panic opens a way for mistakes.

This program has an official website, and you can access it via advancedfileoptimizer.com. It should be possible to download this program directly without any difficulties, but we do not think that users download the application willingly. It is far more likely that it arrives at target computers accidentally when it comes bundled with other legitimate applications. During our research, we have found that can come in the same package with some back-up applications. It happens when users download programs from unfamiliar websites that host third-party software. Therefore, if you want to avoid similar intruders, you should refrain from downloading programs from such sites.

The program itself is highly questionable. As mentioned, with this program, you can optimize your files by modifying Windows file associations. Basically, if you have a file that can be opened by several different programs, you may need to change the file associations so that some of the programs you prefer could read the file. This is where Advanced File Optimizer would step in to help you. But! It is highly doubtful whether you need a program with such a function because this function is built-in in Windows, too. You can change file associations simply by right-clicking the file and going through the Properties menu.

What’s more, Advanced File Optimizer may not even perform all of its services unless you pay $9.95USD for the full version of the application. It is obvious that paying for a service that automatically comes with Windows would not be a good idea. On top of that, when the program runs a full system scan, it always recommends users to download RegClean Pro. This application is also a potentially unwanted program, which can be classified as system optimization tool. System optimization tools are often considered unwanted and potentially harmful because they tend to point out errors that do not exist.

If you click the Fix Errors button on Advanced File Optimizer, the program will also recommend you to download more optimization tools. The setup of the program has also been detected before by computer security experts, and some of the entries could be considered security issues. Also, the program’s digital certificate expired on October 13th, 2015. Therefore, it only proves that the program cannot be trusted, and you should not keep it on your computer. After all, when an application enters system uninvited, it should be enough of a proof that no good can come of it.

What could be the biggest security implications associated with a PUP? For starters, this program could collect some of your system information for marketing purposes and share it with other third parties. Also, it could display commercial ads that might be associated with your likes and preferences. Although, for the most part, such programs do not intend to infect you with malware or steal your personal information, the chance is always there, as they could be exploited by malevolent third parties. Thus, before any of that happens, you should delete Advanced File Optimizer right now.

Normally, removing a PUP via Control Panel should be enough to get rid of it, but we have prepared manual removal instructions just in case. Also, if you think that more unnecessary applications could be installed on your system, you should scan your PC with the SpyHunter free scanner. If you find that you have more than one unwanted application on-board, then it would be for the best to terminate them all automatically with a licensed security tool. After all, this way you would also protect your system from other unwanted intruders in the future.

How to Remove Advanced File Optimizer

Windows 10 & Windows 8.1

1. Press Win+R and type Control Panel. Click OK.
2. Go to Uninstall a program and remove Advanced File Optimizer.

Windows Vista & Windows 7

1. Open the Start menu and click Control Panel.
2. Select Uninstall a program and remove the PUP.

Windows XP

1. Click the Start menu button and navigate to Control Panel.
2. Open Add or remove programs and uninstall the PUP.

Delete Leftover Files

1. Press Win+R and type regedit. Click OK.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree.
3. Delete the Advanced File Optimizer_checkupdate_startup key under Tree.
4. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing.
5. Under Tracing, delete these key entries: AdvancedFileOptimizer_RASAPI32, AdvancedFileOptimizer_RASMANCS.
6. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing.
7. Delete these keys: AdvancedFileOptimizer_RASMANCS, AdvancedFileOptimizer_RASAPI32.
8. Close Registry Editor and press Win+R. Enter %Windir% and click OK.
9. Go to System32\Tasks.
10. Delete the Advanced File Optimizer_checkupdate_startup task from the folder.