JunkSweeper Removal Guide

JunkSweeper is a rather deceptive application because it masquerades as a PC optimization and antimalware tool. After testing this program, we found that it is next to useless. Thus, we have classified it as a potentially unwanted program and recommend that you remove it as soon as the opportunity arises. This program features gimmicky functions that are supposed to trick you into purchasing the full version. Testing has shown that it can delete some junk files, but its antimalware function is locked, and most likely does not work, and you are required to buy a license key to use it.

We have found that this particular program is a clone of One10 PC Cleaner, Clean PC Master, and Zeast PC Tuneup. The only thing that sets these programs apart is their names and aesthetic nuances. Other than that they are part of the same money-grabbing scheme, and we think that all of them were created by the same group of developers that have chosen to stay in the shadows.

We have found that this program’s installer’s download is currently hosted on a website that is still under construction. However, those who have a link to this website can get it. However, we are going to provide you with the link to Handsoft{.}co. This is probably going to be the website that hosts JunkSweeper’s download. In any case, we think that in addition to this dedicated distribution website, this program’s developers will also make arrangements to bundle it with freeware and put it up for download on shady freeware hosting websites or websites that host pirated software or cracks.

After the installation is complete, it opens Internet Explorer and loads Searchcyborg.com. Not only that, but it changes the Internet Explorer’s homepage to this address. It can also randomly redirect to ads.searchcyborg.com which features commercial region-specific advertisements.

Running JunkSweeper’s Cleaner gives some results. This program is capable of locating and deleting junk files. It does not eradicate all of these files, so it is not all that useful. However, saying that it does not do anything at all would be an overstatement. This program also has a malware scanning function, but unlike the junk files cleaner it does not come free. You have to pay for it if you want to use this function, but we think that it does not work. Therefore, it is only reasonable to say that the junk-cleaning function acts as the bait. When users believe that this program performs to their expectations, they will be inclined to purchase the “full version” of this application.

Luckily, in most cases JunkSweeper crashes when clicking the Buy Now button. However, when it does not crash it can open your default browser and load Secure.bmtmicro.com/cart?CID=8054&CLR=0&PRODUCTID=80540005, a platform which enables you to purchase this program via Debit or Credit Card, PayPal, and so on. However, we urge you not to pay the hefty $60.49 USD (including VAT) because it is more than likely that you will not receive your product key or whatever activation method JunkSweeper uses because there is no place where you can enter a product key.

Furthermore, it will render pop-up messages that say that there is a critical issue with your computer and recommend that you call 1-866-376-9713. However, we think it might be a premium rate number and charge you a lot for the call, and there is no way of knowing who is on the other end of the line. In addition to this annoying message, JunkSweeper will render a fake Blue Screen of Death error that you should be able to close by pressing Alt+F4.

As you can see, JunkSweeper will not provide you with a genuine service. Its real purpose is to scam you and extort money. This is unacceptable and for this reason, we have included a removal guide at the end of this article. Unfortunately, you will not be able to get rid of it by just running its uninstaller via Control Panel. Additional steps are required, and our tests have shown that they work. However, in the event this program continues to nag you with its annoying error messages, we recommend that you scan your computer using our featured antimalware tool.

Step 1. Uninstall via Control Panel

Windows XP

1. Open the Start menu located at the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Click Control Panel and select Add or Remove Programs.
3. Locate the undesirable software and click Remove.

Windows 7 & Vista

1. Click Start located at the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Select Control Panel and click Uninstall a program.
3. Locate the program and click Uninstall.

Windows 10/8.1/8

1. Right-click on the Start menu/Start screen.
2. Click Control Panel and go to Uninstall a program.
3. Find the application and right-click on it, and then click Uninstall.

Step 2. Delete Junk files

1. Simultaneously press Windows+E keys.
2. In the Explorer window’s address enter delete the following directories one by one.

• %LOCALAPPDATA%\winpas
• %LOCALAPPDATA%\JunkSweeper
• %LOCALAPPDATA%\JunkSweeperUn
• %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\winpas
• %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\JunkSweeper
• %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\JunkSweeperUn

Step 3. Delete registry keys

1. Simultaneously press Windows+R keys.
2. Type regedit in the dialog box and click OK.
3. In the Registry Editor, locate and delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Junk Sweeper
4. Then, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
5. Locate Junk_Sweeper and winpasexe on the right side of the window.
6. Right-click on them and click Delete.

Step 4. Restore the homepage for Internet Explorer

1. Simultaneously press the Windows+R keys.
2. Enter regedit in the box and click the OK button.
3. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
4. Locate Start Page on the right side of the window and double-click it.
5. Replace the Value Data from Searchcyborg.com to your desired homepage address.