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Proxycheck.exe “Virus” Process (High CPU & Ads) – How to Remove It

This article has been created in order to show you how you can remove the Proxycheck.exe process from your computer and how you can stop it from running adware activities on your computer.

Proxycheck.exe is a process which is associated with the Anonymizer Gadget potentially unwanted software, which aims to run it automatically In the background of your computer. The proxycheck.exe process may run multiple times simultaneously and this may result in your computer becoming slow and sluggish. In addition to this, the Proxycheck.exe adware is also bundled with other programs this adware carries alongside it that may additionally display advertisements, create shortcuts and even infect your PC with malware as a result of a browser redirection or other forms of advertised content. If you have been affected by this pesky application, we recommend that you read this article in order to learn how to remove the Proxycheck.exe adware from your computer completely and remove all of the advertisements related to it.

Threat Summary

Name proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP
Type PUP and CryptoCurrency Miner
Short Description It can install other adware and display advertisements in the background of your comptuer.
Symptoms The program AnonymizerGadget and the process prox.
Distribution Method Via the AnonymizerGadget program bundled together with the installers of various free progams dowloaded from third-party low-rep sites.
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP.

Proxycheck.exe Virus – How Does It Spread

For this unwanted software to get into your computer one strategy of distribution might be seen more often than others. It is known as software bundling and it includes the Anonymizer Gadget PUP to be included in the installers of other free programs under the pretext that the software is a “free extra” of some sort and the user should agree to install it alongsite their current installation, similar to what the image underneath displays:

Since this installation step is often residing well hidden within the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation modes, it is strongly recommended to focus on each installation step when you download and install freeware from third-party sites.

Proxycheck.exe Process – More Information

Once the program has been installed on your computer it may run automatically alongside it, it may execute the proxycheck.exe process in Windows Task Manager without the victim realizing it:

Once the program is installed on your computer, security researchers report that it may also install other programs which are ad-supported as well, like the following PUP(potentially unwanted programs) which have been reported so far in association with proxycheck.exe:

→ Fast Search World
DragonBoost
App
Desktop Shortcuts.
PQwick.
Text To Talk.
Expertchange.
Awesome Utility.
AnonymierGadget.
PuntoSwitcher.
Script.exe
SearchAwesome.
ThankYouPage.
S5mark.

These installations may further slow down your computer, change your default search engine and introduce a lot of advertisements on your computer, such as;

  • Pop-ups.
  • Ad-supported search results.
  • Online banners.
  • Highlighted text ads.
  • Browser redirections.
  • Shortcuts to different websites on your desktop.

In addition to these, the proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget may pretend as if they are legitimate programs running on your computer aiming to act as a VPN service or a proxy. However, do not be fooled because In reality they may also collect different information from your computer, such as:

  • Where you click online.
  • What types of websites you have visited.
  • Any information you have typed on your web browser.

This data may be used for different purposes by the proxycheck.exe PUP, the main of which is to get you to click on advertisements which may redirect you to websites that are unsafe. Such types of sites may be of a scamming or malicious type and this is the main reason to consider removing the proxycheck.exe and all of the related adware programs to it as fast as possible, if you encounter them on your computer.

Remove Anonymizer Gadget Ads from Your Computer. How to Remove Proxycheck

If you want to make sure that Anonymizer Gadget is fully removed from your computer system, we would advise you to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created with the purpose to help you delete this software manually or automatically. If manual removal does not help you, be advised that there is a good chance the proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP have left multiple different files on your computer that may still be introducing advertisements. This is why, security researchers advise that the best way to remove the Anonymizer Gadget PUP from your computer is to scan it with an advanced anti-malware software. It will automatically secure your computer while it provides real-time protection against other intrusive software that might be installed without your consent.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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  • Windows
  • Mac OS X
  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari
  • Internet Explorer
  • Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP from Windows.


Step 1: Scan for proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1.1 Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 1


1.3 After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 2


1.4 After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 3

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.


Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R


2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
boot your pc in safe mode step 1


2.3 Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

boot your pc in safe mode step 2

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
boot your pc in safe mode step 3


2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
boot your pc in safe mode step 4


Step 3: Uninstall proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP and related software from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


3.1 Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

boot your pc in safe mode step 5


3.2 In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

boot your pc in safe mode step 6


3.3 This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
boot your pc in safe mode step 7Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.


Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP on Your PC.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
clean malicious registries step 1


4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

clean malicious registries step 2


4.3 You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

clean malicious registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.


Video Removal Guide for proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP (Windows).


Get rid of proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP from Mac OS X.


Step 1: Uninstall proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP and remove related files and objects

1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
uninstall virus from mac step 1


1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

uninstall virus from mac step 2


1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP:

uninstall virus from mac step 3

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

uninstall virus from mac step 4


1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.


1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

uninstall virus from mac step 5


1.6 Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.

Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.


1.7 Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

  • Go to Finder.
  • In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
  • Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
  • If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

uninstall virus from mac step 6

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

uninstall virus from mac step 7

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

uninstall virus from mac step 8

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.


Step 2: Scan for and remove proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.


Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP:


Download

SpyHunter for Mac


Video Removal Guide for proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP (Mac)


Remove proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP from Google Chrome.


Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Google Chrome removal guide step 1


Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Google Chrome removal guide step 2


Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Google Chrome removal guide step 3


Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.


Erase proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP from Mozilla Firefox.


Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 1


Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 2


Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 3


Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.


Uninstall proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP from Microsoft Edge.


Step 1: Start Edge browser.


Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Edge Browser removal guide step 2


Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Edge Browser removal guide step 3


Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Edge Browser removal guide step 4


Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Edge Browser removal guide step 5


Remove proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP from Safari


Step 1: Start the Safari app.


Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.


Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Safari browser removal guide step 3


Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Safari browser removal guide step 4


Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.


Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

Safari browser removal guide step 5

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP will be removed.


How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Eliminate proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP from Internet Explorer.


Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.


Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 2


Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 3


Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 4


Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.

Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers


Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome

To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Step 4: Open “Notifications”:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:

Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 5

Remove Push Notifications on Firefox

Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”

Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Stop Push Notifications on Opera

Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

Step 3: Open Notifications:

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):

Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.

Safari Browser - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".

proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP-FAQ

What Is proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP?

The proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP threat is adware or browser redirect virus.

It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.

The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.

What Are the Symptoms of proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP?

There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:

Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.

Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.

Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.

Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.

Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.

If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.

What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?

According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.

What to Do If I Have a "virus" like proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP?

With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.

Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.

Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.

Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.

Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.

Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.

Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.

Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.

Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.

If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.

How Does proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP Work?

Once installed, proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.

proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.

Is proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP Malware?

The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.

Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.

About the proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.

How did we conduct the research on proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP?

Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the proxycheck.exe and Anonymizer Gadget PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

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