Watchdog is a malware program that installs on the computer through file bundling. The virus is usually found in game hacking apps, cracked games, and other questionable or illegally distributed software. It’s also possible to get this malware from open-source game modes made by malicious actors.
My research suggests that this malware is primarily used for keylogging – the practice of maliciously recording a user’s keystrokes to acquire sensitive info. However, it’s also possible this threat gets used in other ways, such as draining your PC’s resources for crypto-mining, making changes to your browser settings (Watchdog is often tied to DSRSearch), or introducing more threats to your system.
Obviously, you need to get rid of this malware the the process to do so isn’t straightforward. You’ll likely need some guidance, so I’ve prepared a detailed removal guide that you’ll find below. So if the Watchdog virus is on your PC, go there and follow the steps to remove the malware.
IMPORTANT!
This virus is closely linked to another piece of malware called PCAppStore. These are often installed together on their victims’ PCs, so if you have Watchdog, you probably also have PCAppStore which you must also remove. To get rid of it, I recommend checking out our How to Remove PCAppStore article.
Watchdog Removal Guide
I will first give you an overview of the steps that must be performed in order to get rid of the virus. Those of you who already have some troubleshooting/malware-removal experience can get straight to completing them:
- Uninstall suspicious apps from the Programs & Features settings.
- Kill Watchdog processes in the Task Manager and delete their file locations.
- Delete remaining Watchdog files in other parts of the system.
- Clean the Startup Items and the Scheduled Tasks.
- Search for rogue items in the Registry and delete them.
If you need help with one or more of these steps, check out their detailed explanations below.
SUMMARY:
OFFERBefore we go any further, I must warn you – this guide is lengthy and often requires you to use your own judgment to decide if, when, and what to delete. If you aren’t comfortable with that, I recommend deleting the malware with the help of a reliable removal app.
The automatic tool that I recommend for dealing with the Watchdog virus is called SpyHunter 5, which will get rid of the malware in no time. If you are interested in giving it a try, you can find the tool linked on this page.
How to Remove the Watchdog Virus
Rushing into removal can backfire. Watchdog’s stealth means it burrows deep into your system. Careful preparation makes all the difference.
- Get LockHunter: This free tool helps unlock files that refuse to be deleted.
- Back Up Your Data: While unlikely, removing malware can sometimes disrupt legitimate files. A backup protects you from losing anything important.
- Enable Hidden Files: Open File Explorer Options, navigate to “View,” and check “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.”
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to tackle the problem head-on.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Uninstall Watchdog Malware Apps
You almost certainly have some rogue apps installed on your PC that could be empowering Watchdog. You need to find and delete them:
- Open Apps & Features in your Start Menu.
- Search for entries like:
- PCApp
- nwjs
- Fast!
- Uninstall anything you don’t recognize or didn’t intentionally download.
Restart your computer after this step to clear any lingering processes tied to these programs.
Get Rid of Watchdog Virus Processes
Watchdog is almost certainly running rogue processes in your system that need to be stopped. For that, you must access the Task Manager and search it carefully for anything rogue.
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Look for processes like:
- Watchdog.exe
- PCAppStore
- BazBesSAS
- fa_rss
- For each suspicious process:
- Right-click and select “Open File Location.”
- Return to Task Manager and click “End Task.”
- Delete the associated folder.
Files resisting deletion? Use LockHunter (you must have it installed) to unlock and remove them: right-click the file in question > What’s locking this file? > Delete it.
Video walkthrough for this step:
How to Delete Persistent Files with Lock Hunter
Delete Watchdog Virus Files
Even after removing the main processes and programs, Watchdog often leaves behind fragments. These files hide in critical system directories.
Check These Locations:
- C:\Users%USERNAME%
- C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\fa
- C:\Users\administrator\a9c2w\
- C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
Look for folders with names tied to Watchdog, like “fa_rss” or “nw_store.” Delete them. If a file refuses to delete, adjust the folder’s permissions through Properties > Security, or use LockHunter to force removal.
Eliminate Watchdog Startup Items and Scheduled Tasks
Watchdog can re-enable itself through startup entries or scheduled tasks. Addressing these ensures it doesn’t return after a reboot.
- Disable Startup Entries:
- Open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Disable anything suspicious.
- Remove Scheduled Tasks:
- Open Task Scheduler from the Start Menu.
- Examine each task for actions tied to Watchdog.
- Delete any tasks running scripts or executables you don’t recognize.
This should prevent the malware from starting on its own or getting reinstalled after you remove it.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Get Rid of Watchdog Registry Keys and Values
The registry is often where the last remnants of Watchdog hide. Deleting these entries ensures the virus is completely gone.
- Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Start Menu.
- Use Ctrl + F to search for:
- Watchdog
- fa_rss
- nw_store
- Delete any matching entries.
Some registry keys might resist deletion. Change their permissions by right-clicking the key, selecting Properties, and modifying access settings. Remove these keys after gaining full control.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Prevention: Staying Safe
Removing Watchdog is one thing. Preventing infections like it from returning is another.
- Avoid downloading cracked software or unofficial game cheats. These are hotbeds for malware.
- Install trusted antivirus programs and run regular scans.
- Keep your operating system updated. Security patches often close vulnerabilities malware exploits.
- Review installed programs periodically. Look for entries you didn’t install or recognize.
Vigilance keeps your system secure. Small habits make a big difference.
What Is the Watchdog Virus?
The Watchdog virus isn’t a typical, in-your-face type of malware. It operates like a Trojan horse. Often bundled with suspicious downloads, it sneaks into your system under the guise of being something useful or harmless. People downloading cracked software, game cheats, or free tools from unverified sources often become their victims.
Once installed, it doesn’t announce its presence. It blends into your system, hiding among legitimate processes. But its effects are far from benign. Keylogging is one of its most alarming traits, meaning it could be silently recording everything you type. Think about passwords, credit card numbers, or private messages—anything you input on your keyboard could be at risk. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a full-blown threat to your security.
Is Watchdog Dangerous?
It doesn’t lock your files or flood your browser with ads, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Its potential to record sensitive information like passwords or banking details makes it dangerous. Trusting your computer while it’s infected with Watchdog? That’s a risk not worth taking.
Let’s be blunt. Watchdog is a silent operator. It doesn’t flood your screen with pop-ups or lock your files like ransomware, but its quiet nature makes it even more insidious. It can linger in your system for weeks or months without detection, all the while collecting data or weakening your system’s defenses.
Consider this. Your computer is where you store passwords, personal documents, banking information, and private messages. A virus like Watchdog compromises that trust. Its ability to hide and resist removal makes it more than just a headache—it’s a liability.
Removing Watchdog isn’t easy. Traditional uninstallation methods usually fail, leaving behind fragments that allow it to reinstall or remain partially active. This persistence adds to the frustration and highlights the importance of removing every last trace.
Signs of a Watchdog Infection
Here’s where things get tricky. Because it works silently, spotting Watchdog requires a sharp eye and some detective work.
- Suspicious Processes: Open Task Manager. Do you see names like “Watchdog.exe” or “BazBesSAS”? These often indicate trouble.
- Slow Performance: Has your system become sluggish? High CPU usage could be a sign of an invisible process draining resources.
- Strange Files or Folders: Directories named “fa_rss” or “nw_store” appearing unexpectedly? That’s a red flag.
- Antivirus Alerts: Some antivirus tools might catch suspicious activity, though Watchdog is designed to evade detection.
These symptoms don’t always scream “Watchdog,” but they’re often a clue that something’s wrong.
Wrapping It Up
The Watchdog virus might not grab headlines like ransomware, but its impact can be just as devastating. Its silent infiltration and resistance to removal make it a serious threat. Getting rid of it takes patience and attention to detail, but the payoff—a secure and reliable system—is worth the effort.
Once Watchdog is gone, take steps to strengthen your defenses. Cybersecurity isn’t about reacting; it’s about staying ahead of threats. Be cautious, stay informed, and keep your system protected. You’ve got this.
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