If your computer has been running slowly and exhibiting unusual behaviors such as flickering windows and random pop-ups and if it all seems tied to a strange app or process named PDFast, I suggest you read on, this article’s for you.
After researching the PDFast issue – something many people have been complaining about lately – I concluded this is a Trojan Horse malware. Trojans are malicious programs designed to appear harmless while secretly executing harmful activities. Other recent examples of such threats are Kepavll and Ginapc Quor Utils.
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The PDFast.exe trojan can drain your system’s resources, expose you to online scams, or steal sensitive information like credit card details via phishing, keylogging, and other harmful methods. The malware typically infiltrates systems through bundled software downloads and then creates additional files, modifies the Windows Registry, and sets up scheduled tasks to be more difficult to remove.
You must remove PDFast to protect your digital security and privacy and you can do it manually, but it’s a complicated and time-consuming process, particularly if you lack experience. For this reason, I’ve included a step-by-step guide below to walk you through the necessary steps to eliminate the threat.
PDFast Removal Guide
You may notice a program that appears genuine but raises doubts about its intentions. Trojan miners like PDFast blend in seamlessly, banking on you overlooking them amidst trusted software. Fortunately, straightforward actions can often banish them from your system entirely. More intricate techniques are also available to outsmart these elusive threats, offering you solid ways to reclaim control over your PC’s integrity.
Quick Steps to Remove PDFast
- 1.1Start by heading to your Downloads area, which you can reach by launching This PC and selecting Downloads from the list. Examine the contents closely, keeping an eye out for anything peculiar, especially files with strange titles or ones you don’t recall downloading recently. If anything seems off or untrustworthy, erase it without delay to prevent potential harm to your system.
- 1.2Then, access your computer’s Settings, go to the Apps section, and sort the list by when each was added to your device. This trick often uncovers dubious entries hiding among legitimate programs. Should PDFast appear here, hit Uninstall and proceed cautiously through the instructions to wipe it out entirely, ensuring no remnants stay behind.
- 1.3Also, take a look at other programs installed around the same questionable timeframe or those with odd, untrustworthy names that don’t ring a bell. Purging these suspect items ensures no covert risks remain, keeping your system free from hidden threats that could cause trouble later.
- 1.4After that, track down the program’s installation folder, usually found at:
*C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Programs*
though it might be tucked away in another spot on your device, depending on its setup. Check alternative locations if needed to locate it accurately. - 1.5Once you’ve pinpointed the malware’s hideout at *C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Programs* or elsewhere, obliterate it along with any lingering files inside that location. Ensure every trace is gone by double-checking the folder before moving on to the next step for confirmation.
If PDFast stays away after this, you’ve triumphed in removing it successfully. If it pops back up unexpectedly, proceed with the more detailed guidance below to tackle its persistence.
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Before You Begin: Something to Keep in Mind
Before diving in, note that manually tackling malware can seem intimidating, especially if system troubleshooting isn’t your forte or feels unfamiliar. It might also eat up time you’d rather spend elsewhere. If doing it yourself feels too complex or slow, consider a dedicated security tool to simplify things effortlessly. Still, if you prefer hands-on control over the process, stick with us as we walk you through each phase carefully and clearly.
How to Fully Get Rid of PDFast
Certain threats cling stubbornly by embedding themselves deep within your system’s structure and files. PDFast spreads bits of itself around to dodge a full sweep, making it tricky to eliminate entirely. You’ll need a clever plan to outmaneuver it and restore your system’s safety. A handful of vital tools will help you extract it entirely, leaving no trace to stir up issues later or allow a resurgence.
1. Preparing for the PDFast Removal
- 1.1
First, ensure you can see all concealed files and directories that might harbor threats. Malware often tucks key components out of sight in hidden spots to avoid detection. To unmask them, turn on the Show hidden files and folders setting in your Folder Options menu under system settings. This visibility makes it far simpler to catch sneaky malware pieces that could otherwise stay buried and active. - 1.2Next, grab the LockHunter tool from its official source to aid your efforts. Malware often locks its essential files, claiming they’re “in use” to block deletion attempts by standard means. LockHunter lifts these barriers, letting you easily dispose of persistent bits like PDFast without frustration. It’s fast to get, costs nothing, skips ads, and needs no sign-up, making it perfect for this job and highly convenient.
We understand if you don’t want to use third-party software and we generally try to keep our guides entirely “hands-on”. However, in this case, you may need this app to eliminate some malware files which is an essential part of the removal process.
But don’t worry, LockHunter won’t ask for money, doesn’t have ads, and doesn’t even require a registration. You can download and install it in about two minutes.
Remove PDFast Processes From the Task Manager
A threat might keep humming along quietly as you attempt to remove its pieces, sparking pesky errors that hinder progress. To silence PDFast, you must shut down its shady operations at their root, stopping it from meddling while you cleanse your system of its presence thoroughly and effectively.
4. How to Delete PDFast Processes in the Task Manager
- 4.1Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc together to bring up Task Manager, then head to the Processes section for a detailed overview. This shortcut provides quick access to monitor all active tasks running on your system currently.
- 4.2If Task Manager starts in a basic view with limited info, select More Details to unlock a full list of running tasks and their specifics. This expanded view reveals everything happening behind the scenes for better scrutiny.
- 4.3
Look for anything hogging excessive CPU or memory power—it might be PDFast lurking under an alias to avoid detection. Keep an eye out specifically for “PDFastApplication.exe”, a common name it might use, and flag it immediately if spotted. - 4.4Right-click any dubious entry, pick Open File Location to see where it’s stored, then hop back to Task Manager and end that process right away to stop its activity instantly and prevent interference.
- 4.5Now, wipe out every file in the location you just opened via Open File Location to ensure nothing remains. If the system blocks you, turn to LockHunter – right-click the tricky folder, choose “What’s locking this folder?”, and let LockHunter forcefully clear it out with ease and precision.
- 4.6Once the folder’s empty after using LockHunter or manual deletion, go back to Task Manager and jot down the precise names of any shady processes you’ve stopped for reference later in the cleanup process.
Delete PDFast Virus Files
Even after halting a Trojan’s activity, scraps can linger across various spots, posing a risk. Failing to scrub these remnants might let PDFast revive itself unexpectedly and cause further issues. Wiping every last piece is key to securing your system against its return and maintaining long-term stability.
3. How to Get Rid of PDFast Files
- 3.1Move to your system’s Startup directories, typically at:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
These locations control what launches when your PC boots, making them prime malware hideouts to check thoroughly. - 3.2Inspect these areas thoroughly with a keen eye for detail and caution. Trash any bizarre or doubtful files that seem out of place, but steer clear of removing normal system entries to avoid disruptions. Suspicious ones usually stand out with weird names or odd placement that don’t match typical patterns.
- 3.3Also, check out these paths where software often resides:
*C:\Program Files*
*C:\Program Files (x86)*
Legit software lives here, but malware might sneak in too, disguising itself among familiar names, so stay vigilant. - 3.4Three additional spots to explore for hidden threats include:
*C:\Users%user%\AppData\Local*
*C:\Users%user%\AppData\Roaming*
*C:\Users%user%\AppData\Local*
These user-specific folders can harbor malware traces, so examine them closely for anything unusual or unexpected. - 3.5
Lastly, purge temporary files by heading to the %TEMP% folder via the search bar or run command. Malware can hide among these transient files unnoticed. Clear out anything tied to the infection’s timeline to ensure no lingering bits remain active or problematic.
Get Rid of PDFast Scheduled Tasks
Malware can persist by scheduling itself to relaunch when your system starts, thwarting your efforts. Open Task Scheduler via the Start Menu to find these sneaky setups and eliminate them. If a task points to a sketchy file, erase it. PDFast uses this tactic, so track down and delete the connected file to stop it cold and prevent reoccurrence.
4. Eliminate PDFast Scheduled Tasks
- 4.1
Launch Task Scheduler by searching for it in the Start Menu bar and hitting enter. Scrutinize each task, flagging any set to trigger unknown or fishy files that don’t seem legitimate. If one links to something odd, delete both the task and its file on the spot to halt its execution permanently. - 4.2Double-click any suspect task and peek at its Actions tab to uncover its purpose. Pinpoint what program or command it kicks off when triggered by the system. Anything unfamiliar or dubious should set off warning bells and prompt immediate action to remove it.
- 4.3If a task activates something shady in Actions, note its file path for later deletion, then axe the task from Task Scheduler. Repeat for all questionable ones to ensure nothing slips through and keeps running covertly.
- 4.4Finally, visit the file locations tied to those rogue tasks as noted from Actions, and erase them completely. This ensures they’re useless to the malware and can’t be reactivated to cause further harm or reinfection.
Uninstall the PDFast Malware App Through the Windows Registry
To fully erase a threat, you’ll need to venture into the Windows Registry, a critical system component. This delicate step requires caution – only remove entries linked to the malware to avoid bigger issues. A wrong move could throw your system off balance unexpectedly. Nailing PDFast here ensures it’s history, but accuracy keeps everything stable as you wrap up the process cleanly.
5. Remove PDFast Through the Registry
- 5.1Enter “regedit” in the Start Menu, right-click the top result labeled Registry Editor, and choose Run as Administrator to gain full access. This elevated mode lets you modify sensitive system settings safely and effectively.
- 5.2In Registry Editor, click Edit from the top menu, then Find, and type “PDFast” or any aliases you noted from Task Manager earlier in the process. This search pinpoints its exact locations within the registry for targeted removal.
- 5.3Carefully delete any hits that match “PDFast” or its variants to purge it completely. Search again for other names from earlier suspicious processes or programs you removed, and clear those too to ensure nothing’s missed.
- 5.4Also, check and cleanse entries in these critical Registry paths to cover all bases:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\Setup
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services
And all related paths mentioned before – review them all. Remove any odd entries there for a complete purge of potential malware hooks. - 5.5In each path like HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, scan the right side for anomalies connected to PDFast or matching the infection’s dates from your earlier findings. Delete them precisely, but leave the core folders intact to avoid disrupting your system’s essential functions and stability.
