What is ScanGuard?

ScanGuard is bogus security application, that uses unethical methods for distribution and monetization. It is not considered virus, but potentially unwanted application. It looks like modern security program, but does not provide trial version and shows security alerts, demanding payment for removal. In addition to that it installs search.scanguard.com (or ScanGuard Smart Search) as default search engine and homepage in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. This search engine is affiliated with InfoSpace.com search network. This page contains tutorial to remove ScanGuard from Windows 10, 8, 7, XP.

How ScanGuard gets on your PC?

ScanGuard presents itself as legitimate optimization tool or security application – program has modern interface and it seems to perform good. But, due to the fact that ScanGuard installs without user consent it is considered “badware” or “potentially unwanted program”. Antivirus software normally cannot detect and remove such applications. In this cases, it is recommended to use anti-malware software like Norton or SpyHunter Anti-Malware.

How to remove ScanGuard from your computer?

To uninstall ScanGuard remove it from Control Panel, then delete all files and regkeys.

In our view, there are 3 products that potentially have ScanGuard in their database. You can try to use them for removing ScanGuard.

Recommended Solution:

Norton Antispyware – fully removes all instances of viruses, similar to ScanGuard – files, folders, registry keys.

 

Download SpyHunter

Alternative Solution:

Norton Antivirus – detects files, registry values and folders of viruses that show the same behavior as ScanGuard.

 

Download Norton
 

You can try both of these products to remove ScanGuard

Or uninstall ScanGuard manually.

Step 1: Remove ScanGuard from Control Panel

Windows XP:

1. Click Start.
2. Control Panel.
3. Then click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Find ScanGuard.
5. Click Uninstall.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows XP.

Windows 7/Windows Vista:

1. Click Start.
2. Then Control Panel.
3. Click Uninstall a Program.
4. Find ScanGuard and click Uninstall.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows 7.

Windows 8/Windows 8.1:

1. Open the Menu.
2. Click Search.
3. After that click Apps.
4. Then Control Panel.
5. Then as in Windows 7, click Uninstall a Program under Programs.
6. Find ScanGuard, select it and click Uninstall.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows 8 (8.1).

Windows 10:

1. Click on the Start button (or press the Windows key) to open the Start menu, click on the Settings at the top.
2. Click on App & features on the left menu.
3. On the right side, locate ScanGuard and click it, then click on the Uninstall button.
4. Click on Uninstall to confirm.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows 10

Note: If you can’t find required program, sort programs by date in Control panel and search for last installed programs.

Step 2: Remove following files and folders of ScanGuard:

Remove following registry entries:

HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\SecurityService
HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\ScanGuard
HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\TRACING\ScanGuard_RASAPI32
HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\TRACING\ScanGuard_RASMANCS


Remove following files:


SharedDesktop.dll
Engine.Win.dll
Utilizr.dll
Utilzr.WPF.dll
LinqBridge.dll
Utilizr.VPN.Win.dll
SSCore.dll
Utilizr.VPN.dll
Utilizr.OpenVPN.dll
DotNetZip.dll
AviraLib.dll
Ionic.Zip.dll


Remove following folders

C:\Program Files\ScanGuard
C:\Program Files (x86)\ScanGuard\

After that remove ScanGuard from your browser.

Reset browser settings to remove Search.scanguard.com

Reset browser setting in Google Chrome:

1. Click the Chrome menu (3 bar button) in the top right corner.
2. Choose Settings.
3. Click Show advanced settings.
4. Go to Reset browser settings section.
5. Click Reset browser settings.
6. In the dialog that appears, click Reset.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Google Chrome.

Reset browser setting in Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Go to Help.
3. Go to Troubleshooting information.
4. Click Reset Firefox… button.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Mozilla Firefox.

Reset browser setting in Internet Explorer:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the cogwheel in the right upper corner.
3. Click Internet options.
4. Got to Advanced tab.
5. Click Reset button.
6. Put a tick near Delete personal settings checkbox.
7. Click Reset button.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Internet Explorer.