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Kudos0

Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 13-Nov-2023 | 10:34AM · 17 Replies ·

PCAppStore folder, with files therein, has installed itself on my Acer laptop. I use OS MS Edge. I use Norton 360 Platinum Plus 1 and Norton Utilities. All are updated automatically, and system scanned regularly. I have located where this folder is on my laptop. But I want a Norton expert to delete the files. Oddly Norton doesn't seem to be aware of this application. Normal uninstall processes do not work because this application is not shown in installed files list. Can anybody suggest a safe uninstall process?

Labels: Application Blocking, Microsoft Edge, Potentially Unwanted App, Uninstall

Replies

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 13-Nov-2023 | 10:49AM · Permalink

The Company is: Fast Corporate LTD.

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 13-Nov-2023 | 11:31AM · Edited: 13-Nov-2023 | 11:43AM · Permalink

Jrogers:
PCAppStore folder, with files therein, has installed itself on my Acer laptop. [...]

Please review: PC App Store thread
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/pc-app-store-0

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 13-Nov-2023 | 11:40AM · Edited: 13-Nov-2023 | 11:41AM · Permalink

Jrogers:

The Company is: Fast Corporate LTD.

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 13-Nov-2023 | 12:06PM · Permalink

@Jrogers Download, install and run a FULL scan with Malwarebytes. It should quarantine what it finds and instruct you to reboot for removal. Please post your progress so we may follow-up.

For Windows: https://www.malwarebytes.com/

SA

MS Certified Professional : Windows 11 Home/Pro 23H2 x 64 build 22631.2792 / Windows 10 Pro x 64 version 22H2 / build 19045.3758 / Norton Security Ultra - Norton 360 Deluxe ver. 22.23.10.10 / Opera GX LVL5 (core: 104.0.4944.70) 64 bit-Early Access w/Norton Chrome Extensions / Android 14 One UI 6.1
Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 14-Nov-2023 | 2:36AM · Permalink

After many frustrating hours trying to get Norton to delete PCAppStore adware, turns out I need to buy some other service from Norton and then they'll uninstall. Very disappointing. I've used Norton for many years and always been looked after. This experience has shaken my faith in Norton. And I still have this adware on my laptop. 

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 14-Nov-2023 | 4:50AM · Edited: 14-Nov-2023 | 4:53AM · Permalink

Did you run the full system scan with Malwarebytes as suggested? No antiviral company can control where you surf nor what you download. Most times malware gets onto a computer via legit sites where, the site owners are not even aware of the redirects to download unwanted software. Browser settings and system permissions also play a role in what is allowed to download without prompt to the user. Free software, also comes packed with other installers that will download at a later time with the same permissions the original download was given. Just some examples of where and how things arrive on computers without us knowing beforehand.

SA

MS Certified Professional : Windows 11 Home/Pro 23H2 x 64 build 22631.2792 / Windows 10 Pro x 64 version 22H2 / build 19045.3758 / Norton Security Ultra - Norton 360 Deluxe ver. 22.23.10.10 / Opera GX LVL5 (core: 104.0.4944.70) 64 bit-Early Access w/Norton Chrome Extensions / Android 14 One UI 6.1
Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 14-Nov-2023 | 5:19AM · Permalink

Jrogers:

After many frustrating hours trying to get Norton to delete PCAppStore adware, turns out I need to buy some other service from Norton and then they'll uninstall. Very disappointing. I've used Norton for many years and always been looked after. This experience has shaken my faith in Norton. And I still have this adware on my laptop. 

Mlawarebytes offers free second opinion on-demand scanner. 
Malwarebytes Malware Removal Help offers free one-on-one help.
Malwarebytes staff & experts help all.  Malwarebytes subscription is not needed. 

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 2:06AM · Permalink

Nov1723: Thanks for this SA. However I wanted to stay with trustworthy Norton processes. I finally was able to delete PCAppStore folder and the many sub-folders and files manually. How? Microsoft Support reset my laptop. Unfortunately this reset also removed many of my useful apps, including Norton. So I'm now reinstalling those useful apps. Norton was a disappointment. And my solution is very clumsy, but.

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 4:50AM · Edited: 17-Nov-2023 | 5:25AM · Permalink

Jrogers:

Nov1723: Thanks for this SA. However I wanted to stay with trustworthy Norton processes. I finally was able to delete PCAppStore folder and the many sub-folders and files manually. How? Microsoft Support reset my laptop. Unfortunately this reset also removed many of my useful apps, including Norton. So I'm now reinstalling those useful apps. Norton was a disappointment. And my solution is very clumsy, but.

Respectfully, may I ask:  Did you review:  PC App Store thread.  
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/pc-app-store-0 

fwiw ~
I follow MalwareTips Forums.
I feel strongly that MalwareTips DIY Guide or MalwareTips one-on-one guided help would have sorted your machine.  

I follow Malwarebytes Forums.
I feel strongly that Malwarebytes staff & experts would have sorted your machine.  

Regards w Respect

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 5:06AM · Edited: 17-Nov-2023 | 6:04AM · Permalink

Jrogers:

The Company is: Fast Corporate LTD.

btw ~ the Fast Corporation LTD examples that were posted: 
 

30 security vendors flagged this file as malicious
072031d351392605259dbf7d724bcc0715cd3def10c3357b126f195fe849cb73
Setup.exe

Malwarebytes  Neshta.Virus.FileInfector.DDS

https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/072031d351392605259dbf7d724bcc0715cd3def10c3357b126f195fe849cb73

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/detections/neshta-virus-fileinfector-dds

45 security vendors flagged this file as malicious
d279aaad3cc16e9f5db38aafaf5248d671898d9dcd8e5e2274521b99eaca468f
PCAppStore.exe

https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/d279aaad3cc16e9f5db38aafaf5248d671898d9dcd8e5e2274521b99eaca468f

btw ~ Norton Safe Web
https://safeweb.norton.com/report/show?url=https://pcapp.store = Caution => Potentially Unwanted Software

btw ~ Malwarebytes Browser Guard

fwiw ~ as MalwareTips DIY Guide informs [here] and as @SoulAsylum shared. 

PC App Store is installed by the users, whether that is knowingly or not. Often, this type of program is offered through advertisements, cracks for games, or bundled with other software, leaving the user puzzled about where this software came from.
Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed PC App Store without your knowledge.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 6:10AM · Permalink

Edit:

45 security vendors flagged this file as malicious
d279aaad3cc16e9f5db38aafaf5248d671898d9dcd8e5e2274521b99eaca468f
PCAppStore.exe

Malwarebytes  PUP.Optional.VeryFast

https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/d279aaad3cc16e9f5db38aafaf5248d671898d9dcd8e5e2274521b99eaca468f

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/detections/pup-optional-veryfast

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 7:01AM · Edited: 17-Nov-2023 | 7:11AM · Permalink

as test:  pcappstore.com - Download Free

https://pcapp.store/tos.html
https://pcapp.store/privacy.html
https://pcappstore.com/?p=lpd_appstore-faq

30 security vendors flagged this file as malicious
072031d351392605259dbf7d724bcc0715cd3def10c3357b126f195fe849cb73
Setup.exe

Malwarebytes  Neshta.Virus.FileInfector.DDS

https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/072031d351392605259dbf7d724bcc0715cd3def10c3357b126f195fe849cb73(link is external)

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/detections/neshta-virus-fileinfector-dds

Malwarebytes Premium 5 objected

Malwarebytes Browser Guard objected
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Norton Safe Web noted Caution
__________________________________________________________________

Caveat:
@Jrogers PC App Store is likely not my as test:  PC App Store 
bottom line:
Malwarebytes Premium & Malwarebytes Browser Guard offered objections. 
Malwarebytes Adopts Aggressive PUP Policy
https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2013/07/malwarebytes-adopts-aggressive-pup-policy

Norton Safe Web noted Caution 
Norton 360 was silent. 
as always, your mileage may vary

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 7:40AM · Edited: 17-Nov-2023 | 7:52AM · Permalink

follow up:  and now 
Norton objects to Uninstaller.exe

Filename: Uninstaller.exe
Threat name: PUA.Gen.2 Full Path: C:\Users\user\PCAppStore\Uninstaller.exe

On computers as of 
11/17/2023 at 10:25:29 AM

Last Used 
11/17/2023 at 10:27:29 AM

Threat type: Security Risk. Programs that pose a security or privacy risk and are not already classified as malicious.

Uninstaller.exe Threat name: PUA.Gen.2

Few Users
Hundreds of users in the Norton Community have used this file.

Mature
This file was released 1 month  ago.

Low
This file risk is low.

Source: External Media

Source File:  Uninstaller.exe

Infected file: C:\Users\bjm\PCAppStore\Uninstaller.exe No fix attempted

File Thumbprint - SHA:
4aaaa24936a5901cefc8d1cc6c5afa628ae2aed6074c0af2340f3e5cadaa61bc
File Thumbprint - MD5:
fed5374718ce94c68031ec7a0be4d874

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 8:01AM · Edited: 17-Nov-2023 | 8:04AM · Permalink

Norton does not object to:

Filename: AutoUpdater.exe
Full Path: C:\Users\user\PCAppStore\AutoUpdater.exe

Developers 
Fast Corporate LTD

Version 
1.0.0.1067

Identified 
11/17/2023

Very Few Users
Fewer than 5 users in the Norton Community have used this file.

Very New
This file was released less than 1 week  ago.

Good
Norton has given this file a favorable rating.

File Thumbprint - SHA:
7529a4fb0e0dc2d9d0d1f3377e55caba06350e7fb33a9ab6dacc222eaf7f6217
File Thumbprint - MD5:
13056d97ee4078d09727f0e4e0311099

Filename: PCAppStore.exe
Full Path: C:\Users\user\PCAppStore\PCAppStore.exe

Developers 
Fast Corporate LTD

Version 
1.0.0.1067

Identified 
11/17/2023

Very Few Users
Fewer than 5 users in the Norton Community have used this file.

Very New
This file was released less than 1 week  ago.

Good
Norton has given this file a favorable rating.

File Thumbprint - SHA:
3b4e26eba1294f12990b67daa15a2618528fc76d62321ef1b3b8a6d6090df46f
File Thumbprint - MD5:
afabb61d90cc290b94fc1132f7ff8039

Caveat: I've no experience with Fast Corporate LTD products.
as always, your mileage may vary

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 8:34AM · Edited: 17-Nov-2023 | 8:42AM · Permalink

further as test: 
restore/exclude Uninstaller.exe from Quarantine => ran Uninstaller.exe
PC App Store uninstalled from Start Menu

Norton objected to uninstall Setup trying to call home.


as test: changed Block to Allow and ran Uninstaller.exe again.


Note: NPE Full System Scan = No Threats Found 
Note: AppData\Local\ files remained.


Note: Typical (Recommended) install is AppData\Local\

Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 17-Nov-2023 | 10:17AM · Permalink

FWIW!! Having MS do a system reset was a "last resort" solution from where I sit. Taking the least destructive and risk. Having Malwarebytes remove this PUP, would have been a better road to have taken. MBAM is a trusted source alongside Norton, well established here on the community forums. It removes malware that Norton doesn't focus on due to Norton, primarily focusing on protection of the OS. 

SA

MS Certified Professional : Windows 11 Home/Pro 23H2 x 64 build 22631.2792 / Windows 10 Pro x 64 version 22H2 / build 19045.3758 / Norton Security Ultra - Norton 360 Deluxe ver. 22.23.10.10 / Opera GX LVL5 (core: 104.0.4944.70) 64 bit-Early Access w/Norton Chrome Extensions / Android 14 One UI 6.1
Kudos0

Re: Uninstall PCAppStore folder and files

Posted: 19-Nov-2023 | 7:15AM · Edited: 19-Nov-2023 | 7:30AM · Permalink

further as test:  Windows Security


https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/malware-encyclopedia-description?name=PUAAdvertising%3AWin32%2FPCAppStore&threatid=368759

File: Setup.exe
File size: 120 KB (123,048 bytes)
MD5 checksum: F3FB1C9541940C2E5A37A41CD4DC82A9
SHA256 checksum: 36041F1BA60AB29B769921AD6C1F02EB4F836D94AD5F155230132AE2E7856B10
Date/Time: 11/19/2023 

15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious
36041f1ba60ab29b769921ad6c1f02eb4f836d94ad5f155230132ae2e7856b10
Setup.exe

https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/36041f1ba60ab29b769921ad6c1f02eb4f836d94ad5f155230132ae2e7856b10