Recover from application side-effects

Cleanup can remove unwanted applications, but it can't always reverse the side-effects.

Some applications modify the operating system, e.g. by changing your internet connection settings. Sophos Endpoint Security and Controlcannot always restore all settings. For example, if an application changed the browser home page, Sophos Endpoint Security and Control cannot know what the previous home page setting was.

Some applications install utilities, such as .dll or .ocx files, on your computer. If a utility is harmless (that is, does not possess the qualities of a potentially unwanted application), e.g. a language library, and is not integral to the application, Sophos Endpoint Security and Control may not detect it as part of the application. In this case, cleanup won't remove the file from your computer.

Sometimes an application, such as adware, is part of a program that you intentionally installed, and needs to be there for the program to run. If you remove the application, the program may stop running on your computer.

You should:

  • On the Help menu, click View Security Information. This connects you to the Sophos website, where you can read the application analysis.
  • Use backups to restore your system settings or programs you want to use. If you did not have backup copies before, create them now in case of future incidents.

For more information or advice on recovering from an adware and PUA's side-effects, contact Sophos technical support.