Registry Helper is a counterfeit computer registry and protection tool developed by SafeApp Software LLC. It may be a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) as it will silently install itself onto your system without your authorization. It is typically distributed in a bundle with third party applications such as the YTD Community Toolbar installation.

Registry Helper Installation page

After Registry Helper has been installed, an icon will be added to your desktop triggering ads and pop-up windows prompting you to run a scan and pay for an upgrade. All main features within Registry Helper are locked until you purchase the upgraded version. 

Registry Helper user interface

Once installed, Registry Helper runs fake computer scans and displays rogue security threats to trick users into purchasing the application. Software applications that use these misleading tactics are known as scareware. Attempting to remove these fake threats will trigger a page requesting your credit card information in order to ‘fix’ your registry errors (please see image below).

You should NEVER take any action even if you are asked to. It is highly recommended to immediately remove Registry Helper from your computer in order to prevent any possible harm.

Registry Helper ‘Activation’ page.

Registry Helper Removal Instructions for computer running Windows

Remove Registry Helper from your PC

1. Left click the Start button

2. Left click Control Panel

3. Left click Uninstall a Program under Programs

4. Select Registry Helper from the list of programs

5. Right-click, select Uninstall/Change

6. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation of Registry Helper

Removing Registry Helper from Windows registry (for advanced users ONLY)

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Del to open Windows Task Manager, and then stop all Registry Helper processes you can identify.

2. Click Start button and select “Run”. 

3. Type regedit into the box and click “OK”.

4. Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder

5. Expand the Software folder

6. Scroll down to find the Registry Helper folder.

7. Right click on the Registry Helper folder and delete it. 

Removing the remaining Registry Helper files:

1. Click on the Start menu

2. Click on Computer

3. Double click your main drive - usually Local Disk (C:)

4. Double click on Program Files 

5. Locate the Registry Helper folder and delete it 

** The steps above should only be undertaken by advanced or expert level users. Any changes made to your computer’s registry should be applied with caution as it can severely damage your hard drive.

Removing Registry Helper through your antivirus program

If you have an antivirus currently installed and running on your computer, it may be able to flag Registry Helper as malware after you run a full system scan.  If your antivirus does flag Registry Helper as malware, follow the prompts in your antivirus to completely remove it without adversely affecting your computer. 

** If you do not have an antivirus program installed, we recommend you to install Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+

•    Click here and follow the installation instructions from Ad-Aware User Guide (‘Installation and Uninstallation’ -> ‘Ad-Aware Install’ section).

•    Perform a full scan of your PC with Ad-Aware (following Ad-Aware User Guide: ‘Scanning System’ -> ‘Running a scan’ section).

To ensure maximum safety, always keep your operating system, software and antivirus program fully updated.