How to Remove SMP2.EXE Virus

SMP2.EXE just keeps popping up and you cannot remove it?

Unfortunately, SMP2.EXE has been classified as a Trojan horse. Why unfortunately? Because, along with ransomware, Trojans are the worst kind of infection out there. Ransomware-type programs manifest their presence right away, though. They encrypt files, lock your PC screen and overall make it very clear that the device is compromised. Trojan horses, on the other hand, work in silence. You might spend a good while having NO clue your computer system is infected. What is even worse than having malware on your machine? Having malware without knowing it’s there. You see, SMP2.EXE is messing with your PC settings completely behind your back. This is a typical Trojan horse. Its shenanigans start as soon as the virus gets installed. The installation itself happens without your knowledge too. As mentioned, there aren’t many signs of the parasite’s presence. However, there are some. You may notice that your computer underperforms. The machine starts freezing or crashing. Or both. In addition, you might experience The Blue Screen of Death. Even your Internet connection becomes unstable all of a sudden. A rule of thumb – such random changes in your PC are usually caused by a cyber intruder. Check out the machine if you have any doubts because you might be dealing with malware. Apart from slowing the PC speed down, SMP2.EXE alters your settings. The Trojan modifies your system registry. It might also change some important files and damage others. Several programs might not even run thanks to these modifications. Furthermore, the virus doesn’t waste time asking for permission. We’re talking about a nasty parasite developed by cyber criminals. SMP2.EXE only serves hackers’ purposes. As you could imagine, crooks aim at gaining profit. They get free access to your personal data via their infection. That means your sensitive, private data gets sent straight into the greedy hands of cyber criminals. We’re talking browsing history, search queries, usernames and passwords, email addresses, etc. The Trojan may go one step further, though. SMP2.EXE may collect personally identifiable data as well. Yes, that includes bank account information. In the worst case scenario, this results in financial scams/identity theft.

How did I get infected with?

There are many easy, effective ways to install infections. Protecting your machine from infiltration isn’t a challenging task, though. All you have to do is take your time and be cautious. Remember that the Web is infested with potential intruders. Crooks are also filled with ideas. They are actually very creative people when it comes to spreading malware. It is entirely up to you whether your PC system will fall victim to a virus or not. The most commonly used tactic involves spam messages and spam emails. Hackers often attach all sorts of infections to seemingly harmless emails. You end up compromising your own machine by being careless. Next time you receive something unreliable in your inbox, delete it. Keep in mind that Trojans might pretend to be software updates too. Watch out for intruders and save yourself the trouble. Stay away from illegitimate torrents, websites and random program bundles. When installing such bundled software, always opt for the Advanced or Custom option. Check out the programs you’re about to give green light to. Last but not least, clicking third-party ads might be posing a threat to your security as well.

Why is this dangerous?

SMP2.EXE has nothing but trouble in store for you. The Trojan modifies your default, preferred PC settings. It might also alter your browser settings. As a result, SMP2.EXE could bring along various sponsored commercials, corrupted ads and unwanted pop-ups. Avoid all of them unless you’re actively trying to worsen your situation. SMP2.EXE might also be responsible for the fact your browsers redirect you. One more thing – Trojans are known to be serving as back doors to other infections. More often than not, Trojans help vicious ransomware programs slither themselves on board. Keeping this parasite on your machine exposes you to serious threats. Why keep a parasite of any kind anyway? Why tolerate its secretive manipulations? SMP2.EXE messes with your PC settings and jeopardizes your privacy. It might even grant hackers remote control over your very own computer. Does that sound like a risk worth taking? It is not. To delete the Trojan manually, please follow our detailed removal guide down below.

Manual SMP2.EXE Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Windows 8 Removal

STEP 2: Windows 7/XP/Vista Removal

STEP 1: Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 8

• Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
• Move the mouse to the upper right corner until the windows 8 charm menu appears
  
• Click on the magnifying glass

• select Settings
• in the search box type Advanced
• On the left the following should appear

• Click on Advanced Startup Options
• Scroll down a little bit and click on Restart Now

• Click on Troubleshoot

• Then Advanced options

• Then Startup settings

• Then Restart

• When you see this screen press F5 – Enable Safe Mode with Networking

 

STEP 2: Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 7/XP/Vista

• Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
• Restart the computer
  
• When you see a table, start tapping the F8 key every second until you enter the Advanced Boot Options

• in the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

STEP 3: Locate the startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”

 

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: backgroundcontainer

 

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

%LocalAppData%\uqgtmedia

where %LocalAppData% refers to:

C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local

• delete the whole folder

Double check with any antimalware program for any leftovers. Keep your software up-to date.