Detection Details

PUP.Optional.PDFFlex

ThreatDown is now the name of the Malwarebytes line of business products. References to Malwarebytes below reflect the amazing technology used to first identify the threat.

Short bio

PUP.Optional.PDFFlex is Malwarebytes’ detection name for a potentially unwanted program (PUP) which is advertized as a free online file converter.

Type of infection

Users reported finding the local files on their computer after using the online converter.

Malicious behavior

Users may spot a new folder at %LOCALAPPDATA%PDFFlex

Protection

Malwarebytes protects users by detecting and removing the %LOCALAPPDATA%PDFFlex folder.

Home remediation

Malwarebytes can detect and remove PUP.Optional.PDFFlex without further user interaction.

  • PleaseĀ download MalwarebytesĀ to your desktop.
  • Double-clickĀ MBSetup.exeĀ and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • When yourĀ Malwarebytes for WindowsĀ installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen.
  • Click on theĀ Get startedĀ button.
  • ClickĀ ScanĀ to start aĀ Threat Scan.
  • ClickĀ QuarantineĀ to remove the found threats.
  • Reboot the system if prompted to complete the removal process.

Add an exclusion

Should users wish to keep this program and exclude it from being detected in future scans, they can add the program to the exclusions list. Hereā€™s how to do it.

  • Open Malwarebytes for Windows.
  • Click theĀ Detection History
  • Click theĀ Allow List
  • To add an item to theĀ Allow List, clickĀ Add.
  • Select the exclusion typeĀ Allow a file or folderĀ and use theĀ Select a folderĀ button to select the main folder for the software that you wish to keep.
  • Repeat this for any secondary files or folder(s) that belong to the software.