Member Avatar for deonnanicole

My brother asked me, and I had no idea, so I thought I would ask you guys and see if you could tell me....what is a "pup?" He said he got a message from his antivirus saying a pup had been detected and could not be deleted. If this is a stupid question, I'm sorry. ;) Trying to learn a little as I go. :)

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Asking for the exact detection name and file path is the essential next step. As pointed out, the McAfee product keeps a record of detections; that entry is what lets a responder distinguish a harmless bundled app from something that really needs removal. ’s comment about the category is useful context — many of these items are adware/toolbars or bundled utilities rather than outright viruses — but the log entry gives the facts needed.

A practical checklist (what to look for in the McAfee record and how to proceed):

  • Locate the McAfee console (system tray) and open the product UI; look for History/Logs, Quarantine or Security History and open the most recent detection entry to capture the detection name, file path and action attempted. If the UI offers an Export or Save Logs option, produce that report for reference.
  • If McAfee could not delete the file because it was in use, reboot into Safe Mode (or use a rescue environment) and run the antivirus scan again so the file can be removed.
  • For persistent PUPs/adware, run a second-opinion scanner (example: an up-to-date adware/PUP remover) and uninstall any associated program via Programs and Features; also check browser extensions and reset browser settings if toolbars/homepages changed.
  • If the detection is unclear, keep the item quarantined and verify the file (location, digital signature and hash) before restoring. A file hash can be checked against online multi-scanner services to detect false positives.

Take routine precautions: update signatures first, make a system backup or create a restore point before manual edits, avoid deleting unknown system DLLs, and prefer quarantine over deletion until identification is complete. If logs still lack detail, the McAfee support/exported log will usually include the exact detection name and path needed for targeted removal.

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Member Avatar for jaishankar

My brother asked me, and I had no idea, so I thought I would ask you guys and see if you could tell me....what is a "pup?" He said he got a message from his antivirus saying a pup had been detected and could not be deleted. If this is a stupid question, I'm sorry. ;) Trying to learn a little as I go. :)

PUP is a Potentially Unwanted Program. Well u could delete it or leave it if u think u have installed it. If its not getting deleted than u could quarentine it

Member Avatar for DMR

If you can tell us the exact name of the PUP, we can tell you what it is/does, and whether or not it should be removed.

Member Avatar for deonnanicole

I asked him what the alert said the name of it was, and he said he did not remember it showing a name, just that it had been detected and could not be deleted. He uses McAffee for his antivirus. Is there any way I can find out the name through the security center for his antivirus?

Member Avatar for DMR

There should be a record of the PUP's detection in McAfee's Activity Log. Exactly how you get to the log varies between different versions of McAfee, but it shouldn't be hard to find.

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