How to remove ClickPotato
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 7:17 amHome » Adware » ClickPotato
ClickPotato description
ClickPotato is an annoying adware targeting cinema lovers. Click Potato spreads via deceptive ads that offer watching the latest movies online.
ClickPotato lurks on fraudulent websites that offer pirated movies. If a visitor wants to watch a movie, he is required to download a “video codec”. The video codec is actually the ClickPotato malware. It is dedicated to deliver unwanted advertisements. Some of them may lead to malicious or fraudulent websites. Even when the “codec” is installed, victims of this fraud still can’t watch any movie without the annoying advertisements. ClickPotato may also install a screensaver and it may change your home page.
How to manually remove ClickPotato
To remove ClickPotato spyware you must block ClickPotato sites, stop and remove processes, unregister DLL files, search and delete all other ClickPotato files and registry utility. Follow the ClickPotato detection and removal instructions below.
The most typical software removal method is to remove ClickPotato by using "Add or Remove Programs" service. However there may be hidden ClickPotato files, running processes and registries in your computer, so ClickPotato may recreate all other files after reboot.
ClickPotato manual removal instructions
Stop and remove ClickPotato processes:
ClickPotatoLiteSA.exe
ClickPotatoLiteUninstaller.exe
Read more how to kill ClickPotato processes
Locate and delete ClickPotato registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\"ClickPotatoLite@ClickPotatoLite.com" = "%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\firefox\extensions"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppID\MenuButtonIE.DLL
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppID\{11C27351-716B-4052-9361-E3B0A3F8221C}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{1602F07D-8BF3-4c08-BDD6-DDDB1C48AEDC}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{7A3D6D17-9DD5-4C60-8076-D1784DABAF8C}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{AC6D819E-AA8F-4418-A3BB-D165C1B18BB5}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{30B15818-E110-4527-9C05-46ACE5A3460D}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{419EDA30-6DFF-432C-B534-E15D899ABEE4}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{618AAD04-921F-44C2-BE38-C0818AF69861}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{B5D2ED96-62F9-4C2C-956D-E425B1F67337}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{D3A412E8-1E4B-47D2-9B12-F88291F5AFBB}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{814BAA91-DC22-4350-87D6-0C86E93F7F08}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{C55CA95C-324B-451C-B2D2-6E895AA75FEC}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ClickPotatoLiteAx.Info
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ClickPotatoLiteAx.Info.1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ClickPotatoLiteAX.UserProfiles
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ClickPotatoLiteAX.UserProfiles.1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MenuButtonIE.ButtonIE
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MenuButtonIE.ButtonIE.1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions\{B58926D6-CFB0-45d2-9C28-4B5A0F0368AE}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\{A078F691-9C07-4AF2-BF43-35E79EECF8B7}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{1602F07D-8BF3-4c08-BDD6-DDDB1C48AEDC}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{69725738-CD68-4f36-8D02-8C43722EE5DA}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{AC6D819E-AA8F-4418-A3BB-D165C1B18BB5}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{B58926D6-CFB0-45D2-9C28-4B5A0F0368AE}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ClickPotatoLiteSA
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClickPotatoLite
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\clickpotatolitesa
Read more how to delete ClickPotato registry entries
Download RegistryBooster 2010 to scan errors caused by ClickPotato
Search and unregister ClickPotato DLL libraries:
npclntax_ClickPotatoLiteSA.dll
ClickPotatoLiteSAAX.dll
ClickPotatoLiteSABHO.dll
ClickPotatoLiteSAHook.dll
Read more how to unregister ClickPotato DLL files
Detect and delete other ClickPotato files:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ClickPotatoLiteSA\ClickPotatoLiteSA.dat
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ClickPotatoLiteSA\ClickPotatoLiteSAAbout.mht
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ClickPotatoLiteSA\ClickPotatoLiteSAau_update.dat
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ClickPotatoLiteSA\ClickPotatoLiteSAEULA.mht
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ClickPotatoLiteSA\ClickPotatoLiteSA_kyf_update.dat
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ClickPotato\About Us.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ClickPotato\ClickPotato Customer Support.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ClickPotato\ClickPotato Uninstall Instructions.lnk
%ProgramFiles%\Mozilla Firefox\plugins\npclntax_ClickPotatoLiteSA.dll
%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\ClickPotatoLiteSA.exe
%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\ClickPotatoLiteSAAX.dll
%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\ClickPotatoLiteSABHO.dll
%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\ClickPotatoLiteSAHook.dll
%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\ClickPotatoLiteUninstaller.exe
%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\firefox\extensions\install.rdf
%ProgramFiles%\ClickPotatoLite\bin\[VERSION NUMBER]\firefox\extensions\plugins\npclntax_ClickPotatoLiteSA.dll
We strongly recommend you to use spyware remover to track ClickPotato and automaticaly remove ClickPotato processes, registries and files as well as other spyware threats.



September 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 am
i deleted clickpotato from my control panel is it definitely gone from my hard drive as well
October 3rd, 2010 at 8:06 am
I was able to use control panel to uninstall as well. Plus, while I had click potato running, my volume control from my keyboard was not working properly. I’m not sure Spyware Doctor actually removes malware for free.
Luciana Reply:
October 3rd, 2010 at 9:10 am
You can only uninstall legitimate programs using “Add/remove programs” on the Control Panel. ClickPotato is not a legitimate program, it’s a computer infection. That is why that option does not work.
Samedi Reply:
May 11th, 2011 at 7:18 am
Well, none of the above files are found after i uninstalled the program.
October 3rd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Add/Remove
Gets rid of it
Not a bad idea to use a good registry cleaner
Just to be safe
Had never heard of it
I found it on a friends laptop I was reworking
October 7th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Why would you people be so stupid as to download an EXECUTABLE file in order to watch a “free” movie? Why do you think they lured you to do this? Because they love you?
Derek Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 7:45 am
because they’re stupid. why else?
Ren Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 7:30 pm
I was trying to download a codec for XviD. Real player told me I needed a video codec and redirected me to XviD.com where I had unfortunately downloaded the file. Turns out the real website was XviD.org. Real should really change that.
Tom Reply:
November 21st, 2010 at 8:06 am
Same thing here, i was downloading an xvid codec also when clickpotato got me
CJ Reply:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Yes – this is exactly what happened with me. I trusted it because I was directed there by RealPlayer. It did download the codec I needed, but I noticed it was installing ClickPotato and immediately did a search to see what it was. It was only on my computer for about 10 minutes, and the Control Panel uninstall worked – I can’t find any residual ClickPotato files as described above.
redthbka Reply:
November 12th, 2010 at 5:50 am
Aw, come on.. When I downloaded it of course I didn’t think that way..
I was REALLY desperate to watch a particular TV series and I didn’t think
there’d be a virus.. We’re not stupid, just ignorant.
Tommy C Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 10:17 am
It now comes as a package with VLC. You cannot choose not to download it. consequently i chose to find an easy way of ridding myself it. Stupidity is not the only reason for ending up with this affliction
Luciana Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 9:16 am
Make sure you download software from its official website or legitimate distributor.
October 10th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
WTF!!! everytime i try to uninstall click potato it says “no service was selected for removal”
what do i do?!
Luciana Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:13 am
This happens because ClickPotato is not a real program, it’s malware. It’s can not be uninstall like a regular program because it is not one of regular applications. Run an antispyware scan to make sure ClickPotato is removed.
October 11th, 2010 at 3:54 am
it didnt look like a virus to me and i deleted it usin add-remove and had no more problems
October 11th, 2010 at 6:15 am
Beware gorillafights.com! This how clcik potato would up on my computer. I happened to notice the click potato icon in my task bar, and once I did a little research to find out what it was, I immediately removed it from my program list via add/remove programs in windows XP. Next, I ran a windows spyware removal program to ensure all was well.
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
uhhg thank you guys so much…
October 25th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
It’s not in my registry, but it’s still installed, what to do?
Luciana Reply:
October 26th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Run anti-spyware scan, preferably in a safe mode.
October 28th, 2010 at 6:14 am
I quit before the thing could be fully isntalled, I’ve just removed it using add or remove programs and it seems to have gone. Is there anything else I can do to be sure it’s gone? Thanks.
November 6th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
A little more difficult but more efficient than getting more software to get rid of other software, go into the “my computer” menu and click on the drive labeled “C:”. A bunch of files will pop up labeled in alphabetical order. Find the folder that says “Program files” or if on a windows 7 “Program files x86″ and in there, you should find a folder called “Click Potato Lite” this is the source of your problem. First, make sure your other accounts are logged off, then press “Ctrl”, “Alt” and “Del” or “Delete” and this should open the task manager. Click on the tab on the top that says, “Processes” and find in the little menu below the tabs for something like “Clickpotatolite.exe” or something along those lines. Once the letters are in blue, click the “End Process” button. X out and go back to where the “Click Potato Lite” folder is and you can now delete it. There, problem solved.
chavi Reply:
November 13th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much… i wasnt allowed to download any program cause it could be a virus, so this was perfect for me
annie Reply:
November 20th, 2010 at 12:22 am
cheers , helped me too!
peter Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:41 am
Thanks process wasn’t running so deleted the folder and it seemed to work
PG
jared Reply:
November 27th, 2010 at 1:14 am
I cant find it in my program files nor the registry nor in processes, yet microsoft security essentials keeps detecting it cleans it and a few days later detects again
LSG Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Well, I tried that but couldn’t find “clickpotatolite.exe” in task manager. “Click potato lite” folder is in the C drive but I can’t find it in task manager. Does that mean that all I have to do is delete the folder?
Luciana Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Yes, delete the folder
janet Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 8:11 am
thank you for this help
Bob Reply:
December 26th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
It says I need permission to delete the file…? I already ended the process in the task manager
Jon Reply:
December 29th, 2010 at 2:28 am
i had the same problem as you you^^^^^^^^^
if you go further into the folder “Click Potato Lite” until you see a group of files. 2 files will have the same icon Click Potato icon. click the one that says uninstall. it will close open folder windows and uninstall. restart and that’s it.
Jenn Reply:
January 5th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Very helpful instructions. Thanks a million!
Maddi Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Fixed! Thanks so much for instructions us non IT literates can follow. Every step, just how you said, sorted it. Very pleased. Thanks Liam!
Amanda Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT WORKS!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Chris Reply:
April 6th, 2011 at 3:15 am
This seems to have worked, knock on wood! The last thing I need is adware on my only working laptop, especially during writing season!
Amanda Reply:
April 6th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
It still won’t work, I went furthur into the file and clicked on the uninstall one like you said and it said a unknown program wants to access your computer and it says allow or cancel so I clicked allow and it still said I don’t have permission…why won’t it work for me
sj Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
thanks alot wowww worked for me
norma picard Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 5:56 pm
thank you so much i was getting ready to restore my laptop. click potatoe cuz me nothing but problems. i also know how to delete other problems that i didn’t know how to before thank you again.
November 23rd, 2010 at 11:25 am
thank u worked perfectly
November 23rd, 2010 at 1:00 pm
My computer won’t let me delete this file…it denies me access to the recycle bin! Any suggestions?
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:45 pm
process wasnt running, tried to delete clickpotatolite folder and it said “need permission to delete” and wont delete…
November 23rd, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I tried following the process but it now tells me I don’t have permission. I am the only user. What do I do know?
Luciana Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:57 am
Use the account which has administrator rights.
November 25th, 2010 at 6:09 am
Use Shift + Del to delete it, it permits you to get rid of it without passing by the trash can.
Poof, magic
November 25th, 2010 at 7:21 am
I got lucky – Add/Remove worked for me in Win 7.
If all else fails, try rebooting in Safe Mode (XP) or Safe Mode Command prompt (Win 7). In the command window type MRT to run Malware Removal Tool from Microsoft. Free downloadable or just turn on Auromatic updates. It will run for hours, and while the reporting feature isn’t too good, it is a great computer cleaner. My computer ran noticably faster after I ran it.
To re-boot in safe mode, reboot and as soon as the first boot screen is displayed (white letters on black background) press F8 every second until the boot menu is displayed. Arrow key to select mode and press enter. Good luck.
November 25th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
I join the ignorant, not stupid, who downloaded clickpotato as they were
The only ones who supposedly had a PBS show I have been looking for for several years. All I got was pop-ups and no promised PBS show. Tried add/remove, no luck. Did Liam’s method- seems to have worked like a charm. Thanks, Liam!
November 26th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Post note-restarted my computer. Clickpotato is gone on the task bar, program files in c drive list but still is on my “all programs” list off the start menu. Does that mean it’s still in there? Just paranoid!!
November 27th, 2010 at 1:22 am
microsoft security essentials detected this clickpotato and gave me a 1 click solution i just had to click clean computer and it deleted it for me
beenthere Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 11:46 am
you might want to make sure that it is actually gone. some viruses seem to be deleted by antivirus software, but keep coming back when the computer is restarted because the virus modifies the registry to redownload/install the virus.
December 4th, 2010 at 3:19 am
I have also been very stupid and downloaded Clickpotato. I appear to have deleted the files from the computer but will keep an eye to make sure the virus doesn’t keep re-appear. However I more concerned about the information Click Potato could have taken whilst it was installed – can anyone advise if I am at risk from personal details/password etc been taken or does Clickpotato operate by directing you to 3rd party websites? I first noticed Clickpotato when I logged into my online banking website and a pop-up window appeared trying to direct me to a fake Natwest credit score website. For peace of mind I have changed my passwords, but need to understand if I should be changing passwords for my other bank accounts/emails etc.
January 5th, 2011 at 9:30 am
I removed it from my Add/Remove Programs but it is still in my C: . I tried deleting but it says access denied. Man this ClickPotato is making my life hard.
January 6th, 2011 at 6:48 am
I have also downloaded it one hour ago, but I found out quickly that it was harmfull, so I did what liam and Jon said. I deleted the process at the task manager, but then I still couldn’t delete the folder, so I did what Jon said and went into the “click potato lite” folder and uninstalled it. Now the folder is gone from program files. I haven’t had any advertisements, or changes to my homepage or screensaver yet, but maybe that’s because it needs time. How long does it take before the trouble starts? And did I get rid of it this way?
January 9th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
I went under My Computer, then at the top it says Uninstall/Change programs. I had to log everyone off the computer first then I uninstalled Click Potato. Before that, I deleted the folder. Also, it had me restart the computer.
January 24th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
i tried downloading a bot for a game but then it turns out it was a clickpotato. i got notified by my virus scanner thing
January 26th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Never “run” an exe. file. Always “save” it to your desktop and then right click on it and select your security software to scan the file before running it.
February 1st, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I havent clicked any ads but does this contain any keyloggers? i used 2 credit cards since getting it…..
May 22nd, 2011 at 11:40 am
Liam, you are a rare and special person. Thank you.
June 12th, 2011 at 10:32 am
My bro downloaded this to watch old pokemon episodes and everytime the computer goes on sleep mode (not normal sleep mode, just when you leave it alone for a while) the click potato brings up unwanted videos. And then everytime I go to another page an add pops up saying that its spounsered by click potato. I HATE it cuz for a while i couldn’t use the computer and i was bored for a long time. but then my mom got it to work a little. But I don’t get the instructions do you just type them in when the computer starts up? plz help im only 12!
June 20th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
hi Guys,
Thank you so much for this info…I really need further help since I am stuck on quite a few steps in this. I HATE CLICKPOTATO!!
Well…first, I followed your instructions step by step and I have the following troubles:
1) I am unable to locate these 2 files in the registry and hence I am unable to delete them. Is that okay or am I missing something? The files that I cant find are:
a) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\{A078F691-9C07-4AF2-BF43-35E79EECF8B7}
b) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{69725738-CD68-4f36-8D02-8C43722EE5DA}
However, I was able to find the other files on your list and have deleted them with no probs..
2) Also, I am stuck on the next step. I am unable to search and unregister ClickPotato Dll library files. I followed the instructions on unregistering the dll files and when I did it in the cmd prompt, I receive the following error msg:
“The module “filename.dll” failed to load.
Make sure the binary is stored at the specified path or debug it to check for problems with the binary or dependent .DLL files.
The specified module could not be found.”
From the above message, I understand that I need to find the path of these dll files. How do I find that? When I tried searching, its showing that there are no results found!! Could the files be hidden? I also tried checking “show hidden files” and searched and still cant find the path. How do I overcome this problem?
3) Now I also have troubles in the last step where I am needed to delete the files you have mentioned. First of all I am unable to open “Documents and Settings” (under C:/) and I receive “Access Denied” message. Well…click potota is getting to my nerve now…I realise that some virus and spyware tend to do this. So, I started deleted the files via DOS. I was able to delete most of the files in the list you have given, except for the following 3 that I am unable to delete even via DOS.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ClickPotato\About Us.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ClickPotato\ClickPotato Customer Support.lnk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ClickPotato\ClickPotato Uninstall Instructions.lnk
When I try to delete the above 3 files, I am getting the “Access Denied” message in DOS as well. SO, I also tried to attribute by typing: attrib -r -h -s filename and it is still “Access Denied”. There is nothing I can do to delete these..
So, please help…I have been doing this the whole day and I am so pissed off at this clickpotato..
I would very much appreciate any help…
Cheers…
–N
June 21st, 2011 at 1:15 am
Hi all,
This is further to my last post i just did since I was having trouble trying to delete a few files…After a bit more research on the internet, I was able to find the solutions for the last trouble I had:
Problem: Unable to delete the Clickpotato files under “Documents and settings/All users/start Menu/program/clickpotato/etc..etc..
Solution: The reason behind this is cuz I am using Windows Vista. Here the documents and settings are moved. To actually go to documents and settings in vista, you need to go to “Users”. Apparently it is the same as Documents and Settings for vista users. That is why I was getting “access denied” when I was trying to open that folder.
Also another problem is opening the start menu under “User\All Users\”. This folder has been moved as well in vista. To go to this, I went to “C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu”. here I was able to see the 3 files that needed to be deleted and I was able to delete here without a problem.
Hopefully this should help others..
Also, if someone can get back to my first 2 questions above will be very much appreciated!
Cheers
July 26th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
ok I have read this whole page, all the comments and trials and errors, however I am still unable to unistall from my programs and features with Vista. I have located the three files and one did say uninstall but it was a link to the click potatoe site and I am not touching that with a ten foot pole!!! When I try and unistall I get an error message that I must be the administrator. I am the administrator, and logged out of the guest account. I did try it in the guest account by inputing my password and got the same error message. Unfortunately I am not a whiz with computers and am trying everything I have seen suggested. IF there are ANY other ways around this I would GREATLY appreciate an answer. Thanks so much in advance…before I chuck this laptop out the window!!!