Should You Remove Smart Defragmenter?

Wherever there is a legitimate need in the computer industry, there is malware designed to exploit it. Rogue antivirus programs like Smart Defragmenter claim to optimize system performance but instead they simply don't meet your needs as a good defragmenter. As is typical of rogue antivirus programs, pop-ups and false warning scans alert you to threats that aren't really there that can be resolved if you purchase their software and defrag your system. Most of these kinds of programs can't really help you, and Smart Defragmenter is certainly one of those.

An Introduction to Smart Defragmenter

This program offers a slightly different take on the rogue antivirus formula. Instead of posing as an antivirus program, Smart Defragmenter calls itself an optimization tool with which to boost your computer's performance. As with any rogue, though, you will notice pop-ups and warning scans designed to sell you on the idea that your computer is severely fragmented and loss of data or functionality could occur. Rest assured that your system is not fragmented. There is likely no problem at all - except for the presence of the rogue.

This is a clone of System Defragmenter and should not be confused with the legitimate program called Smart Defrag.

Understanding the Rogue Smart Defragmenter

As with other rogues, Smart Defragmenter depends on Trojans to gain access to your machine. Visiting sites with adult, gaming, pirated, P2P, or freeware content puts you at risk for encountering a Trojan, but searching for information on trending topics is also a gateway to malicious websites and programs.

When the rogue defragmenter is in your system, you will notice pop-ups, false scan results, sluggish performance, and trouble opening legitimate programs. A typical warning reads, "Critical Error! Damaged hard drive clusters detected. Private data is at risk."

Opting to purchase the rogue will not resolve any of these problems because (a) there are no problems, and (b) it is not a real defragmenter and cannot scan or repair.

If you notice behavior like that mentioned above, make sure to remove Smart Defragmenter as soon as possible to keep your system running safely and efficiently.