PDFConverterSearch hijacks browser’s settings, causes redirects to Yahoo
Contents
PDFConverterSearch is recognized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that falls into browser hijacker category. Common symptom of its installation is a change of browser’s homepage to a subdomain of pdfconverter-search.com. It is a fake search engine that simply causes redirects to Yahoo or Google Custom Search results. While this browser hijacker pretends to be a useful too convert PDF documents, its main purpose is to generate revenue by generating hits to ad networks and collect information regarding user’s browsing habits.
This browser hijacker is made to change browser settings on popular web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and others. It modifies default home page, new tab and default search settings to promote pdfconverter-search.com. Its main page includes a toolbar with a PDF file converter, currency and cryptocurrency converter and a simple calculator. Unfortunately, such suspicious browser hijacker hardly adds any value to the user, as its main target is to generate traffic to ad networks and Yahoo search results, and potentially collect browsing-related data from user’s computer.
Typical browser hijackers grab user’s search queries, URLs visited, list of extensions installed, geolocation and possibly user’s IP address. Such and similar collected information can be used to deliver targeted advertising, or be sold to third-parties. Often times, such potentially unwanted programs can display ads to deliver ads promoting other adware/browser hijacking programs that add no real value to user’s browsing experience.
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Redirect chain explained
Our analysis revealed that this fake search engine grabs user’s search query, inputs it as a URL parameter and generates a hit to Vashoot.gotrackier.com domain, then routes the user to search.onlinebars.xyz, and finally lands one on search.yahoo.com search results for the entered query.
However, it is possible that PDFConverterSearch redirect route can be different or change with time to hit other ad networks or domains. However, we do not think that it is your interest to use a hardly useful search tool that is made to collect information about your browsing habits, thus create series of redirects only to land you on Yahoo search engine. Because of this, some security experts refer to it as Yahoo redirect virus. Such redirects can become seriously annoying, especially if you’re a Google Chrome user who enjoys using Google search engine, or simply if you prefer another search engine that you’re used to.
In another scenario, the said hijacker redirected us through the same ad network and same search.onlinebars.xyz domain, but landed on a fake mybrowser-search.com page, which appeared as “Google Custom Search” which means that it isn’t the original Google search results.
That said, we recommend you to remove PDFConverterSearch redirect virus without a delay. Although technically this program doesn’t meet characteristics of malware, its annoying behaviour can make people call it this way. To uninstall this browser hijacker, you can use free instructions provided below, or try scanning system with RESTORO.
Name | PDFConverterSearch |
Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect Virus |
Subdomains | portal.pdfconverter-search.com, feed.pdfconverter-search.com and similar |
IP address | 104.27.138.167 |
Associated URLs | search.onlinebars.xyz, my-browsersearch.com |
Behaviour | Changes default home page, search engine, and new tab page on popular web browsers. Collects browsing-related information, causes multiple redirects using entered search query and lands the user on Yahoo search results. |
Distribution | Spreads via online ads or in software bundles (freeware) |
Removal | Remove PDFConverterSearch redirects manually using free guide below, or scan with RESTORO |
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted programs?
Potentially unwanted programs like PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker or adware typically spread either in software bundles, or via shady online pop-ups. Either way, the user mostly installs it without realizing what is the real program’s purpose.
Software bundles are mostly freeware (free programs) that suggest installing “recommended” extra programs during their installation. Their installation wizards provide suggestions to install third-party programs alongside them, all auto-selected for the user. However, such recommendations are frequently provided in fine print or hidden behind “Custom” or “Advanced” installation settings, making it hard for the user to actually notice them. Often times, such installers can recommend various potentially unwanted programs as it generates revenue for its developers.
You should always deselect suspicious installation offers and install only the program that you actually need. Moreover, we recommend avoiding various download-anything-you-want websites, as they often serve bundled software to generate revenue.
Additionally, be careful with software you decide to install from online ads. We never recommend installing programs that pop-up on your screen after clicking a link or simply during browsing session, especially if it happens when you browse on online gambling or adult-only websites, or sites providing torrent downloads. These sites hardly ever have reputation of being secure, so be very attentive during your visits to them.
Remove PDFConverterSearch from your computer easily
If you have finally decided to remove PDFConverterSearch redirect virus yourself, follow the free guide given below to delete its components from your Windows or Mac computer system. If you’re not in a mood for a manual removal, you can employ a trustworthy spyware/malware removal software of your choice, or try RESTORO, which includes Avira Antivirus scanning engine and is capable to repair various damage on system files.
You can find detailed PDFConverterSearch removal steps down below.
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PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker Removal Tutorial
To remove the unwanted program from your computer, use these instructions below to uninstall associated programs or apps from your Windows or Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Remove PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker from Windows
Windows 10/8.1/8 users
Click on the Windows logo to open Windows menu. In search, type control panel and select the matching result. Then go to Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users
First, open Windows menu by clicking on the icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Then go to Control Panel and find section called Programs. Click on the Uninstall a program option under it.
Windows XP users
In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Uninstall unwanted programs
Once in Programs and Features, look through the list of installed programs. You can click on Installed on tab to sort the programs by their installation date.
Right-click on suspicious programs you can't remember installing and choose Uninstall. Follow instructions provided by the Uninstall Wizard, click Next and finally Finish to uninstall the unwanted program from your PC.
Remove PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker from Mac
- Click on Finder.
- Go to Applications folder.
- Look for suspicious applications you can't remember installing. Right-click them and select Move to Trash.
- After moving all suspicious apps to Trash, right-click the Trash bin in Mac's Dock and select Empty Trash.
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Remove PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
- Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions into address bar and press Enter.
- Here, look for suspicious extensions, and Remove them.
- Don't forget to confirm by pressing Remove in the confirmation pop-up.
Change Start Page settings
- In Chrome address bar, type chrome://settings and press Enter.
- Scroll down to the On startup section. Check for suspicious extensions controlling these settings, and Disable them.
- Additionally, you can set browser to Open a specific page or set of pages via these settings. Simply choose this option, click Add a new page, enter your preferred URL (f.e. www.google.com) and press Add.
Change default search settings
- In Chrome URL bar, type chrome://settings/searchEngines and press Enter. Make sure you type searchEngines, not searchengines. Additionally, you can go to chrome://settings and find Manage search engines option.
- First, look at the list of search engines and find the one you want to set as default. Click the three dots next to it and select Make Default.
- Finally, look through the list and eliminate suspicious entries. Right-click the three dots and select Remove from the list.
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
- In Google Chrome, press on Menu (upward arrow) in the top-right corner of the window.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security > Site Settings.
- Open Notifications.
- Here, go to the Allow list and identify suspicious URLs. You can either Block or Remove by pressing on the three vertical dots on the right side of the URL. However, we suggest the Block option, so the site won't ask you to enable the notifications if you ever visit it again.
Reset Google Chrome browser
- The final option is to reset Google Chrome. Type chrome://settings in the URL bar, press Enter and then scroll down until you see Advanced option. Click it and scroll to the bottom of the settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Click Restore settings to confirm.
Remove PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
- Open Firefox and type about:addons in the URL bar. Press Enter.
- Now, click on Extensions (in the left section).
- Click Remove next to every suspicious browser add-on that you can't remember installing.
Change Firefox Homepage
- In Firefox address bar, type about:preferences and hit Enter.
- Look at the left and click the Home tab.
- Here, delete the suspicious URL and type or paste in the URL of a website you'd like to set as your homepage.
Alter preferences in Firefox
- Type about:config in Firefox address bar and hit Enter.
- Click I accept the risk! to continue.
- Here, type in the URL which has taken over your browser without your knowledge. Right-click each value that includes it and choose Reset.
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
- In Mozilla Firefox, click on Menu (the three horizontal bars) on the top-right corner of the window, then choose Options.
- Click on Privacy and Security, then scroll down to Permissions section.
- Here, find Notifications and click Settings button next to it.
- Identify all unknown URLs and choose to Block them. Click Save Changes afterward.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
- In Firefox, type about:support in the address bar and press Enter.
- Click on Refresh Firefox...
- Click Refresh Firefox again to confirm.
Remove PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker from Microsoft Edge
Remove suspicious extensions:
- Open MS Edge browser and click on the three dots button in the top right corner, then click on Extensions.
- Look through the list of installed extensions and find the ones you can't remember installing or simply suspicious-looking ones. Right-click on them and choose Uninstall. Then confirm by pressing Uninstall again.
Change MS Edge Start Page and default search engine:
- Click on the three dots again and go to Settings. First, make sure that you choose to Open Microsoft Edge with A specific page or pages option. Then click the X next to suspicious URLs and type in the one you want to set as your homepage. Click the Save icon to confirm.
- Click on the three dots > Settings. Scroll down and click on Show Advanced Settings. Then scroll down until you find Change search engine button. Click it. Here, select the search engine you prefer using and click Set as default.
Additionally, we recommend selecting and Removing suspicious search engines.
Turn off push notifications in Edge
If you keep receiving pop-up ads or other promotional content while browsing on Microsoft Edge, your browser might be corrupted by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). You have to clean it — follow these easy instructions:
- In Microsoft Edge, open Menu (three horizontal dots) in the top-right corner of the screen and click Settings;
- Click on Advanced settings.
- Scroll down to the Website permissions section. Here, click Manage permissions.
- Find Notifications and Remove all suspicious websites.
Clear browsing data
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner again and click on Settings. Find Clear browsing data section and click Choose what to clear button.
- In the next window, select all options and click Clear.
Remove PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
- Open Safari and click on Safari button in the top left corner. Select Preferences in the menu that appears on the screen.
- Now, go to Extensions tab. Look at the left to see all installed extensions, click on suspicious ones and hit that Uninstall button as shown in the picture. Confirm your choice by clicking Uninstall again. Repeat until you get rid of all unwanted extensions.
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
- In Preferences, open the General tab. Here, check what URL is set as your homepage. Delete it and type in whatever URL you want to set as your Safari Start Page.
- Next, go to the Search tab. Here, choose what Search engine you want to set as default.
- Next, click on Manage websites... then Remove all... and then Done.
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
- Open Safari and click on Safari button in the top-left corner of the screen to select Preferences;
- Go to Websites tab and navigate to Notifications on the left side toolbar.
Reset Safari
- Click on Safari > Clear History...
- Then choose to clear All history and hit Clear History button to confirm.
- Go to Safari > Preferences and then open Privacy tab.
- Click Manage Website Data... then Remove All. To finish, click Done.
- Finally, clear Safari cache. In Safari Menu, click Develop > Clear Cache.
Remove PDFConverterSearch browser hijacker from Internet Explorer
TIP: If you are still using IE, we strongly advise using Microsoft Edge or a different browser because Microsoft is no longer providing technical or security support for IE browser.
Remove suspicious extensions from IE
- Now, go back to Toolbars and Extensions.
- Below Show:, select All add-ons.
- Right-click suspicious extensions and choose Disable, or, if available - Remove.
- If any pop-up appears, confirm your choice.
Tip: If you can't find any suspicious extensions, most likely you have uninstalled them via Programs and Features already. This mostly applies to IE browser.
Change default search provider and remove suspicious ones
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the top right of the window.
- Then select Manage Add-ons.
- Here, click on Search Providers tab.
- Here, we recommend setting Bing, Google or another trusted and well-known search provider as default. To do it, right-click the provider and choose Set as default.
- Now you can right-click suspicious search providers and choose Remove.
Change IE Home Page
- In Internet Explorer, click the gear icon in the top left corner.
- Choose Internet Options.
- Change Home Page URL to whatever page you want to use as your homepage.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Block pop-up notifications on Internet Explorer
Suspicious websites can gain access to your Internet Explorer browser through push notifications. If you enable them even by accident, you will start receiving numerous annoying ads and other advertising content while browsing. The easiest way to remove push-notification viruses is by performing the following steps:
- In Internet Explorer, click on the Menu (the gear button) on the top-right corner of the window, then select Internet Options.
- Go to the Privacy tab;
- Look for Pop-up Blocker section and select Settings;
- Scroll through all URLs and you can Remove them one by one or all at the same time. Click Close.
Reset Internet Explorer
- Click the gear icon in IE menu > Internet Options. Now click on Advanced tab.
- Under Reset Internet Explorer settings, click Reset...
- Click on the checkbox next to Delete personal settings.
- Click Reset.
- To finish, click Close.
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Matt Corey is passionate about the latest tech news, gadgets and everything IT. Matt loves to criticize Windows and help people solve problems related to this operating system. When he’s not tinkering around with new gadgets he orders, he enjoys skydiving, as it is his favorite way to clear his mind and relax.
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