From Doc to PDF – a browser hijacker which has been affecting Google Chrome browsers via bundling

From Doc to PDF is a potentially unwanted program created by Mindspark Interactive Network Inc. Its main purpose is to redirect users to the required pages and increase their visitor rate. Hundreds of computer users have reported about detecting From Doc to PDF virus and the associated file doctopdf.dmg on their computers out of nowhere. The infiltration is performed with the help of bundling. At the moment, the biggest number of detections is reported in the United States, Germany,[1] and India.
| Name | From Doc to PDF |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker/Potentially unwanted program/Redirect virus |
| Developer | Mindspark |
| Redirects to | Myway.com and other potentially unwanted pages |
| Other unwanted activities | Changes in system settings, slowdowns, annoying pop-up ads |
| Main dangers | Redirects to potentially malicious websites |
| Elimination | Uninstall the virus with the help of FortectIntego |
Although some people tend to call this program DoctoPDF virus, we want you to inform you that it is rather a potentially unwanted program than a virus. However, after being added to each of web browsers, From Doc to PDF drops its own homepage, the start page, and a new tab page. As a result, the user can't reach his/her favorite website and revert these changes to the previous state without resetting the affected web browser.
The main problem related to the name of this browser hijacking program is that it spreads using bundling and users install this browser add-on unintentionally.[2] Later on, they start thinking that somebody hacked or infected their computer behind their back. While FromDoctoPDF Toolbar is not a serious virus, it seems that users do not enjoy using it.
In the Google Chrome store, the add-on has 2,5 stars out of 5, and that definitely says something.[3] We have also noticed that some users complain that “it will not let” them to uninstall it, and that it has been installed without their knowledge. The majority of reviewers seek to find a way to get rid of FromDoctoPDF. If you are one of them, scroll down the page, and you will see the step-by-step guide presented to you by our experts.
To speed up the whole procedure, you can use the automatic From Doc to PDF removal option. In this case, we recommend you to perform this task with the help of security software, for instance FortectIntego. Make sure you update it before a scan and wait until it finishes its job for you.

FromDoctoPDF is promoted as an easy way to convert various files. Thus, users who need to convert documents quickly might find this toolbar useful. The program is compatible with Windows 10, as well as older OS versions, such as Windows 7, 8, Vista and XP. However, we have received reports that Mac OS X users encountered this program too.
The description of this program claims that it can convert these files to .doc format:
- PDF,
- DOC,
- TXT,
- RTF,
- XLS,
- PPT,
- BMP,
- JPG,
- TIFF,
- etc.
However, after installing this app on the system, it seems that users noticed that this toolbar was used to initiate various changes on their devices without their approval. Indeed, it might set myway instead of your start page and the default search provider without your approval. In this case, you should know that using this search engine can be quite dangerous as it fills its search results with sponsored ads.
To return to your previously-used browsing routine, you must remove From Doc to PDF browser hijacker. We want to remind that this program is not a virus, but, undoubtedly, this add-on is one of those that have to be treated with carefulness. It might be tricky if you have unintentionally installed with a software bundle. In this case, use a guide provided at the end of this post to delete this toolbar together with its additional components.
The analysis of the program’s Privacy Policy
After analyzing the Privacy Policy document, which is provided on this program’s site, we have discovered that its developer announces that third-party services, feeds, and/or content may be integrated into or bundled with this program. On top of that, it warns that:
“by using the product you may be exposed to Content that may be offensive, indecent or objectionable in your community.”
Now let us explain where you might encounter such content. As we have mentioned before, From Doc to PDF add-on changes browser settings and sets a different site as the homepage. On this website, you can find a web search engine. By settings, this page as a default one, the developer probably expected to convince the user to use the indicated search engine.
However, it does not surprise us why so many computer users refuse to do it and want to uninstall FromDoctoPDF Toolbar as soon as possible. It seems that this search engine just produces way too many sponsored search results, and for users who wish to access required information quickly, such paid results[4] can be exasperating.
Clicking on these sponsored results can make you experience FromDoctoPDF Toolbar redirect issue, so we highly recommend you not to ignore them and, if you wish, remove the aforementioned toolbar.
Distribution strategies of the addon
You can download this application from the Google Chrome store, but in some cases, other free programs might offer it for you. That is why we always remind our readers that it is essential to adjust installation settings before installing a new program on the system. Otherwise, other applications might be installed as well.
This software distribution method is called bundling; as you have already guessed, it helps to distribute several programs in one software pack. To decompose such pack, the user needs to select Advanced or Custom settings for the setup and then deselect checkboxes next to statements that claim the user agrees to install optional programs.
Do not choose Default or Standard installation options, because in such way optional programs will be installed without even asking for your permission.
Uninstall From Doc to PDF without wasting your time
Windows OS users are not the only ones that can encounter this annoying application. If the PUP has already shown up on your Google Chrome, Safari, and another web browser, you need to start thinking about its removal.
For that, we recommend using a specific From Doc to PDF removal program, FortectIntego, that will scan your PC for free and will find all suspicious components on your PC system. If you are not willing to use security software, you can uninstall this program from the Control Panel and reset your web browsers.
Tips on how to remove From Doc to PDF from Safari
Safari is an inbuilt browser in Mac OS X. However, you should not believe in the myth that Apple products are immune to potentially unwanted programs or viruses.[5] Therefore if your Safari browser has been hijacked by From Doc to PDF, you should take care of it as well.
If you have to remove FromDoctoPdf mac version, you also have two choices. The first one suggests scanning the system with updated security software and letting it complete this task for you. The second method offers to uninstall this browser extension yourself.
Below you can find instructions on how to make sure that undesired apps are wiped out entirely from Mac. Additionally, we have provided guidelines on how to uninstall browser extensions from Safari. Keep in mind that if you do not remember installing them, they should not be kept. Remove all suspicious entries and do not forget to reset the browser.
Safari reset is necessary in order to get rid of publisher’s or third-party cookies or other tracking technologies. This task is necessary to stop unknown businesses from spying on you.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.

- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.

Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.

- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.

Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.

Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.

Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

Did this guide help?
6 comments
Lora
Ib dont want this toolbar. how do I get rid of it for ages??
F3lix
This toolbar is really annoying, I wouldnt recommend using it!
Darnell
I have just deleted this, thanks. I was trying to delete it but no luck. This guide was really helpful.
Bear29
Disappointed with From Doc to PDF Toolbar... I dint want it to change my homepage.
CJ
Thank you for the help with pictures. It worked and so happy!! Super Easy!
2-Spyware team
We are happy that we could help!