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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Jul 2020

How to remove Free File Converter Pro

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Julie Splinters · Anti-malware specialist

Free File Converter Pro – a potentially unwanted application that offers file conversion benefits but floods your browser with ads

Free File Converter Pro

Free File Converter Pro is a browser extension and an online service that offers free file conversion to PDF service. However, since the app delivers intrusive pop-ups, in-text links, notifications, redirects, and other types of ads, it is considered to be a potentially unwanted program, namely, adware.

Besides engaging in intrusive advertisement campaigns, Free File Converter Pro is also distributed via dubious ways, e.g., software bundles downloaded from third-party websites or fake update prompts. Besides, the app also gathers a variety of information about user web browser activities to serve targeted ads and profit from the activity financially.

Name Free File Converter Pro
Type Adware
Distribution The add-on can be downloaded on various third-party websites or delivered behind users' backs via software bundle packages. It can also be found via deceptive ads, such as fake updates or bogus pop-ups
Symptoms
  • Web browser extension Free File Converter Pro installed on the web browser
  • Frequent redirects bring to sponsored sites, which sometimes might not be secure
  • Pop-ups, deals, offers, coupons, discounts, and other ads appear on all visited websites
  • Slower-than-usual web browser operation
  • Web browser settings altered without permission
Risks Users might be subject of data tracking which is later shared with third-parties (privacy issues); some websites might result in the installation of other potentially unwanted applications; scams can lead to financial losses
Elimination To get rid of the browser extension, access the settings of your web browser. If the unwanted ads do not stop, scan your machine with anti-malware and reset all the installed web browsers
System fix Malware or adware infections can diminish the performance of your computer. Use FortectIntego to remediate your device and ensure that the virus damage is fixed

Regardless if you are using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser – all of them can be affected by adware. Adware is mostly low-quality software that is designed to monetize users' clicks and/or ad campaigns that can diminish web browsing experience significantly. Hence, we recommend Free File Converter Pro removal.

Even though Free File Converter Pro is advertised as a useful tool that can convert over a hundred different file types to PDF format, it is important to note that it has many negative qualities that should not be ignored. As previously noticed, the app might be installed without permission – via freeware software packages.

Thus, if you noticed that an extension had been installed on your web browser, it is highly likely that it got in along with programs you downloaded from third-party websites. Precisely due to this reason, many users can refer to the app as Free File Converter Pro virus, although the term is not entirely correct.

In some cases, adware like Free File Converter Pro might attempt to disguise its presence on the computer/browser. For example, most extensions are immediately visible on the main bar of the browser. The one that tries to avoid being detected might not be visible, hence preventing easy Free File Converter Pro removal. 

Even if the app managed to slip in vi deceptive methods, its presence could be often noticed at some point. Redirects, pop-up ads, surveys, push notifications, and other unwanted activity often plagues browsers that are infected with adware, and Free File Converter Pro is not an exception. In some cases, clicks made anywhere on the browser window might initiate redirects to potentially dangerous sites, where users can be tricked into downloading malware or spend money on useless services.

Free File Converter Pro adware

Besides, Free File Converter Pro ads are not the only issue that should cause concerns. When reading Privacy Policy that is provided on the official website of the app (although it cannot be downloaded from there – a good indication that the PUP is spread via software bundles), it is clearly stated that cookies, scrips, web beacons,[1] and other technologies are used to gather information about users:

We use “cookies”, scripts, web beacons, and/or other similar technology to collect, directly or indirectly, Information about you, which are commonly used on the Internet. 

Gathered data includes browser information, installed extension list, OS data, clicks on ads, visited websites, and more. Nonetheless,  Free File Converter Pro also collects some personal data, including the IP address and contact information (if such is provided). Harvested details are later shared with third-parties, affiliates, partners, and other sources.

All in all, we recommend you remove Free File Converter Pro from your system and rely on more trustworthy apps. If you are struggling with the process, check the instructions we provide below. Other recommendations include scanning the computer with anti-malware and repair software (such as FortectIntego), as well as resetting web browsers if the unwanted activities do not stop.

Learn how to differentiate reputable apps from dubious ones

There are millions of apps[2] available to download for users' disposal. A vast majority of those programs are allegedly free – all users have to do is download and install them. However, it is important to understand that, unless the app is open-source, it is never actually free per se, as it uses other monetization methods for the purpose – advertisements. While there is nothing wrong with this type of financing, some apps use less than fair methods to break into the market.

Most commonly, potentially unwanted programs are downloaded off of third-party freeware websites, with the help of a technique called software bundling. Lack of attention when installing these apps is a perfect example of why this method is so effective, and many end up with software that they never intended to install in the first place. Unfortunately, some of these programs might be PUPs or even malware.

Thus, you should learn how to avoid online dangers by being careful when using the internet. Security researchers from novirus.uk[3] provide the following tips:

  • Before installing a new app, always read up on it online – check reviews, forum posts and other user feedback;
  • Download apps from official sources if possible;
  • When prompted, always opt for Advanced/Custom installation mode instead of recommended one;
  • Watch out for pre-ticked boxes, fine print text, misleading offers, and other tricks;
  • Ensure that Privacy Policy and Terms of Service are provided during the installation;
  • Install powerful security software that can detect both malware and PUPs.

Free File Converter Pro privacy policy

A secure way to delete Free File Converter Pro and other PUPs from your computer

Potentially unwanted programs clutter your computer, slow it down, and can also compromise safe online browsing. For those reasons, remove Free File Converter Pro and other PUPs that could be installed on your machine immediately. You can do that either manually or automatically:

  • Scan your computer with anti-malware (note: not all AVs can detect all potentially unwanted programs);
  • Use our manual instructions we provide below.

When it comes to Free File Converter Pro removal, you should be able to uninstall the app by right-clicking on the extension. However, keep in mind that you might have other unwanted programs installed on your device, which can cause ads and redirects. Thus, a scan with a powerful anti-malware is always recommended. In case that does not help, you should reset all the installed web browsers to set their settings to default.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

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

Remove the unwanted program:

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

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

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

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

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

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

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

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

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

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

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

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

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

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