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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Aug 2020

How to remove AllConvertersSearch

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

Ugnius Kiguolis · The mastermind

AllConvertersSearch – a browser hijacker that might redirect you to Yahoo and make it your default search engine  

AllConvertersSearch

AllConvertersSearch is a potentially unwanted application[1] that is mainly spread via software bundle packages downloaded from third-party websites. Once installed, the app adds an extension to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser, and applies portal.allconverterssearch.com or feed.allconverterssearch.com as the homepage and new tab. Additionally, users can also notice AllConvertersSearch hijack by a customized search engine that redirects all results to Yahoo. 

Besides showing ads and promoting sponsored sites, AllConvertersSearch also tracks users' online browsing activities in order to generate more relevant ads. As a result, users who search the web will see sponsored links at the top of search results – this can completely alter user experience and sometimes compromise their privacy.

Name AllConvertersSearch
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
Infiltration The application can be download from official sources such as Chrome Web Store, although, in most cases, it is installed via software bundles or deceptive advertisements (which results in unintentional installation)
Symptoms 
  • AllConvertersSearch extension or application is installed on the web browser/system
  • Search results are redirected to search.yahoo.com (or another provider)
  • Search results are filled with sponsored links
  • Homepage and new tab address is set to portal.allconverterssearch.com or feed.allconverterssearch.com
Removal  You can get rid of the potentially unwanted application easily by following our guide below or by scanning the machine with anti-malware that detects PUPs 
Optimization  If you are unable to delete some extensions, PUPs, or malware from your machine, you should scan it with reputable anti-malware software, reset all browsers, and then optimize the system with FortectIntego for best results 

AllConvertersSearch inserts a variety of widgets into the homepage and new tab address – it provides a Bitcoin converter, PDF converter, calculator, and other useful features that can be used on-demand. However, keep in mind that this browser hijacker is just a clone of dozens of other PUPs that have been spreading around the web in recent months.

In essence, AllConvertersSearch is a copy of SearchConvertorSearchConverterz, or many other similar apps. The only difference it features is a slightly different logo that shows up at the top-left corner of the main page. However, the main goal of the developers remains the same – show users advertisements and sponsored links in order to monetize via the pay-per-click scheme.

Many users might think that the so-called AllConvertersSearch virus is related to Yahoo, as it redirects all searches there. However, the hijacker only uses the affiliate program that is offered to all developers. In other words, the app does not use its own engine to provide users search results, but the extension warrants that the results are filled with ads – these bring money to the developers.

However, AllConvertersSearch ads are not coincidental – they are very much based on users' interests, location, and other details that are collected by the browser hijacker. As long as the app is installed on the browser, users' IP addresses, visited websites, unique identifiers, and some anonymous information will be gathered about them with the help of data collection tools such as cookies, web beacons,[2] scripts, and others. This is clearly stated on the AllConvertersSearch Privacy Policy page:

Non-Personal Information may be automatically transmitted by the user's device. When using our Service, we assign your device with a log file, a cookie (session or persistent), web beacons or other related technologies, to collect Non-Personal Information with respect to your activity in connection with our Service.

Unfortunately, AllConvertersSearch removal will not delete these cookies automatically, so you might be tracked by the app's authors even later. Therefore, you can delete the browsing data/cookies manually or simply reset the web browser altogether – this would also eliminate all the extensions installed.

AllConvertersSearch hijack

However, sometimes you can not remove AllConvertersSearch via the web browser, as an application might be installed via the system. In such a case, you should follow the instructions for uninstallation we provide below. We also recommend checking your computer with anti-malware and repair software FortectIntego to ensure system integrity and the best performance after the infection.

Software bundles can carry unwanted applications and malware

One of the most distinctive features of potentially unwanted programs such as browser hijackers is that they end up on users' computers unexpectedly. This mostly happens due to stealthy infiltration practice known as software bundling, when several apps are compiled into a single installer. According to security experts from novirus.uk,[3] bundle packages can also carry malicious applications, especially when downloaded from insecure torrent websites.

It should be up to users who are installing the desired application to decline optional components. However, freeware developers and freeware distribution sites often attempt to trick users into installing apps they did not want. For example, they hide the PUPs under Recommended/Quick settings, pre-ticked boxes, fine print text, misleading offers, and use other tricks to make users not notice the optional apps.

Thus, you should always read up on the program you are about to install, read the installation instructions carefully, decline all the offers, and always opt for Advanced/Custom mode when prompted. Additionally, you can also install anti-malware software that would warn you about potentially unwanted applications automatically.

AllConvertersSearch removal guide

As mentioned earlier, there are two different ways to remove AllConvertersSearch, as you might have an extension or an application installed on the machine. In the case of the former, you can simply right-click on the extension, and select uninstall. Alternatively, you can visit the add-on section of your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser and delete the app in that way.

AllConvertersSearch results

If you do not wish to reset your web browsers after AllConvertersSearch removal to stop tracking practices, you can delete the data and cookies instead. Here's how to do it:

  • Click on menu and select Settings.
  • Under Privacy and security, pick Select browsing data.
  • Finally, click Clear data.

However, keep in mind that you might have PUPs installed on your computer. Thus, you should check the instructions below on how to uninstall AllConvertersSearch and other unwanted apps from Windows or Mac operating systems.

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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