Chameleon Explorer Pro (Removal Instructions) - Free Guide
Chameleon Explorer Pro Removal Guide
What is Chameleon Explorer Pro?
Chameleon Explorer Pro – an adware program that displays intrusive ads on every installed browser
Chameleon Explorer Pro is, according to its developers NeoSoft Tools, a handy file management tool. However, users complained that it usually appears out of nowhere on their machines. Soon after, significant changes are observed: advertisement banners, pop-ups, in-text links, auto-play video and audio ads show up at any time when the computer is in operation. Additionally, users reported that they encountered multiple error messages within File Explorer, which prevented them from accessing some folders. Furthermore, Chameleon Explorer Pro application was associated with such threats as Safe Finder or All-Radio 4.27 Portable,[1] which on itself downloads and installs rootkits, cryptominers, and data stealing trojans.For all these reasons, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted program.[2]
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | Chameleon Explorer Pro |
| Type | Adware/PUP |
| Developer | NeoSoft Tools |
| Main dangers | Multiple malware infections, data loss |
| Distribution | Software bundling, suspicious websites, official website |
| Symptoms | Error messages within File Explorer, intrusive ads and redirects, etc. |
| Elimination | Manually eliminate the PUP using our guide below or use anti-malware software |
| Optimization | After Chameleon Explorer Pro removal, use FortectIntego to fix the damage done by the PUP |
Chameleon Explorer Pro offers an official website, where all the functionality of the program is presented in detail, and users can download the app willingly. However, in most cases, this is not how the PUP infiltrates computers. The most prominent adware distribution technique is software bundling. This deceptive technique assures several hundred, if not thousand, installations, as third-party installers often fail to disclose the full list of optional components adequately.
In case your computer is already infected with adware, we recommend to perform appropriate actions to remove Chameleon Explorer Pro. You can do that by using security software or by checking our manual removal guide below this article.
Soon after Chameleon Explorer Pro hijack, users can experience the following symptoms:
- Excessive ads hinder the content of legitimate web pages;
- Redirects bring users to suspicious websites;
- File Explorer displaying various error messages when trying to access sub-folders;
- Questionable new applications installed without users' permission, etc.
All these changes can be potentially dangerous. As we already mentioned, users said that, among Chameleon Explorer Pro virus, they also found malicious applications installed on their devices. It is not surprising, as rogue apps often perform actions which allow deceptive installation of other unwanted programs. Malware, such as crypto miner, can affect the CPU performance and increase electricity bill,[3] while such threats like ransomware can lock up personal files and hold them hostage until a ransom is paid.
Thus, experts[4] recommend performing Chameleon Explorer Pro removal as soon as possible. It is not a safe app, and the promised benefits quickly fade in comparison to what users have to deal with. After all malicious applications are eliminated, make sure you scan your PC using repair software like FortectIntego. It will fix the damage done by Chameleon Explorer Pro malware and make your computer work flawlessly again.
Ways to avoid bundled software
We are all guilty of skipping steps during software installation, as we all want to be over and done with the tedious procedure. Unfortunately, this approach can profoundly affect our computer security and virtual safety. Potentially unwanted programs are often offered as optional installs by third-party authors. Because users rush the installation, they do not pay attention to pre-ticked markers and merely press Next several times until they are done.
No matter how convenient Recommended or Quick installation option is, never pick it. If you go for it, you will unknowingly install PUPs on your computer. Therefore, always opt for Advanced or Custom settings and watch out for pre-ticked markers during the installation.
Security experts also advise users to run anti-malware software with real-time protection feature enabled. While it might not prevent the installation of all PUPs (after all, software bundling is a legitimate tactic, and it comes down to users to opt out of any additional installs), it will stop more severe malware like trojans, crypto-miners, worms, and similar threats.
Get rid of Chameleon Explorer Pro using security software or manual removal instructions
Unlike many other potentially unwanted programs, which are mainly harmless (but annoying) Chameleon Explorer Pro virus can be associated with dangerous malware. If you value your privacy and computer safety, make sure you remove Chameleon Explorer Pro as soon as you notice it on your device.
The safest Chameleon Explorer Pro removal method is using reputable security software, as it can detect all other unwanted apps that might have been installed without your permission. Also, the automatic scan is fast and easy – you won't have to waste your time wondering if you got rid of all the components.
Nevertheless, those who are tech-savvy can employ their computer knowledge and delete Chameleon Explorer Pro manually. We provided detailed instructions on how to eliminate the threat and then reset each of the affected browsers.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Chameleon Explorer Pro. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To remove Chameleon Explorer Pro adware from Windows, check out this guide:
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- 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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with 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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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
Adware often leaves its traces within the browser. Make sure you reset 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Chameleon Explorer Pro registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ ToastedEnder. Have a virus with "chameleon explorer pro" and "safe finder" . Reddit. American social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. PUPs Explained: What is a “Potentially Unwanted Program”?. How-to Geek. Site that explains technology.
- ^ Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index. Digiconomist. Statistics site.
- ^ DieViren. DieViren. Cybersecurity news and articles.