Clients5.google.com (Virus Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Clients5.google.com Removal Guide
What is Clients5.google.com?
Clients5.google.com is one of Google's subdomans, but might result in strange redirects
Clients5.google.com is not a dangerous domain on its own. However, if you face redirects to this site it might be that you have potentially unwanted program installed on your computer
Clients5.google.com is a website that users might encounter when they open a new tab on Google Chrome web browsers on Windows or Mac computers. In most of the cases, the suspicious behavior is caused by ATT Mail, Yahoo Toolbar, or other browser extensions that can also be used for Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and other browsers.
While Clients5.google.com domain is on itself safe, some browser extensions or applications associated with it might not be. Quite often, potentially unwanted programs[1] that enter machines without user acknowledgment change the search engine, homepage, and new tab functionality. For that reason, users are forced to browse via the hijacked[2] browser and face a variety of sponsored links that initially change the way they browse.
Name | Clients5.google.com |
Type | Google's subdomain |
Related to | Potentially unwanted program/browser hijacker |
Infiltration | Official sources, third-party sites, bundled software |
Symptoms | Changed web browser settings, redirects to Clients5.google.com and other sites |
Termination | To make sure your computer is not infected with a PUP, scan it with FortectIntego. Alternatively, you can remove unwanted programs manually by using our guide below |
Further actions | Reset Google Chrome |
Besides, PUPs redirecting to Clients5.google.com might also track information about your web browsing activities and serve you targeted ads on all sites that you visit. Without a doubt, if you notice suspicious behavior on your browser, you should remove Clients5.google.com redirects by terminating the potentially unwanted program that might have slipped into your device.
While using the term “Clients5.google.com virus” would not be correct, the suspicious behavior caused by the redirects to the site makes users unsettled, which is understandable, as redirects are a sign of computer infection. As it turns out, the behavior can indeed be associated with a potentially unwanted program.
So-called browser hijackers are applications that change web browser settings in order to show users intrusive ads as well as sponsored links and generate revenue from the behavior. As we previously mentioned, the data tracking activities also help third-parties show the infected users ads that are catering to their linking. The data gathered might include:
- IP address
- ISP
- Geolocation
- Sites visited
- Links clicked
- Bookmarks added
- Cookies, etc.
While data gathered by Clients5.google.com refers to Google, the third-party application that collects such information might share it with its affiliates for more profits.
To sum it up, Clients5.google.com removal should follow up with the reset of Google Chrome browser. Nevertheless, if the PUP infected other browsers, you should also do the same for the others. To make sure all the traces of the unwanted program are gone, scan your computer with FortectIntego.
Clients5.google.com is a site that users might get redirected to if their devices are infected with a browser hijacking application
Learn how to stay away from potentially unwanted programs
Users are often surprised when they start noticing changes to their Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or any other installed browsers seemingly out of nowhere. However, potentially unwanted programs like adware or hijackers usually slip in during the installation of freeware or shareware, when users do not pay close attention to the process.
For that reason, users think that the browser changes, redirects, and other unwanted behavior arrived without their permission. In reality, it is not entirely the case. In most of the cases, free applications that are hosted on third-party sites are often bundled together with potentially unwanted programs and are served a single software package.
The infiltration of PUPs happens during the installation of these free apps, as users rarely pay attention to the process. Therefore, you should always make sure that you decline all the offers, check out the ToS and Privacy Policy, and always opt for Advanced or Custom installation mode. In such a way, you will be able to reveal the optional programs that are secretly suggested to you, and you would not be able to see the list by picking Recommended settings.
Clients5.google.com redirect removal guide
Clients5.google.com removal should not be that complicated. All you have to do is terminate potentially unwanted applications that are installed on your Mac or Windows computer. There are two ways you can do it – either manually or automatically.
While Clients5.google.com redirects usually do not pose any major risk, it is best to scan your computer for potentially unwanted programs to terminate the unwanted behavior
Both methods can be successful when trying to remove Clients5.google.com redirects and other unwanted behavior. If you are not that computer-savvy, however, experts[3] recommend picking a reputable security application and scanning the device thoroughly. Alternatively, you can also check the list of the installed applications and terminate apps that you find suspicious. We provide a detailed guide on how to delete PUPs associated with Clients5.google.com redirects below. Finally, you should reset all the installed browsers just to be safe.
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 Clients5.google.com. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To remove Clients5.google.com redirects from Windows operating system, go to the Control Panel to access the list of the installed programs:
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.
Delete from macOS
Mac users who suffer from suspicious behavior should perform these steps:
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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
It is vital to restart Google Chrome as soon as you terminate the unwanted program:
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 Clients5.google.com 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 browser hijacker
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.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. PUPs Explained: What is a “Potentially Unwanted Program”?. How-To Geek. Site that explains technology.
- ^ Browser hijacking. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Virusi. Virusi. Security research team from Hungary.