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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Apr 2019

How to remove Dongtaiwang

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

Olivia Morelli · Ransomware analyst

Dongtaiwang.com is the website used to promote VPN application called Freegate 

Dongtaiwang.com

Dongtaiwang.com is the potentially unwanted application promoted as the tool designed to access websites that are blocked based on the users' country or IP address. Unfortunately, this site categorizes as a potentially unwanted program because it makes changes to users' browser and affects the performance significantly. Once installed this browser hijacker changes browsers' homepage, new tab settings and starts causing additional redirects and pop-up messages with various commercial content. This cyber threat forces to visit other questionable pages, so every view on the site can get monetized, and revenue for the publisher gets generated this way.  Additionally, cybercriminals can use the fact that the domain is popular and trick you into browsing the counterfeit copy of the website. Then initiate installs not only of the Freegate VPN application but other more significant malware like trojan horses.

Name Dongtaiwang.com
Also known as  Dongtaiwang or Freegate application
Type Browser hijacker
Category Potentially unwanted program
Symptoms Changes important setting on the browser, alters homepage, new tab preferences, delivers intrusive commercial content, causes redirects to more suspicious pages
Distribution Deceptive advertisements, freeware installers, fake software cracks
Main danger Tracks and collects information about the user. This activity can lead to privacy issues
Removal tips Use FortectIntego for general system cleaning 

This website provides Chinese-speaking users the chance to access the internet without restrictions by the government, but this is not safe to use because Dongtaiwang collects and tracks information about the user and his or her browsing activities.[1]

While browsing online, you might encounter various potentially dangerous domains and programs, and Dongtaiwang virus happens to be one of them. Since this cyber threat is classified as a browser hijacker, it tends to redirect you to insecure websites and fill your browser with highly bothersome ads.[2]

What is more, you may notice significantly deteriorated PC performance and slow browser processes. That is why you should not delay Dongtaiwang removal. One of the ways to do it is to run a system scan using a reputable anti-malware program like FortectIntego.

Dongtaiwang.com is owned by Dynamic Internet Technology company that has the purpose of distributing VPN service Freegate. The website initiates an automatic download of this application on affected devices and can also install other suspicious programs to your computer. 

Dongtaiwang.com PUP can also install other programs and browser extensions like:

  • Suspicious search engines;
  • Browser add ons;
  • Toolbars;
  • Extensions or tools.

Freegate browser hijacker is distributed by DynaPass.exe, FreegateX.exe, fg730p.zip, Freegate.exe files that may appear on the system out of nowhere when Dongtaiwang.com initiates the automatic installation of the app. Unfortunately, various AV engines can detect this site as not malicious, you still need to get a reputable antivirus program and clean the machine.

You might wonder why this program is considered a malicious one. Mainly it is detested for its Dongtaiwang redirect tendency. After starting to use this insecure search engine, you realize that current browsing considerably deviates from your expectations.

In other words, the hijacker modifies search results by delivering only sponsored by third-parties. Thus, if you want to enter an objective website without ads covering it entirely, then you might struggle to find one. Additionally, you should know that those redirect links might be infected with harmful malware, for instance, trojans or ransomware. That is why you should restrain from peeking in them. Therefore, it is vital to remove Dongtaiwang as soon as possible. Dongtaiwang browser hijacker

Furthermore, the hijacker might spy on your daily browsing activities by employing various cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies. Though legitimate websites do that as well, dongtaiwang.com might leak the compiled data to third-parties. On their behalf, they violate it for creating advertisements.

Such activity brings material profit to them and any other associated commercial content creators who employ Freegate browser hijacker for the purpose of redirecting. After they successfully analyze the information, you may spot even more pay-per-click ads bombarding your computer with more content geared towards your preferences. All in all, Dongtaiwang hijack might be quite unpleasant.

Methods of the hijacker distribution

The distribution ways of this PUP are quite intriguing. Usually, it is spotted traveling along with free applications as any potentially unwanted program does. Once users download one of them, they recklessly finish the installation process without giving a second look.

As a result, browser hijacker, adware or any other PUPs infect the computer. You should change your habits by installing new software to prevent unwanted applications from entering your computer, as many experts recommend.[3]

Firstly, you should select “Custom” installation settings. Afterward, make sure you de-select any existing add-ons. Additionally, note that this program might get into your system via corrupted hyperlinks. Convinced that it is a legitimate search engine alternative, you may download the hijacker directly from its webpage.

Make sure to remove Dongtaiwan.com quickly as possible with AV tools

There are two ways to get rid of this Dongtaiwang.com virus. The first solution includes manual removal. Since it is a browser hijacker, deleting it entirely without leaving any traces is of utmost importance. Make sure you go through each installation step thoroughly.

There are manual guidelines provided below on this page. Alternatively, you may opt for automatic Dongtaiwang.com removal. It might be a less time-consuming option. The software deletes the malware within a few minutes. Generally speaking, such a program is highly beneficial since it effectively blocks any malware.

However, you may ease its job by staying vigilant as well and sticking to legitimate search engines rather than opting for new ones. If you are still determined to renew your browsing experience, before you install a new browsing tool, check reviews whether it isn’t classified as a browser hijacker or doesn’t include any malicious features.

Keep in mind these precautions, and you will be able to remove Dongtaiwang.com and stop other similar infections before the infiltration.

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

Did this guide help?

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4 comments

  1. Fredy

    A Chinese browser hijacker? It seems that they are crafty at everything.

  2. Vanessa

    Surprisingly, I got infected wth it! I had the anti-spyware app remove it for me.

  3. Alvin29

    Cant believe it, but I have removed a computer virus with my own hands. Thank you for the help!

  4. Reese

    Very annoying chinese app, I had a hard time trying to remove it!!!! but thanks for providing instructions!!!

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