EasyPDFCombine Toolbar (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Dec 2019
EasyPDFCombine Toolbar Removal Guide
What is EasyPDFCombine Toolbar?
EasyPDFCombine Toolbar – a random extension that sets the default search engine to Myway.com or Ask.com
EasyPDFCombine Toolbar, developed by Mindspark Interactive, is a free extension that can be downloaded from its official website easypdfcombine.com. The plug-in is claimed to be a tool capable of merging separate PDF files into one PDF and enabling various tools related to convenient PDF usage and sharing. Even though this feature might sound great to you, you will not be that delighted when you see what EasyPDFCombine Toolbar is truly capable of. After getting installed on any type of web browser, the extension sets the default search provider to Myway.com or Ask.com and also alters the browser's homepage and new tab URL settings. As you can see, the tool starts acting as a browser hijacker after being installed on the browser app.
| Name | EasyPDFCombine Toolbar |
|---|---|
| Type | System tool/extension/browser hijacker |
| Creator | Mindspark Interactive is the official developer of this tool |
| Changes | This suspicious product modifies browser settings such as the default homepage, new tab URL bar, and search provider that is set to Myway.com or Ask.com |
| Activities | The PUP can initiate activities such as frequent advertising, deal offering, redirecting to other domains, installing suspicious extensions and plug-ins, collecting data about the user's browsing activities, etc. |
| Distribution | You can download the tool from its official domain, however, it is more likely to appear on users' computer systems through a deceptive marketing technique known as “bundling” |
| Removal tip | You can delete the potentially unwanted application by employing automatical software or by completing the task manually (check out our provided step-by-step guidelines at the end of this page) |
| System repair | If you have discovered that some system files and other components got compromised during the suspicious activities, you have a chance of repairing everything back to normal by employing software such as FortectIntego |
The tool has earned the name of EasyPDFCombine Toolbar virus regarding its sneaky distribution techniques and unwanted activities that it hides while presenting itself as a useful product. Before installing it, we recommend reading the EULA and Privacy Policy of this program and you will see that it might be potentially dangerous to use this application. Here is a quote from its End User License Agreement proving that the up is unsecured:
MS Products are exposed to various security issues, and should be regarded as unsecure. By accepting this Agreement, you acknowledge and accept that the MS Products and any information you download or offer to share by means of an MS Product, may be exposed to unauthorized access, interception, corruption, damage or misuse, and should be regarded as insecure. You accept all responsibility for such security risks and any damage resulting therefrom.
Discovering bogus changes in your web browsers is not the only negative side of EasyPDFCombine Toolbar. The browser hijacker might also add other extensions and plug-ins[1] that can take you to affiliate sources some of which might not only be a part of a marketing strategy but can also hold malware somewhere inside.
Continuously, EasyPDFCombine Toolbar might load you with unwanted pop-up notifications that come filled with suspicious deals and offers. You might be suggested to download/install some type of rogue product or service for an inadequate price. This is how some developers support their third-party programs.
Furthermore, EasyPDFCombine Toolbar might be capable of recording your browsing data such as commonly visited websites, hyperlinks and adverts accessed, bookmarks saved, your IP address, geolocation. Afterward, the developers use such data for sharing with other parties or getting you involved in targeted advertising campaigns.
Also, when EasyPDFCombine Toolbar alters your search settings, you are forced to use the new search engine until the browser hijacker is permanently removed. As a result, you might not be provided with misleading search query results or taken to destinations that you were not even expecting to be while browsing the web.
EasyPDFCombine Toolbar removal is a way to prevent this. You will need to download reliable anti-malware software or proceed with the step-by-step guidelines that have been added to the end of this website. Note that you need to clean both your computer system and all hijacked web browser applications.
When you remove EasyPDFCombine Toolbar from your machine and browsers, you should check if the PUP did not compromise any system files or entries. If you find some affected components, you should try repairing them with a tool such as FortectIntego as you might be able to get positive results.
PUP appearance on computers and browsers
Experts from NoVirus.uk[2] claim that potentially unwanted programs can sneak into the computer system from multiple locations. Most commonly, browser hijackers and other unwanted products get into the machine with the help of a deceptive marketing technique called “software bundling”.[3]
This often happens when the user does not pay attention to what type of downloading/installing mode he/she has chosen. You should avoid any “Quick” or “Basic” configuration and set the option to “Advanced” or “Custom”. The second option allows users to be in control of their downloads and op- out the unwanted ones.
Continuously, potentially unwanted programs can get delivered through suspicious hyperlinks and advertisements that occur while browsing in third-party websites. Avoid clicking on unknown locations, close all questionable websites, and do not proceed to a web page which is marked as an unsafe one.
Last but not least, PUPs sometimes come camouflaged as fake software updates, especially Flash Player ones. Do not download any unknown upgrades if you are provided by some randomly. If you have any concerns about a certain update, go to the app's official website and check all newly-released upgrades there.
Removing EasyPDFCombine Toolbar automatically and manually
EasyPDFCombine Toolbar removal is necessary if you want to restore your browser settings back to normal. First of all, make sure that you get rid of the app from your computer system and then continue with your web browsers. You have two options for the elimination task. You can download antimalware software and leave the job for the program or you can complete the deletion by yourself by using step-by-step guidelines.
We always recommend eliminating various PUPs and threats automatically because this method is safer and more effective. The program can detect all the hidden products in your computer and eliminate them at once. However, if you are still more likely to deal with this task yourself, take a look at the following instructing steps and learn how to clean your OS and web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and others.
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 EasyPDFCombine Toolbar. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To remove suspicious applications from your Windows computer system, you should learn how to complete these guiding steps
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
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
To reverse all browser settings back to their previous position and eliminate unwanted components, take a look at the below-provided guide
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
To clean Google Chrome from suspicious changes and remove all bogus extensions, you should follow these instructions
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 EasyPDFCombine Toolbar 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
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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- ^ Anita George. What Are Plugins And How Do They Work?. Lifewire.com. An independent news source.
- ^ NoVirus. NoVirus. Security and spyware news.
- ^ Bundled Software. Computer Hope. Free computer help since 1998.