Free Package Tracker Plus (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Free Package Tracker Plus Removal Guide
What is Free Package Tracker Plus?
Free Package Tracker Plus – adware-type browser extension that will flood your online sessions with ads
Free Package Tracker Plus is a potentially unwanted application that belongs to the adware category. These programs are usually distributed via deceptive methods, such as software bundle packages or fake Flash Player installers, and are designed to monitor users' online activities to monetize on ad revenue.
As a result, users might find that their browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, etc.) are experiencing constant redirects, search results are filled with sponsored links, and that pop-ups, in-text links, banners, coupons, deals, and other commercial offers are shown on almost every website that they visit. Despite this, Free Package Tracker Plus is presented as a useful app that can help people track their packages conveniently.
| Name | Free Package Tracker Plus |
| Type | Adware, potentially unwanted program |
| Infiltration | Adware developers usually employ deceptive techniques in order to distribute the software around to as many users as possible. These methods include software bundling, fake update prompts, deceptive ads, fraudulent virus warnings, etc. |
| Symptoms | Browser extension installed on the web browser; search queries are redirected to unknown sites; random clicks lead to scam sites, etc. |
| Risks | Privacy issues, monetary losses, installation of other potentially unwanted programs |
| Removal | You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs by following our instructions below |
| Further advice | In case you found apps you have never installed intentionally on your computer, you should also perform additional checks. It is recommended scanning the machine with anti-malware, resetting web browsers, and also repairing virus damage with tools such as FortectIntego |
Potentially unwanted programs such as Free Package Tracker Plus are very common, as they are used as a simple method to monetize on users' clicks. Just as programs like Magical Find, MplayerX, or Prozipper, this extension developers claim that it can bring significant benefits and enhance the web browsing experience. However, the app is not unique in any way and simply pretends to be useful – hence we advise you to opt for Free Package Tracker Plus removal.
First of all, Free Package Tracker Plus is usually distributed via software bundle packages, which allows sneaky installation behind users' backs. With the help of this method, optional components are inserted into a single installer – a fact that is rarely properly disclosed adequately.
Additionally, the so-called Free Package Tracker Plus virus can use shady ads to make users install the software intentionally. For example, many such ads are presented as pop-ups that claim that something is outdated (for example, Flash Player) or that a computer is infected with malware, which can be removed with the help of the offered application. These fake ads were observed not only distributing adware but also more severe infections, such as trojans or ransomware.
Once inside the system, Free Package Tracker Plus performs various changes within the web browser:
- Changes web browser settings without permission;
- Appends a Free Package Tracker Plus that might not always be visible immediately;
- Establishes browser cookies[1] for tracking purposes;
- Shows promos, discounts, coupons, and other ads that are intrusive;
- Redirects to potentially malicious websites (e.g., survey scams);
- Promotes applications that might be intrusive or even harmful, etc.
To make matters worse, the developers of Free Package Tracker Plus also track users in various ways and collect data such as websites visited, links clicked, timestamps, ISP, ads interacted with, browser version and language, etc. Typically, some personal data can also be harvested, which includes IP address or location (if a mobile device is used).
Thus, if you care for your privacy and do not want intrusive ads during your web browsing sessions, remove Free Package Tracker Plus immediately. For that, you should right-click on the extension and terminate it. In case it is not visible, or you installed a full application on your system, follow the instructions we provide below.
If you have problems with Free Package Tracker Plus termination, we recommend you employ automatic removal applications. In case malware was found, we also recommend using FortectIntego, which could help you fix some or all negative after-effects of the infection. Additionally, a full browser reset should be able to get rid of all the unwanted extensions installed.
Adware most commonly travels within software bundles
There are several factors that impact a wide distribution of potentially unwanted programs such as adware. Security researchers determined that adware is one of the most common browser infections worldwide.[2] Some of such PUPs might be simply misleading, although some adware might be straight out malicious. Therefore, it is important to understand that adware is very common, and can also result in a serious compromise of computer safety.
As mentioned above, adware authors use software bundle packages to deliver their creations to users' computers behind their backs. The developers abuse the fact that users are less attentive when installing new applications from third-party websites and usually just click “Next” until the process is complete. Unfortunately, that is the most common way of inviting adware on the system.
While adware uses deception, it is also important to note that users install it themselves (unlike malware). Therefore, it is important to be vigilant when browsing the web or downloading freeware. Here are a few tips provided by security experts from novirus.uk[3] – these could help you to avoid PUPs in the future:
- Before installing an app, read forum posts or reviews about it;
- Ensure that the app provides ToS and Privacy Policy;
- If possible, avoid less-known and shady sites that distribute software (torrents);
- Never download cracks or pirated software installers;
- When prompted, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones;
- Employ powerful anti-malware software that would warn you about viruses and PUPs.
Get rid of Free Package Tracker Plus quickly
Unintentional installation of adware is most likely always to be a problem, as these types of apps are developed and circulated around the internet in huge quantities. Besides, since deceptive methods are employed for their delivery, there will always be somebody that gets infected with Free Package Tracker Plus virus or another unwanted program.
In most cases, Free Package Tracker Plus removal should not cause you many issues, as browser extensions rarely penetrate computer settings, apart from those of the web browser. However, more advanced PUPs can use avoidance and persistence techniques, similarly to how malware does.
If you are having difficulties when trying to remove Free Package Tracker Plus extension from your web browser, you should also check the installed apps on your computer as per instructions below. Additionally, we recommend resetting a web browser to their default settings and scanning the PC with anti-malware software.
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 Free Package Tracker Plus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To uninstall potentially unwanted programs from Windows, go to the Control Panel:
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
Reset MS Edge in case you are unable to remove Free Package Tracker Plus in a regular way:
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
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 Free Package Tracker Plus 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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- ^ HTTP cookie. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ 2019 State of Malware. Malwarebytes. Official report.
- ^ Novirus.uk. Novirus.uk. Cybersecurity news and malware research.