Online Document Converters is a browser extension with adware capabilities
Online Document Converters is a dubious browser extension used by crooks to generate revenue. It is promoted as a handy tool that can convert files quickly and easily. Instead, it acts as adware[1] and causes an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects.
Unfortunately, fraudsters may use rogue advertising networks that place ads leading to dangerous websites. As a result, people can end up on scam pages that try to trick them into providing personal information, downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[2] and even malware.
Although the name and the advertising of the plugin insinuate that it should help convert documents, there are no such functions. There is no reason to keep this application installed on your machine, especially because it raises many user privacy and security concerns.
| NAME | Online Document Converters |
| TYPE | Adware |
| SYMPTOMS | Annoying pop-ups and other types of advertisements start appearing on the screen |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | Links embedded in the ads might lead to dangerous websites |
| ELIMINATION | Eliminate the extension through your browser settings; scanning the machine with anti-malware tools is recommended |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to get rid of any remaining damage and to optimize the machine |
Use only official app stores
Crooks use multiple channels to spread their applications. However, most of the time people get infected with bogus extensions through fake downloader pages or “official” promotional websites created by fraudsters. There, they boast about all the non-existent functions and try to convince users to press the “Download” button.
That is why it is best to use official app stores. Apps that get listed there, have to go through an extensive review process. However, users should be responsible for their own security and always do their research – read the reviews look at the ratings, and the number of users.
In some cases, apps like Online Document Converters can appear without the users' knowledge. That can happen when using freeware distribution platforms. They include additional programs in the installers and do not disclose it clearly. You should pay attention during the installation process.
Always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The most important step is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any unrelated applications. Even though you may see prompts that state the additional programs are useful – pay no mind to it as most of them are designed to monetize user activity.
Remove Online Document Converters adware
Online Document Converters adware can be removed by going to the browser settings and looking at the extension list. We recommend removing plugins one by one to see if you notice any changes.
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.
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.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- 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.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Protect your privacy
Protecting your privacy while browsing the web is very important. One of the ways you can do that is by clearing cookies[3] and cache regularly. Cookies are small data files that can store information such as your IP address, websites you visit, links you click on, and things you purchase online.
Normally, websites and web-based applications use this data to personalize the user experience. However, it can be used by crooks to make a profit by selling it to advertising networks and other third parties. We recommend using a maintenance tool like FortectIntego that can take care of this issue automatically.
Besides, this powerful software can also fix various system errors, BSODs, corrupted files, and registry issues, which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If you completed all the previous steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you should check your system for other PUAs. We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries. Besides, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so it can be difficult to identify them. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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.
Windows 7/XP:
- 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.
Mac:
- 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.
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