Online Video Converter (virus) - 2021 update
Online Video Converter Removal Guide
What is Online Video Converter?
Online Video Converter is the site focused on advertising and pushing installation of useless apps
The virus is an adware-type application causing fake ads on user's favorite web browsers.
Online Video Converter is an adware-type virus that causes numerous ads while people are browsing online. While it is a legitimate online web application offering quick files conversion from Youtube and similar sources, the OnlineVideoConverter virus has already annoyed its victims by filling their searches with in-text links, banner ads, and similar content. The app can be used via hxxps://www.onlinevideoconverter.com/ or an extension can be downloaded for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari browsers. Despite it being legitimate, dangerous redirecting tendencies make most of the users question its functionality.
Name | Online Video Converter virus |
---|---|
Type | PUP, adware |
Main problems caused | Continuous pop-up ads, scams, and redirects to unknown websites |
Distribution | Freeware bundling, deceptive sites |
removal | To get rid of the adware rely on anti-malware tools |
Main dangers | There is a possibility of being redirected to a malicious website seeking to swindle personal information or infect the system with malware |
Repair | Try to run FortectIntego for the improvement in systems' performance |
If users check their browser stores, they will not find the mentioned extension. It can only be downloaded from the official website. Nevertheless, the most prevalent distribution method of this questionable application is bundling. Adware[1] programs are often distributed using this method.
A lot of people might find the app useful as it can convert various video files from one format to another. However, this service is free for a reason. The main problem with the OnlineVideoConverter virus is that it displays a substantial amount of ads, popups, offers, deals, banners, and similar non-stop. In most cases, the browser extension[2] is the culprit.
In some cases, popups might display phishing messages (such as Win an iPhone X scam or E.tre456_worm_osx scam) which can lead to monetary loss or personal information disclosure. The data leak might be used by cybercriminals to attack victims and steal their identity or/and their money. Thus, you should remove Online Video Converter ads ASAP.
Also, this extension can cause continual redirects while users browse the internet. These rerouting tendencies can be potentially dangerous, and victims might end up on websites that can run malicious JavaScripts to download and install malware on their PCs.
Hence, it is essential to initiate Online Video Converter removal before it can cause any damage to your computer. The easiest way to eliminate unwanted applications is by employing a reputable security tool like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes. This application is designed to deal with not only adware and PUPs but also much more dangerous viruses, such as ransomware or spyware.
Users who do not have an extension installed and decide to use the service might still be at risk. As soon as a user enters the link of the file to be converted, he is exposed to numerous ads and popups. Developers of the service state in the website privacy policy that they take no responsibility for the third-party content:
The Website may contain links to third party websites that are not owned or controlled by OnlineVideoConverter.com. OnlineVideoConverter.com is not affiliated with those websites, has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party websites.
Ads by Online Video Converter might seem like a useful service which can convert files to various formats. However, its redirecting tendencies are alarming.
Unwanted programs spread around using misleading content
Research conducted by wubingdu.cn[3] concluded that adware is typically distributed by employing bundling tactics. Sadly, this questionable distribution method is entirely legitimate and used by many free software developers all over the world. Thus, it is essential to be attentive while browsing the internet and installing freeware.
- Questionable applications can be avoided by following these rules:
- Never download programs from third-party websites. Pick an official download source;
- Before installing an unknown application, always check reviews online – it can help you to decide whether you need the app;
- While installing free software, make sure to pick Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Default ones. Bundling allows developers to hide additional components in Recommended/Default mode. Therefore, untick any pre-checked tick marks if you see any;
- Read through EULA/Privacy Policy before you proceed with the installation. Quite often, the most critical information about the program is described there;
- Avoid websites of dubious content (such as online gambling, porn, free online gaming, etc.).
Remove Online Video Converter and stop those advertising campaigns
If you noticed that ads from onlinevideoconverter.com are continuously disturbing your browsing sessions, you should hurry up and eliminate unwanted extensions from your PC. If you wonder how to remove Online Video Converter ads – there are two easy ways to do that. You can pick either a manual or automatic method.
We do not recommend you to uninstall the shady application manually because you need to be familiar with computer processes and similar components. However, if you are confident that you can accomplish manual elimination yourself, you can check our step-by-step guide below this article. Remember, the execution of this process must be precise as you risk re-infection of the virus.
Anyone can perform automatic OnlineVideoConverter virus removal. All you have to do is download robust security software. Then, follow the instructions provided during the installation, update the program to the latest version, and carry out a full computer scan.
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 Online Video Converter. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
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
We highly recommend you to uninstall potentially unwanted applications by following these guidelines:
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
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 Online Video Converter 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
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
- ^ All about adware. Malwarebytes. Malware researchers.
- ^ Scott Hanselman. Can you trust your browser extensions? Exploring an ad-injecting chrome extension. Scott Hanselman. Official blog.
- ^ Wubingdu.cn. Wubingdu. Chinese IT professionals.