Remove OpenCandy ads (Removal Guide)

OpenCandy is an application that injects computers with unwanted programs

OpenCandy virus

Adware OpenCandy is a dubious application created by SweetLabs which infiltrates machines with other unwanted software, including browser hijackers,^[1] browser add-ons or toolbars, other adware programs, system optimizers, questionable security software, etc. Adware comes bundled together with most popular Windows programs, such as uTorrent, Flvto YouTube Downloader, Freemake Video Converter, and many others. The suspicious app also spies on users by gathering a certain type of information without their knowledge and sends it out to third-parties for marketing purposes.

Unlike many other adware apps that are easy to get rid of, OpenCandy acts more like a virus during the installation – it forcefully changes DNS settings, appends local proxy, modifies boot configuration data, stops Windows updates. injects processes into system, etc. With the help of these modifications, it is capable of hijacking Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another browser, redirect traffic, inject ads, and render a Windows computer vulnerable^[2] to cyber attacks.

Due to its deceptive distribution, operation and persistence techniques, OpenCandy is detected by multiple security vendors under the following names: PUA:Win32/CandyOpen, OpenCandy (PUA), PotentialRisk.PUA/OpenCandy.Gen, A Variant Of Win32/OpenCandy.A Potentially Unsafe, Adware.OpenCandy.137, Win32:OpenCandy-D [PUP], and others.^[3]

SUMMARY
Name	OpenCandy
Type	Adware
Developed by	SweetLabs
First seen	29.11.2010
Processes	spidentifier.exe and rundll32.exe
Distribution	Software bundling, deceptive ads, fake update prompts
Symptoms	Changed homepage, extra apps installed without consent, advertisements, redirects, etc.
Elimination	You can delete potentially unwanted programs manually, although not all elements might be deleted this way – you should employ anti-malware and use it to delete PUPs automatically instead
System fix	PUA:Win32/CandyOpen performs a variety of unwanted changes on the system – these might not be reverted/fixed by security software. Thus, we recommend using Fortect Intego for the purpose

OpenCandy can change startup page by modifying Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or other browser's settings, install additional components without permission (such as Pokki), which can ultimately lead to intrusive advertisement and rerouting practices. It is not a secret that adware dramatically diminishes web surfing experience and is never welcomed on any PC. Nevertheless, the app enters machines legally, as users technically (although most likely unintentionally) accept the installation.

Open Candy is a Windows executable file which was first noticed in November 2010. The software module consists of a Microsoft Windows library, that can be hidden in any Windows installer. The Task Manager usually shows the following processes running: spidentifier.exe and rundll32.exe, although other processes used by unintentionally installed programs may run as well. Users should remove OpenCandy virus to stop these processes, as well as prevent the infiltration of additional unwanted programs.

PUA:Win32/CandyOpen also modifies Windows registry to launch with every system boot for persistence reasons. As a result, users who want to uninstall the app from their systems might not be able to. Additionally, possibly the most dangerous trait of this adware is that it prevents Windows from automatically download system updates and disables User Account Control – both of these features are used for security and cyberattack prevention.

PUA:Win32/CandyOpen detection

Some of the applications that distribute OpenCandy adware are well-known and reputable. One might ask why respected developers would include such dubious app in their installers? The answer is quite simple – revenue. Software development often costs a lot of money and authors simply want to gain extra cash by bundling unwanted programs. It has been publicized minimally before, and developers do not like to speak about it. Nevertheless, it is slowly coming to light: we all know that Java popularized the notorious Ask toolbar, which is now considered malware by Microsoft.^[4]

Be careful when installing one of these applications, as they might include Open Candy bundled:

DivX
Avast Antivirus Free
FileZilla
uTorrent
PDFCreator
mIRC, etc.

As we already mentioned, OpenCandy is adware program which seeks to gain monetary benefit by injecting additional programs into as many users' PCs as possible. Every install results in revenue, therefore, it is the biggest developers' interest. Ultimately, installed programs clutter and bloat the system, resulting in a frustrating experience for users. Thus, even though it might seem like some programs are “free” – they are not.

To further increase the benefit for themselves, Open Candy creators gather data about users' browsing activities and share it with third parties. This is widely practiced across many platforms; however, it is done without users' consent, which is highly controversial practice.

Adware programs do not bring any benefit and only flood the PC with unnecessary software. Thus, we suggest performing OpenCandy removal as soon as possible. The easiest way to terminate potentially unwanted apps along with the invisible malware is to scan the device with SpyHunter Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes, or other reputable security software. In case the anti-virus does not fix the changes made by the infection, we recommend using Fortect Intego as an automatic solution.

OpenCandy unwanted program

Adware slips in into machines undetected due to software bundling

Seemingly, unwanted apps may show up entirely out of nowhere. It is not true, however, and you did give your permission to install these applications (even without noticing it). Next, Next, Next, Next… done! That is what most people do during the installation of software. Do we need to mention Term and Conditions? Nobody reads that. Right? Well, it is a bad practice, as these documents can provide vital information on what you agree to.

Unfortunately, not many of us do that, as we all want to be done with the installation as soon as possible. It is a wrong way to approach it, as this behavior can compromise your virtual safety and computer security. Thus, be attentive and do not rush. Carefully look at each of the installation steps, and always pick Advanced settings when prompted. Then, eliminate all the pre-ticked components before the process is complete. Naturally, Recommended or Quick method should be avoided at all times – it might hinder the option to opt out of unwanted programs.

Best strategies to remove OpenCandy virus from the infected computer

Technically, OpenCandy virus belongs to the category of potentially unwanted programs and is, mostly, harmless. However, security experts^[5] note that it may also cause a bunch of various inconveniences during your browsing sessions, such as system slowdowns, suspicious redirects, the appearance of annoying advertisements and so on.

If you want to prevent all that, we recommend you remove OpenCandy right away. For that, you can either follow a guide provided below and get rid of this adware manually or install one of the anti-spyware programs to perform automatic elimination on your computer. In fact, we highly recommend you to select automatic OpenCandy removal option to make sure that every component related to this adware is gone.

Additionally, since PUA:Win32/CandyOpen also modifies the DNS settings, you should ensure that you reset them to default. Here's how to do that:

Right-click on Start and select Settings
Go to Network & Internet and select Ethernet on the left
On the right, pick Change adapter options
Right-click on your connection and select Properties
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and pick Properties
Check Obtain DNS server automatically and click OK.

After the app is gone, ensure that you check for the latest Windows updates via the settings panel and install them as required.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:

In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:

Select Go > Go to Folder.
Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
Pick Manage Add-ons.
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:

Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
Select Internet Options.
In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:

Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
Under Browsing history, click Delete...
Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:

Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
Select Reset.
In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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 Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:

Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
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.

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
Then find On startup section.
Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

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.

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.
This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:

Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
Choose Settings.
Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:

Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:

Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:

Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

How to remove OpenCandy ads

OpenCandy is an application that injects computers with unwanted programs

Adware slips in into machines undetected due to software bundling