PDFConverterSearchApp (Removal Instructions) - Simple Removal Guide

PDFConverterSearchApp Removal Guide

What is PDFConverterSearchApp?

PDFConverterSearchApp – a PUP that will force you to use a search engine of its choice

PDFConverterSearchApp virusPDFConverterSearchApp virus redirects all search traffic through a fake search engine

PDFConverterSearchApp is a browser hijacker that alters particular browser preferences, including the default search engine, homepage, and the new tab, in order to redirect all search traffic through a fake search site. By doing so, it can gather non-personal information and display altered search results either from Yahoo or Searchlee (which also is a shady search site).

Once PDFConverterSearchApp browser hijacker is installed on your device, every time you launch your browser or a new tab, a feed.pdfconvertersearchapp.com website will be opened. When you type something into its search window or in the URL bar, a new tab will open with search results from a totally different site and some ads inserted in them.

If you see any of these symptoms, we're glad you came to us for help. In this article, we'll explain how potentially unwanted programs[1] (PUPs) function, what are the risks of using them, how they are distributed, and of course, what are the removal options.

name PDFConverterSearchApp
Type Redirect virus, PUP, browser hijacker
Promoted URL feed.pdfconvertersearchapp.com
IP address 172.67.162.73
Altered browser settings Homepage, new tab, default search engine
Distribution Software bundles, fake Flash Player updates/installs, deceptive ads
Symptoms Modified default search engine and other browser preferences, intrusive ads, slower device performance
Risks Browser hijackers are capable of gathering browsing-related data and causing redirects to malicious sites. Such actions might lead to other PUP installation, privacy issues, financial losses
Removal Eliminate all suspicious files and unrecognized apps by running a full system scan with a reliable anti-malware tool
System fix Remove all tracking cookies and restore altered system settings and files with an all-in-one FortectIntego system tune-up tool

Due to their stealthy installation techniques and the way they operate, browser hijackers, such as HDMusicStreamSearch, Browser Checkup for Chrome by Doctor virus, Search.assistivedata.com virus, and others are categorized as potentially unwanted programs, thus they shouldn't be used.

A couple of more reasons to convince you to eliminate PDFConverterSearchApp PUP from your computer is that it might record your browsing habits, including:

  • visited sites,
  • used apps,
  • browser and device details,
  • search inquiries,
  • IP addresses,
  • geolocations,
  • etc.

Advertisers primarily use this collected data to present you with customized ads. Furthermore, PDFConverterSearchApp ads might redirect you to hazardous sites with explicit, inappropriate, or harmful content. PUP operators don't care where their cash flow comes from as far as it does so that they can promote various malicious sites.

If that's not enough, browser hijackers can cause redirects to these sites without you even pressing on anything. Harmful portals could try to push to install other worthless apps and draw out private details by showing various tech support scams or even downloading severe malware directly to your device. PDFConverterSearchApp is not a program that could provide any value, so make sure to get rid of it.

PDFConverterSearchApp browser hijackerPDFConverterSearchApp browser hijacker shows search results from unreliable sources

We hope that all this info has convinced you to remove PDFConverterSearchApp immediately. According to many user reviews, the best anti-malware tools for such a task are either SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Scan your pc and proceed with all the recommended steps that the security tool suggests.

Afterward, you'll have to take care of the system's overall health and the tracking cookies that possible malicious websites have left on your device. Cybersecurity experts[2] highly recommend using the powerful FortectIntego system repair tool right after a successful PDFConverterSearchApp removal to take care of all system-related issues.

Believing in deceptive ads might lead to PUP infections

We've all seen ads that seem too good to be true, and in many cases, they are. Deceptive ads can be seen when visiting shady websites or if your computer or cell phone is infected with adware,[3] browser hijackers, or other PUPs. These ads can be seen as pop-ups, notifications, banners, and all other forms.

If you ever come across an ad stating that some software will boost your device's performance by a few hundred percents, increase downloading speed, or that you've been selected as a winner for some prize, please be aware that these are just tricks used to force you into visiting questionable sites.

PDFConverterSearchApp PUPPDFConverterSearchApp ads are shown in altered search results

Our research shows that in most cases, software spread through deceptive ads is useless. It will show false-positive results either for malware infections, various system issues, and alike to convince you into buying a licensed version of the worthless software. Please don't click on any ads that sound utopian.

Remove PDFConverterSearchApp virus and restore your browser settings

Potentially unwanted programs tend to advertise similar shady products, so if there's a PDFConverterSearchApp browser hijacker installed on your device, you might soon have adware and other PUP infections. Therefore, you should consider eliminating it immediately before your device is overrun with junkware.

We highly recommend using anti-malware tools to remove PDFConverterSearchApp from affected devices. You could try and uninstall it manually, but that could leave its residual components. So you're better off launching your security tool and performing a full system scan that would identify, locate, and terminate all associated files.

Once PDFConverterSearchApp removal is done, run system diagnostics with proper system repair tools to clean all tracking cookies and fix any system inconsistencies. Then use our guides below to restore altered browser settings so you could continue enjoying your device anew.

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.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of PDFConverterSearchApp. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete from macOS

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash) Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files. Uninstall from Mac 2

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click on Uninstall at the bottom. Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear. Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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. Reset MS Edge

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.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. 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 Advanced MS Edge reset 2

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now. Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset. Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. 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. Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data. Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

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 PDFConverterSearchApp 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

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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