SuperPDFSearch (Removal Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
SuperPDFSearch Removal Guide
What is SuperPDFSearch?
SuperPDFSearch – is a PUP that shows ads as search results and redirects to fake search sites
SuperPDFSearch browser hijacker changes browser settings to redirect all searches
SuperPDFSearch is a browser hijacker that redirects user search inquiries through feed.superpdfsearch.com after it changes browsers default search engine, new tab, and homepage preferences. By doing so, it is able to collect various browsing-related data and show tons of advertisements.
In most cases, people don't install apps like these willingly. Therefore, SuperPDFSearch is considered a potentially unwanted program,[1] (PUP for short) and a browser hijacker. Its promoted search site is fake as it doesn't generate any results. Once a search query is typed in and Enter is pressed, a new tab opens.
Then users, depending on their geolocation, can see glimpses of other pages that they're rerouted through until search results from legitimate websites like Google, Bing, Yahoo, are shown. But SuperPDFSearch ads are inserted in them. This PUP can be installed either as a browser extension or an application. Whatever the case is, we'll explain to you how to get rid of it.
name | SuperPDFSearch |
---|---|
Type | Adware, browser hijacker, redirect virus, PUP |
IP address | 104.21.48.188 |
Altered browser settings | Default search engine, new tab, and homepage |
Symptoms | Modified browser settings, all searches are redirected through feed.superpdfsearch.com, ads shown in search results, slower device performance |
Risks | PUPs can gather browsing information and share it with third-parties. Deceptive ads may cause other PUP installations |
distribution | Deceptive ads, software bundles, fake installers/updaters |
removal | Get rid of the PUP with professional anti-malware tools. If the redirects continue, refer to our instructions below on how to reset your browsers |
System fix | Repair corrupted system files and clean up your device with the FortectIntego system tune-up tool |
There's more than one reason why people wouldn't want to install and use a browser hijacker. First of all, SuperPDFSearch ads are shown in altered search results or as recommended searches. These ads may lead to questionable portals where users could be tricked into installing additional PUPs.
Second, all search results are coming not from a search engine of your choice but from the one that the PUP appoints. And lastly, SuperPDFSearch browser hijacker is capable of collecting browser habits, and its operators might share this data with third-parties. The gathered data may include:
- browser details,
- device info,
- search inquiries,
- clicked links,
- visited sites,
- IP addresses,
- geolocations, etc.
Due to all of this, if you were tricked into installing this PUP or it got on your system unknowingly, it's time to get rid of it. Like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, trustworthy anti-malware tools should be used to remove SuperPDFSearch from your device automatically. Open the security tool, perform a full system scan, and eliminate all suspicious files.
Users might have to finish SuperPDFSearch removal manually. We've added detailed instructions at the bottom of the page on eliminating this PUP from Safari, Chrome, and other browsers. Afterward, experts[2] advise performing a system optimization with the FortectIntego tool to ensure that no system files or settings were affected.
SuperPDFSearch ads are displayed as search results
Browser hijackers are most commonly spread with bundled software
Browser hijackers, such as CoolStreamSearch virus, Fastcaptchasolver.com virus, SearchConverterPro virus, and others, aren't as dangerous as Trojans,[3] ransomware, and other malware. They're categorized as potentially unwanted programs because people usually install them unknowingly but with indirect consent.
This happens when a software or freeware bundle is installed with Recommended or Standard mode. The trick is that all bundle applications, including any PUPs, like adware or browser hijackers, are preselected for installation. Therefore, users should stay cautious when getting such software.
You can evade PUPs from bundles in two ways. Either download all desired applications directly from their developers, or if you desperately want an app that comes in a pack, choose the Advanced/Custom installation mode. Then go step-by-step, removing ticks from preselected boxes of software you had no idea will be installed, don't want, and don't trust.
SuperPDFSearch removal instructions from devices and affected browsers
SuperPDFSearch virus could infect both computers and cell phones. It can be installed either as a browser extension or as an application. Whatever the case may be, we're here to help you. First of all, open your security tool. If you don't have one, it's time to get one so you could browse the internet safely.
Pick the full system scan and wait until it's finished. Then choose SuperPDFSearch removal along with other potentially unwanted programs or unknown files. Afterward, run a system repair with appropriate tools to make sure no core system files or settings were affected, as that may lead to crashing, freezing, lag, and other system issues.
If you're still redirected through the fake search site and see the altered search results, you'll have to remove SuperPDFSearch from your used browsers manually. That will take just a few minutes if you follow our directions posted below this paragraph.
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 SuperPDFSearch. 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
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 SuperPDFSearch 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
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.