TOPFlix (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Mar 2020
TOPFlix Removal Guide
What is TOPFlix?
TOPFlix is the DNS hijacker that belongs to adware-type threat family
This dubious application should allow users to enter sites that are blocked or restricted in particular countries. When users see those particular promises, they believe that the app is needed and useful for them. However, later on, when TOPFlix ads start appearing out of nowhere, and PUP triggers other activities, people become frustrated since they have no idea where the shady material comes from. This is the application that classifies as the potentially unwanted program because of the stealthy infiltration and other issues regarding the time online and systems' performance.
| Name | TopFlix |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Sponsored content, advertisements, browser redirects to questionable websites, and affected speed of the performance are the more common symptoms of this intruder. Also, it affects other computer functionalities, installs browser-based programs or even malware |
| Issues | The program exposes users' data to attackers, can collect browsing activities, other surfing-related data, and expose the person to possible malware-related sites. Program changes system settings and can damage some files or crucial features |
| Distribution | It is known that a particular program is included in various bundles with freeware, so it gets downloaded alongside PUPs |
| Elimination | Successful TOPFlix removal results can be achieved by running a proper anti-malware tool on the machine that can detect PUPs and other intruders, so all the symptoms and malicious activities of the program can end |
| Repair | Like other PUPs, TOPFlix tries to remain persistent, so registry entries and other files on the system get affected by the intruder. You need to repair that damage with tools like ReimageIntego |
While surfing the web, you might have accidentally run into the TOPFlix virus. This potentially unwanted application belongs to adware-type programs. However, even if it doesn‘t contain strict virus characteristics, you shouldn't take this PUP too lightly. It is able to generate hundreds of bothersome ads and redirect links in people's search results.
Additionally, due to such peculiarity, you might find yourself on questionable websites seeking to trick you into downloading suspicious programs. As you can see, you should not keep this program on your computer. If you have already installed it, you should consider fast TOPFlix removal instead.
Originally, TOPFlix was created as a DNS service, which provides access to restricted web sites. However, if it enters your system, you might notice an increasing amount of vivid advertisements trying to distract your attention and redirect you to sponsored websites.
Consequently, ads by TOPFlix redirect you to commercial websites trying to trick you into purchasing different products. In reality, these commercial offers are just pay-per-click ads[1] that are supposed to earn the money for their creators.
Beware that most of such advertisements do not contain any valuable information, so if you want to avoid useless purchases or installation of other unwanted programs on your computer, make sure you avoid any redirects and pop-ups or banners that appear on the screen out of nowhere.
Moreover, you can even notice that you can't access any desired website because TopFlix aims to modify DNS settings as soon as it enters the system. Beware that it can entirely readjust them according to the particular liking, and you might run into serious struggle while trying to access certain websites.
TOPFlix may activate virtual layers to show pop-ups, banners, and other content, so all the promotional ads are not originating from the page you visit initially. Some of those ads delivered to you can lead to malicious websites, so clicking on them can create risks of malware infections.
Likewise, it is advisable to remove TOPFlix without delay. However, the procedure can become difficult due to all the system changes and damage caused by the PUP itself or additional installations of threats. The easiest way to tackle the affected files and other parts of the device is to run a computer scan with a system cleaning or optimization program like ReimageIntego. 
Potentially unwanted programs invade computers via online content
A potentially unwanted program, such as this adware, can unnoticeably sneak into your computer along with freeware you install willingly.[3] You might wonder when and how it happens. Upon installing a new application, you select “Recommended” or “Quick” settings out of habit.
Therefore, all applications, programs, tools, and files that already got pre-checked easily get installed with the primary program. As a result, you find yourself in bewilderment, unable to remember when the PUP infiltrated your computer or how the infection happened without your knowledge.
Alternatively, next time you install free software, click “Advanced” or “Custom” installation settings, and then deselect any suspicious optional apps. All in all, keep an eye on possible attachments attempting to tiptoe into your computer so that you could avoid hijack in the future. Always trust only official sources.
TOPFlix removal guide and tips for cleaning adware traces
If you want to banish the TOPFlix virus from your computer, you should take the following actions. You can choose either a manual elimination or automatic removal method. Considering the tricky behavior and highly malicious intentions of this PUP, you may find manual guidelines too tricky.
Thus, we offer to install an anti-spyware program to remove TOPFlix once and for all. It will eliminate it in a blink of an eye. In case you still have doubts and want to ensure that the tool did its job, you can check the manual removal instructions provided below.
Finally, we would like to remind you to cautiously install new programs and restrain from peeking into suspicious websites, using torrent services or pirating. Also, remember to run a tool that could fix system issues for you after the initial TOPFlix removal.
You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. 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 TOPFlix. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Get rid of the TOPFlix virus by following the steps here:
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 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)
Clean your browser to avoid infections in the future
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 Options.
- 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
You may find additional browser extensions or tools added by the intruder without your permission, so reset the browser to default fully and eliminate any TOPFlix traces
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 TOPFlix 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: ReimageIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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- ^ Pay-per-click. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Jon Watson. DNS changer malware: how to detect it and protect yourself. Comparitech. Information security blog.
- ^ Lesvirus. Lesvirus. Spyware related news.