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DNSAdlocker – Description and Removal Manual

Name DNSAdlocker
Type PUP, adware.
Short Description DNSAdlocker is promoted as an application to improve the user’s online experience.
Symptoms May run suspicious background processes. PC Slowdowns. Intrusive advertised content.
Distribution Method Via freeware packages (bundling), or from its official website and shareware pages. Possible via redirects to such pages.
Detection tool Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By DNSAdlocker

DnsAdlocker pop-up preview.

DnsAdlocker pop-up preview.

An ad-supported unwanted program, called DNSAdlocker has recently become the reason for many complaints in online forums. The main cause of those complaints is the advertised content, this annoying PUP may display. Originally such pop-ups, ad-supported search results, highlighted text and other adverts may lead to malicious third-party sites that are being advertised this way. This is why the immediate removal of DNSAdlocker from any machine is highly advisable.

How Did I Install DNSAdlocker?

One way to get affected by this bad chunk of code is by clicking on online advertisements that may initiate a download of such software that is being advertised as a useful tool of some sort. Another way to get affected by it is by downloading programs like torrent engines, media players, file converters and others from free software providing sites. This can happen if the site providing the free software decides to include PUPs, like DNSAdlocker as free ‘extras’ in the installer program. It is otherwise known as bundling, and it is a very effective method of massive software distribution over the web. It is also a profitable marketing service, and this is why many third-party services prefer it.

DNSAdlocker in Detail

Similar to DNS Unlocker, DNS Unblocker and DNS Keeper, once installed on your computer, this malicious program may run as an active .exe application on your computer and slow it down. Some affected users also believe that they have experienced internet connection problems with their computers, mainly related to their DNS settings. More to it than that, this software may employ tracking technologies on your computer, such as:

  • Browsing cookies.
  • Session cookies.
  • Web beacons.
  • Flash Cookies (Or Local Shared Objects).
  • Pixels

Those technologies could track the user’s online clicks, website visits, and bookmarks with the one and only purpose of implementing behavioral advertising. This means that they may display targeted ads based on the user’s searches. Usually, the advertisements displayed are two types:

  • Some may display ads, based on what the user searches most in general on the internet from the beginning of time.
  • Some may display advertisements based on the moment i.e. if a user searches for something or visits something the ads may pop-up instantly on that subject.

More to it than that, the sole generating and the displaying of advertisements by DNSAdlocker may in some cases cause PC slowdowns. This is because it generally consumes a lot of random access memory(RAM) and processing power (CPU).

The main reason these ads are dangerous, however, is the detail that they often redirect the user to third-party websites. Since most adware developers do not mind as to what it is they advertise, they often promote suspicious sites. And some shady sites may conceal different dangers from the user:

  • Malicious drive-by downloads that may infect the user’s computer with Malware (Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Scareware, etc.)
  • Fake customer support toll-free scams that scare the user with different messages and make him conduct expensive phone calls.
  • Subscribing of users to an expensive SMS service that drains money from their SIM cards.
  • Scam users into filling out fake registration forms with their personal and financial information as a part of a fake prize claims or participation in surveys with a reward of some sort.

These are most likely not even half of the threats that are connected with online cyber-crime. They are constantly evolving, and this is why it is important to keep up to date with them all time.

Removing DNSAdlocker

Similar to most adware PUPs, the removal of this program is not a tricky process. To manually uninstall it, just follow the removal instructions illustrated below. And since this program may modify settings on your computer that cost a lot of time to restore manually you have several options. One is to restore your your OS to an earlier checkpoint from System Restore (for Windows users) or download an anti-malware program that will find and eliminate all left-over objects after manual uninstall of DNSAdlocker.

And if you are concerned about cookies, please check these instructions to disable them:

For Google Chrome:

Go to Options/Advanced Settings/Privacy/Content Settings/Cookies and modify what to allow and to block.

For Internet Explorer:

Go to the Privacy Tab of the Internet Options from Tools. Use the slider to set the protection level or check Advanced Settings.

Mozilla Firefox:

Go to Tools/Cookie Manager or go to Edit/Preferences/Privacy and Security and set options in the Cookie section. There are three possibilities: Block, Session, Allow. If you want to block completely them, you should press block, but bear in mind that you may not be able to use some websites.

For Opera:

Go to Settings/Preferences (Ctrl+F12 hotkeys). After that go to Advanced/Cookies and choose one of the following options:

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall DNSAdlocker in Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

  • Hold the Windows Logo Button and “R” on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear (fig.1).
  • uninstall-virus-fig1

  • In the field type in “appwiz.cpl” and press ENTER (fig.2).
  • uninstall-virus-fig2

  • This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC.
    Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
  • uninstall-virus-fig3

    Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall DNSAdlocker.

    Step 2: Remove DNSAdlocker from your browser

    Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer Remove a toolbar from Safari
    Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window

    uninstall-fig4

    Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu

    uninstall-fig5

    Select DNSAdlocker and click “Remove

    uninstall-fig6

    After DNSAdlocker is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.

    Start Google Chrome and Open the drop menu

    uninstall-fig7

  • Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions
  • uninstall-fig8

  • From the opened “Extensions” menu locate DNSAdlocker and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.
  • uninstall-fig9

  • After DNSAdlocker is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
  • Start Internet Explorer:

  • Click “‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
  • uninstall-fig10

  • In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window, make sure that in the first window ‘Add-on Types’, the drop menu ‘Show’ is on ‘All add-ons’
  • uninstall-fig11

    Select DNSAdlocker to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.

    uninstall-fig12

    After DNSAdlocker has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.

    Start Safari

    Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
    uninstall-fig13

    From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
    In the new window select ‘Extensions’
    Click once on DNSAdlocker
    Click ‘Uninstall’

    uninstall-fig14

    A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall DNSAdlocker. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the DNSAdlocker will be removed.

    Step 3: Remove DNSAdlocker automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.

    To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all DNSAdlocker associated objects.

    NOTE! Substantial notification about the DNSAdlocker threat: Manual removal of DNSAdlocker requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

    Berta Bilbao

    Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

    More Posts

    • Windows
    • Mac OS X
    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Safari
    • Internet Explorer
    • Stop Push Pop-ups

    How to Remove DNSAdlocker from Windows.


    Step 1: Scan for DNSAdlocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

    1.1 Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


    It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


    1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

    SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 1


    1.3 After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

    SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 2


    1.4 After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

    SpyHunter Install and Scan for Viruses Step 3

    If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.


    Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

    2.1 Hold Windows key + R


    2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
    boot your pc in safe mode step 1


    2.3 Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

    boot your pc in safe mode step 2

    Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


    2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
    boot your pc in safe mode step 3


    2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
    boot your pc in safe mode step 4


    Step 3: Uninstall DNSAdlocker and related software from Windows

    Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


    3.1 Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

    boot your pc in safe mode step 5


    3.2 In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

    boot your pc in safe mode step 6


    3.3 This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
    boot your pc in safe mode step 7Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.


    Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by DNSAdlocker on Your PC.

    The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

    You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by DNSAdlocker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

    4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
    clean malicious registries step 1


    4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

    clean malicious registries step 2


    4.3 You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

    clean malicious registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.


    Video Removal Guide for DNSAdlocker (Windows).


    Get rid of DNSAdlocker from Mac OS X.


    Step 1: Uninstall DNSAdlocker and remove related files and objects

    1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
    uninstall virus from mac step 1


    1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

    uninstall virus from mac step 2


    1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to DNSAdlocker:

    uninstall virus from mac step 3

    Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

    uninstall virus from mac step 4


    1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.


    1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to DNSAdlocker. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

    uninstall virus from mac step 5


    1.6 Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.

    Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to DNSAdlocker. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.


    1.7 Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

    • Go to Finder.
    • In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
    • Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
    • If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

    In case you cannot remove DNSAdlocker via Step 1 above:

    In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

    Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

    1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

    uninstall virus from mac step 6

    2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

    uninstall virus from mac step 7

    3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as DNSAdlocker. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

    uninstall virus from mac step 8

    You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

    → ~/Library/LaunchAgents
    /Library/LaunchDaemons

    Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.


    Step 2: Scan for and remove DNSAdlocker files from your Mac

    When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as DNSAdlocker, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.


    Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for DNSAdlocker:


    Download

    SpyHunter for Mac


    Video Removal Guide for DNSAdlocker (Mac)


    Remove DNSAdlocker from Google Chrome.


    Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

    Google Chrome removal guide step 1


    Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

    Google Chrome removal guide step 2


    Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

    Google Chrome removal guide step 3


    Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.


    Erase DNSAdlocker from Mozilla Firefox.


    Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:

    Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 1


    Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

    Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 2


    Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

    Mozilla Firefox removal guide step 3


    Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.


    Uninstall DNSAdlocker from Microsoft Edge.


    Step 1: Start Edge browser.


    Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

    Edge Browser removal guide step 2


    Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

    Edge Browser removal guide step 3


    Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

    Edge Browser removal guide step 4


    Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

    Edge Browser removal guide step 5


    Remove DNSAdlocker from Safari


    Step 1: Start the Safari app.


    Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.


    Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

    Safari browser removal guide step 3


    Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

    Safari browser removal guide step 4


    Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.


    Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

    Safari browser removal guide step 5

    A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the DNSAdlocker will be removed.


    How to Reset Safari
    IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

    Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

    Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

    Eliminate DNSAdlocker from Internet Explorer.


    Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.


    Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

    Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 2


    Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
    Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 3


    Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

    Internet Explorer browser removal guide step 4


    Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.

    Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers


    Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome

    To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:

    Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.

    Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

    Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:

    Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

    Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:

    Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

    Step 4: Open “Notifications”:

    Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

    Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:

    Google Chrome - Disable Push Notifications Step 5

    Remove Push Notifications on Firefox

    Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.

    Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

    Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":

    Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

    Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”

    Mozilla Firefox - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

    Stop Push Notifications on Opera

    Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.

    Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

    Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.

    Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 2

    Step 3: Open Notifications:

    Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 3

    Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):

    Opera - Disable Push Notifications Step 4

    Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari

    Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.

    Safari Browser - Disable Push Notifications Step 1

    Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".

    DNSAdlocker-FAQ

    What Is DNSAdlocker?

    The DNSAdlocker threat is adware or browser redirect virus.

    It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.

    The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.

    What Are the Symptoms of DNSAdlocker?

    There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:

    Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.

    Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.

    Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.

    Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.

    Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.

    If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.

    What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?

    According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.

    What to Do If I Have a "virus" like DNSAdlocker?

    With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:

    Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.

    Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.

    Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.

    Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.

    Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.

    Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.

    Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.

    Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.

    Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.

    If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.

    How Does DNSAdlocker Work?

    Once installed, DNSAdlocker can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.

    DNSAdlocker can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.

    Is DNSAdlocker Malware?

    The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.

    Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.

    About the DNSAdlocker Research

    The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DNSAdlocker how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.

    How did we conduct the research on DNSAdlocker?

    Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
    Furthermore, the research behind the DNSAdlocker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
    To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

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