Name | VitalBrowserHelper |
Type | Adware, PUP |
Short Description | Administers intrusive advertisements |
Symptoms | Slow PC; Background process in Windows Task Manager; Advertisements |
Distribution Method | Bundling or by clicking on an ad |
Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By VitalBrowserHelper |
Users have reported seeing advertised content brought by a potentially unwanted program(PUP) on their computers, called VitalBrowserHelper. There are several ways to install this unwanted program, and after it is situated on the computer, it cooperates with third-party sites to display advertised content. The program itself is harmless. However, its publishers have explicitly mentioned that they hold no responsibility if any harm may come to the user’s PC via third-party advertising. They also suggested that third-party sites may employ various tracking technologies in order to display targeted advertisements and all of these plus its detection as a PUP by a particular anti-malware software point out to the recommendation of its removal.
VitalBrowserHelper – How Did I Get It?
There are several different methods for installing this application. It is available via a direct download from its site by clicking on an ad or bundled downloads. Bundling is a very common marketing strategy because it is very effective. Most third-party sites that offer various free programs, widely used worldwide may bundle other applications on demand. The downside of this is that some third party sites disregard any what so ever warnings regarding whether or not those programs are harmful or not. And most antivirus only detects directly malicious threats to the PC, not programs that are ad-supported and directly harmless.
More About VitalBrowserHelper
VitalBrowserHelper is advertised as a helpful software that will in a way improve user experience by displaying relevant content based on user preferences. The app developers, claim in its website VitalBrowserHelper.com that this program will show the best possible deals regarding what it is they are looking for on the web and hence save them money. This may be true, some relevant results may be displayed. But what users are not aware of is that the software may also display advertisements from third-party websites that may either be a scamming ones or infect user PCs with different malware. Given that into consideration, here is VitalBrowserHelper’s policy, regarding tracking technologies and third-party sites collecting user data:
As seen the program disclaims any liability in case a related problem occurs, however, it does not take any responsibility when third-parties are involved. This means that the user may become a victim of:
- A malicious site that infects his PC with trojans, viruses, worms, clickers, downloaders, spam viruses for social networks and others.
- A scam involving a scareware message saying his PC is infected with a virus and asking to call a fake tech support number that eventually asks for huge fees to fix the issue.
- A fraud involving fraudulent retail stores that have no actual inventory and only drop ship the product (buy it from another vendor cheaper) or do not send any products and just collect financial data upon online purchasing.
Once run on your desktop, the program situates an active executable process in the Windows Task Manager. It may be the one administering ads, and the is a likelihood that it may send out different user information to foreign domains with the purpose of identifying user interests and displaying ads based on those. The user may not immediately but eventually start seeing advertisements. Those could be in various forms:
- Highlighted texts on the sites he/she visits.
- Intrusive Pop-up ads timed to pop-up at the exact moment and location before a user click. Those are specially designed for fast-clickers.
- Site banners – the app may take over banner spaces on various places the user often visits.
What is more, when a scan has been run, the application was detected by an advanced anti-malware scanner as a potentially harmful adware program that may be indirectly dangerous to the user PC and there were several different files and settings modified by it. What is more, the app is advertised as a browser add-on. However, no browser add-ons associated with it were detected in any of the following browsers:
→Google Chrome
Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Opera
Removing VitalBrowserHelper from Your Computer
In case you have decided to delete this application manually from your computer, you should make sure you follow the instructions for manual removal below. However, since the app may leave some settings or objects still on the user PC after manual removal, it is highly advisable to be rid of it, using an advanced anti-malware program. It will automatically rid you of any associated objects from your computer and protect it from any intrusions that the adware may have already caused on your PC.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall VitalBrowserHelper 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall VitalBrowserHelper.
Step 2: Remove VitalBrowserHelper from your browser
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select VitalBrowserHelper and click “Remove”
After VitalBrowserHelper is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select VitalBrowserHelper 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’.
After VitalBrowserHelper has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on VitalBrowserHelper
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall VitalBrowserHelper. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the VitalBrowserHelper will be removed.
Step 3: Remove VitalBrowserHelper 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 VitalBrowserHelper associated objects.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove VitalBrowserHelper from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for VitalBrowserHelper with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall VitalBrowserHelper and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by VitalBrowserHelper 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 VitalBrowserHelper there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 VitalBrowserHelper (Windows).
Get rid of VitalBrowserHelper from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall VitalBrowserHelper and remove related files and objects
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 VitalBrowserHelper. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- 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 VitalBrowserHelper 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:
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 VitalBrowserHelper files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as VitalBrowserHelper, 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.
Video Removal Guide for VitalBrowserHelper (Mac)
Remove VitalBrowserHelper from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
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 VitalBrowserHelper from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
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 VitalBrowserHelper from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove VitalBrowserHelper 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".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the VitalBrowserHelper will be removed.
Eliminate VitalBrowserHelper 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'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
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'.
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.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
VitalBrowserHelper-FAQ
What Is VitalBrowserHelper?
The VitalBrowserHelper 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 VitalBrowserHelper?
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 VitalBrowserHelper?
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 VitalBrowserHelper Work?
Once installed, VitalBrowserHelper 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.
VitalBrowserHelper 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 VitalBrowserHelper 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 VitalBrowserHelper Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this VitalBrowserHelper 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 VitalBrowserHelper?
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 VitalBrowserHelper threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.