This article provides removal for Convert Free PDFs new tab. By following the step-by-step instructions presented at the end, you will remove the infection completely from affected web browsers and system.
The suspicious new tab Convert Free PDFs is classified as a hijacker that infiltrates popular browsers in order to push a hoax search engine and track online activities. As a result of infection, the settings of your preferred homepage and new tab page may be set to open Convert Free PDFs. In addition, your preferred search engine is replaced by the one pushed by the suspicious website. In case that you insist on your online security be advised to remove Convert Free PDFs and all associated files from the affected system as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | Convert Free PDFs |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The suspicious new tab Convert Free PDFs hijacks popular browsers in order to push a rogue search engine and obtain sensitive data. |
| Symptoms | Affected browsers display the main page of Convert Free PDFs as homepage and new tab page. Many unexpected redirects occur during browsing sessions. Convert Free PDFs makes the browser sluggish due to an increased number of online advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Convert Free PDFs. |
Convert Free PDFs – Ways of Distribution
Convert Free PDFs new tab is most likely distributed with the help of shady techniques. It is considered to be a potentially unwanted program that sneaks into the system without your knowledge. Often the program is incorporated into the installers of third-party programs that you choose to download and install for free. Such installers usually keep the spicy details hidden in the Advanced or Custom configuration options in an attempt to trick you into installing the additional components. That’s why we recommend you to choose these options each time you install a desired free app. Once you access them you have the chance to cancel the installation of all undesired extras.
Dubious browser extensions could be used for the distribution of Convert Free PDFs as well. Such extensions are designed to modify important browser settings once they gain access to the browsers. How they can sneak into the browser is via corrupted web pages that are set to install automatically the extensions after you land on them. Malicious URLs that land on these pages can be posted on social media channels, sent via email spam messages, used in malvertising campaigns and generated as sponsored search results by other hijackers.
Convert Free PDFs is believed to affect Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari browser users.
Convert Free PDFs – More Details
Convert Free PDFs is classified as a browser hijacker due to its capabilities to modify essential browser settings without your prior consent. In case of infection with Convert Free PDFs your browser may display its main page on the homepage and each new tab you open. The main page of this suspicious new tab pushes a hoax search engine that could be set as a default one. As a result of all these modifications Convert Free PDFs shows up during each browsing session.
Our team detected that one of the domains associated with Convert Free PDFs new tab is Search.searchcfpdf.com. Supposedly, there are lots of other domains that may be used for the distribution of Convert Free PDFs new tab. Our research experience reveals that the company owner of this hijacker – Polarity Technologies Ltd, has the practice to use one and the same design for different domain addresses.
As you may notice, the so-called “search engine” provided by Convert Free PDFs is just a search filed that redirects to Yahoo search. So it appears to be a hoax search engine that has the sole purpose to track your online activities. Once the infection is running in your browser it can obtain certain details like search queries, visited websites, etc. and record them on its servers. Even though the dubious website looks like a useful one its primary function is to spy on you and your online behavior.
The records of your data can be used for advertising campaigns that generate revenue to Convert Free PDFs’s owners. Beware of all intrusive banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, videos, new tab pages, images and other types of ads that may flood your browser. Some ads may be set to land you on compromised web pages that install severe malware infections directly on your PC.
Convert Free PDFs – Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy section reveals what details Convert Free PDFs obtains from your browser and system as long as you are using it services. As found there the annoying new tab is able to record both personally and non-personally identifiable information on its servers. Another fact that should be mentioned is the name of the company owner of this website with hijacking capabilities – Polarity Technologies Ltd. The company is a well-known developer and distributor of numerous nasty hijackers that infect online users in order to track their activities and then use the collected data. Below you will find a list of all details that Convert Free PDFs gathers on its servers:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
- Diagnostic information which describes how their Services are operating on the system
The company can use the records for advertising purposes or disclose them to third-parties of unknown origin. Eventually, your affected browser will be flooded by numerous annoying advertisements that cause serious slowdowns and expose the system at risk of malware infections. At worst your data could be disclosed to bad actors that can use it for identity theft or other privacy and security-related issues.
In case that you want to prevent Convert Free PDFs from collecting important data of yours, you need to remove it from affected browser and system.
Remove Convert Free PDFs New Tab
The detailed guide below shows how to remove Convert Free PDFs new tab from all affected browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Interner Explorer, Safari) and the Windows system. In case that some leftovers remain on the system after the manual removal, you will still experience redirects to Convert Free PDFs new tab during browsing sessions. It is recommendable to complete both the manual and the automatic removal steps for maximum efficiency.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Convert Free PDFs from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Convert Free PDFs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Convert Free PDFs 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs (Windows).
Get rid of Convert Free PDFs from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs. 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 Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Convert Free PDFs, 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 Convert Free PDFs (Mac)
Remove Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs will be removed.
Eliminate Convert Free PDFs 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".
Convert Free PDFs-FAQ
What Is Convert Free PDFs?
The Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs?
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 Convert Free PDFs?
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 Convert Free PDFs Work?
Once installed, Convert Free PDFs 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.
Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Convert Free PDFs 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 Convert Free PDFs?
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 Convert Free PDFs threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.