| Name | SendFilesFree |
| Type | PUP, Toolbar |
| Short Description | An ad-supported toolbar that may display ads, slow down PC and other suspicious activities on the user PC. |
| Symptoms | Slow down user PC, Administer pop-ups, load on browser start-up |
| Distribution Method | Bundling or online download. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By SendFilesFree |
SendFilesFree is a suspcious toolbar that is considered a Potentially Unwanted Program or a PUP by security researchers. This program may administer advertisements, modify the user’s browser home page and new tab page, changing them to Ask.com related ones and employ cookies to collect user information. Such information may be used afterwards to display third-party advertised content to the user in the form of ad-supported search results, pop-ups, online banners, highlighted text and others. What is more, the application may be indirectly dangerous to the user because it may advertise malicious sites that are either scamming or malware infested.
How Is SendFilesFree Toolbar Distributed
The program is available for download from the website sendfilesfree.com and it is advertised as a helpful toolbar for your browser that will help share files in the cloud, convert user files and also share via mail.
The app may also be advertised through several different sites, however it may also be included as a bundled download. Bundling is a very common product offering strategy that includes adding programs such as SendFilesFree as ‘extras’ in the Setup installer of a reputable program that is widely download. Third-party software providing websites that offer such famous programs that are often being downloaded attach other apps to them to ‘push’ them into the market. However there are these suspicious third-party sites that also attack ad-supported applications such as this one which may infect the user PC with viruses and may slow it down significantly or even crash it.
SendFilesFree Toolbar –More About It
Once the SendFilesFree browser extension has been run on your computer, it may begin to collect user different user data, as described in their privacy policy. What is more, the product is being provided by the infamous Mindspark Interactive – a company that is well known for developing toolbars and regarding them as unsafe.
The toolbar may also create and modify different registry entries that give it certain permissions to manager different processes within your system. Such permissions may make it harder to manually remove, and may prompt it to run actively on system start up.
What is more about these toolbars is that they are created with the sole purpose of displaying advertised third-party content. Such advertised sites may pose different dangers to the user PC. For once, users may be misled into clicking on web sites that redirect them into registering to use a free trial of a product and providing their personal information or even financial data. Such data may be distributed for profit to serve the interests of cyber criminals.
Another danger for the user, besides scamming sites is the danger of being redirected to a malicious web site that may or may not infect his PC with a dangerous malware infection. Malware infections are devastating because they may either delete important files and make the user PC crash, encrypt user files and extort him/her for their decryption or simply collect all of the user information and sell it on the black market. Either way, ad-supported programs such as SendFilesFree are regarded as unsafe and security researchers strongly advise for their removal.
Removing SendFilesFree Toolbar Completely
In case you feel convinced that this software should be removed from your computer, it is advisable to make sure that you follow the step-by-step instruction manual below. Also, bear in mind that you should scan your computer with a reputable anti-malware program in order to detect whether or not your device has been affected by SendFilesFree toolbar. By doing so, you also ensure that you have active protection against any future intrusions caused by potentially unwanted programs or malicious domains.
In case the tutorial below does not assist you with the removal and you still see pop-ups, you should try the following instructions.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree.
Step 2: Remove SendFilesFree from your browser
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select SendFilesFree and click “Remove”
After SendFilesFree is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall SendFilesFree. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the SendFilesFree will be removed.
Step 3: Remove SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree associated objects.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove SendFilesFree from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SendFilesFree with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree (Windows).
Get rid of SendFilesFree from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree. 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SendFilesFree, 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 SendFilesFree (Mac)
Remove SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree will be removed.
Eliminate SendFilesFree 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".
SendFilesFree-FAQ
What Is SendFilesFree?
The SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree?
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 SendFilesFree?
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 SendFilesFree Work?
Once installed, SendFilesFree 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.
SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SendFilesFree 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 SendFilesFree?
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 SendFilesFree threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.