The article will help you to remove FreeManualsIndex fully. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The FreeManualsIndex redirect is a recently discovered browser plugin that can be used for hijacker purposes. Interaction with it can hijack personal data belonging to the victims. Our in-depth article explores some of the dangers associated with its presence on infected hosts.
Threat Summary
| Name | FreeManualsIndex |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker redirect can alter the homepage, search engine and new tab on every browser application you have installed. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all your browsers will be switched to FreeManualsIndex. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FreeManualsIndex. |
FreeManualsIndex – Distribution Methods
The FreeManualsIndex redirect is being distributed using the most popular methods. The majority of the hijacker infections are caused by the redirect browser extensions which is being pushed to the victims via the official site belonging to the malware code. The criminals have created versions of it that are compatible with the most popular web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera and Google Chrome.
The criminals can also spread the hijacker strains on the various extension repositories by using fake developer credentials and user reviews. The redirect code is usually advertised as an useful addition to the browsers by promising to add new features or enhance already existing ones.
The other method that is used to spread the threat is the use of email SPAM messages. They are disguised as messages that have been sent by legitimate companies and Internet services. They can directly attach the strains to the messages or hyperlink them in the body contents.
FreeManualsIndex redirect files can be spread via payload installers. They are spread through email message, as well as counterfeit download sites. They are made by using templates that resemble well-known sites, as well as their domain names. In the last few years the hackers can use file sharing networks such as BitTorrent to spread virus files, including the FreeManualsIndex redirect payloads.
The browser hijacker code can be embedded in application installers. This is done by taking the legitimate files from the official vendors. The criminals typically target popular software such as system utilites, creativity suites and productivity apps. The other method is the use of document payloads. It uses a similar tactic that modifies file types such as presentations, text files, spreadsheets and databases with the virus code. Once they are opened by the victims a notification prompt is spawned which asks the users to enable the built-in scripts (macros). If this is done the infection follows.
Various web scripts can be used to redirect the victims to the active infection. The list includes all kinds of banners, pop-ups, text links and etc.
FreeManualsIndex – Detailed Description
As soon as the FreeManualsIndex redirect code is installed on the target computers it will start to execute the built-in commands. It follows the typical behavior patterns by first changing the default settings of the affected web browsers: the homep age, search engine and new tabs page. he next time the users open up their applications, they will be greeted by the hacker-controlled page.
Upon installation of the extension onto the browsers it will ask for the following permissions:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.
- Replace the page you see when opening a new tab.
- Manage your apps, extensions and themes.
- Manage your downloads.
Depending on the exact configuration the infections can start various modules. One of them is the data harvesting component that can be used to institute variou information extracting actions. It can be used to directly identify of the victim users — their names, address, telephone number, interests, location and passwords. Other data include information that is used to optimize the attack campaigns. It is typically made up of values that signal certain settings from the operating system and a report on the installed hardware components.
The other component that is used by the victims is the use of a hacker-controlled server connection. This creates a secure link to the hackers and may be used to report the infected hosts and allow the criminals to spy on the victims in real time. It can also be used to take over control of the machines at any given time.
This is a fairy modular browser hijacker that can be used to execute various actions depending on the hacker’s configuration. It is very possible that clone sites can be made — they hackers only need to change the site’s name and domain names.
Another dangerous use of the FreeManualsIndex redirect is the manipulation of the host system. This can include the deployment of the additional malware to the target hosts. The main infection engine of the FreeManualsIndex redirect can perform various Windows Registry changes. When the modify entries belonging to the operating system overall system performance may degrade. In the case of user-installed applications certain functions may be modified.
A persistent installation to the infected system may be performed. It changes the boot options into running the dangerous engine every time the computer boots. It can also disable access to the boot recovery menu which renders most manual recovery methods useless.
This particular threat is disguised as an index for free manuals. The service follows the typical template used by search engines. It is made up of several components. The top element is the current time followed by a small logo image of the site. Below it the criminals have placed the main search engine. It uses a Google-powered engine. WARNING! We remind our readers that any interaction with search engine can lead to the navigation to other hacker-controlled sites or virus strains.
The hackers have added links to other sites in order to make the site appear as a legitimate service. They are categorized into several types:
- Manuals Search
- Browser Manuals
- Recently Viewed
- Do it Yourself
- Measurement Converter
The bottom menu bar lists links to the privacy policy and terms of use documents.
FreeManualsIndex – Privacy Policy
The FreeManualsIndex redirect and its associated website is operated by MindSpark which is a well-known creator of similar software. They are known for creating hundreds of services that are linked between themselves. Their privacy policy and terms of use reveals that it pervasively tracks the users identity and creates a database containing a profile of each victim. The use of various web tracking technologies captures additional information such as the following:
- Your name
- Your address
- Email address
- Number of your page views
- What links you clicked
- Telephone number
- Your login times
As stated in the Privacy Policy, Mindspark allows third-parties, including their authorized service providers, FreeManualsIndex affiliates, advertising companies, and ad networks, to display advertisements or place ad tags or beacons on or via their Services. Thus, these companies could also obtain information about you and your online behavior. In case you do not want your private space to be invaded in this or any similar way, you should remove the unwanted software.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove FreeManualsIndex from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for FreeManualsIndex with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall FreeManualsIndex 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex (Windows).
Get rid of FreeManualsIndex from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex. 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 FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FreeManualsIndex, 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 FreeManualsIndex (Mac)
Remove FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex will be removed.
Eliminate FreeManualsIndex 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".
FreeManualsIndex-FAQ
What Is FreeManualsIndex?
The FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex?
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 FreeManualsIndex?
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 FreeManualsIndex Work?
Once installed, FreeManualsIndex 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.
FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FreeManualsIndex 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 FreeManualsIndex?
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 FreeManualsIndex threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.