You are browsing the web and then suddenly your browser opens the Pdfsrch.com website in a new tab or a new browser window.. “What is happening? Do I have a virus on my PC?” These are among the most common questions which users affected by Pdfsrch.com ads ask themselves. If you are one of them, then make sure to read this article as it will answer your questions and show you how to get rid of this annoying issue.
Pdfsrch.com Ads – Are They Related to a Computer Virus?
The ads generated by Pdfsrch.com aim to trick you into following certain instructions that may lead to serious issues that endanger the security of both your sensitive credentials and system. Pdfsrch.com ads are part of shady advertising networks that launch massive campaigns against online users on a daily basis. For the realization of such ad campaigns are used bogus websites like Pdfsrch.com as well as adware (a form of malicious software which presents unwanted advertisements to computer users). Hence, the sudden appearance of these annoying ads in the browser is a sign that your PC may be compromised by a potentially unwanted program. Since such a program makes the affected system more vulnerable to serious malware infections, we recommend that you consider the thorough removal of Pdfsrch.com ads from the browser and the system.
Threat Summary
| Name | Pdfsrch.com ads |
| Type | Ads, Browser Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A website with questionable reputation that hijacks browsing sessions in order to present sponsored content. |
| Symptoms | Unexpected redirects that open Pdfsrch.com ads can be noticed in the browser. Lots of ads pop-up, flood the browser and make it sluggish. Sensitive data is possibly obtained. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Pdfsrch.com ads. |
Pdfsrch.com Ads – Detailed Overview
Pdfsrch.com is a website used for the realization of different advertising campaigns. It interrupts browsing sessions in order to display deceptive offers. Its goal is to persuade users to complete a process of a few actions so that its operators can become able to deliver push notifications with additional sponsored content; obtain sensitive credentials; deliver rogue software; etc.
Bogus websites like Pdfsrch.com are often related to system security issues. Typically, ads like these generated by Pdfsrch.com start flooding trustworthy web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, IExplorer, Edge, etc.) after the unnoticed installation of a potentially undesired program like adware.
Unfortunately, there are many free third-party applications across the web that are promoted as useful tools while they aim to deliver a potentially unwanted program on computer systems. These apps come with extras or the so-called “special offers” in their installers. The tricky part is that their installers rarely disclose any details about featured extra apps and this way trick users into giving permission for their installation. Happily, the presence of added PUPs could sometimes be revealed by the information presented in the Advanced/Custom configuration option. So we recommend that you select it every time you see it in an app installer.
The presence of an adware program on the system may result in unnoticed activation of different tracking technologies that aim to spy on your online activities. By doing this, the program sends valuable information to its owners. They, in turn, send back ads that match your online interests. The appearance of other types of annoying online ads such as pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, etc. may be related to the presence of adware on your system. Beware because some of these ads may open websites that are compromised and set to deliver malicious software directly on the PC.
For the sake of your online security, it is highly recommendable that you scan your affected system and ensure that no suspicious or potentially harmful files are running on it.
How to Remove Pdfsrch.com and Stop Annoying Ads
In order to remove Pdfsrch.com ads along with all associated files, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below contains both manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen PC security, we recommend that you fulfill all the steps. The manual Pdfsrch.com removal steps might be quite difficult as their execution requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide where you will find an advanced anti-malware tool. The program will locate all harmful files and enable you to remove them with a few clicks. By staying active on your computer system, the program will defend it against future malware infections.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
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 Pdfsrch.com ads from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Pdfsrch.com ads with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads (Windows).
Get rid of Pdfsrch.com ads from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads. 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 Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Pdfsrch.com ads, 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 Pdfsrch.com ads (Mac)
Remove Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads will be removed.
Eliminate Pdfsrch.com ads 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".
Pdfsrch.com ads-FAQ
What Is Pdfsrch.com ads?
The Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads?
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 Pdfsrch.com ads?
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 Pdfsrch.com ads Work?
Once installed, Pdfsrch.com ads 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.
Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pdfsrch.com ads 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 Pdfsrch.com ads?
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 Pdfsrch.com ads threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.