| Name | DNS-Keeper |
| Type | Adware PUP |
| Short Description | Software, such as DNS-Keeeper may be very hard to find manually for download, contrary to its competition, which is very suspicious. |
| Symptoms | Investigators believe that the most often symptoms which indicate that this software can come into existence in user PC is modified(highlighted) words in an open website, by adding hotlinks with related adverts. |
| Distribution Method | Security researchers report that the most often method by which this software could be situated in user PC is by being bundled with other installers. |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected ByDNS-Keeper |
In case you have seen advertisement pop-ups on the words, typed on your favorite shopping site with the down-right caption, going by the name of ‘Ad by DNS-Keeper’, you have an ad-supported PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). DNS-Keeper is believed to be installed directly onto the operating system with the assumptions of causing PC slowdowns. It also may display targeted advertisements, based on browsing related information, concerning user interests.
DNS-Keeper – What Does It Do?
Like many other ad-supported applications, DNS-Keeper is seen to display advertisements that lead to unknown third-party sites that in most cases have nothing to do with what the user initially clicked on for. However, what is different than most adware PUPs is that DNS Keeper may make any words on a website hotlinks for adverts. What it is reported to do is when the mouse is over a word, such as Windows 10, for example, it displays a legitimate looking pop-up balloon next to it. It may contain ad similar to ‘Get repair tool for Windows 10!’ along with a ‘Click Here’ button. This may in some cases redirect to malicious websites that might:
→ Install malware on the user PC.
Input malicious code on the machine.
Display surveys that prompt for financial credentials.
Trick the user into filling out fake registration forms with personal information for prize claiming or free product trials.
Cyber-criminals have become even smarter in their strategies for obtaining user information. For instance, they often change the names and the partially the code of their applications. However, the principles remain the same. Also, they may modify the encryption of malware in case they install any on the user PC, making it undetectable by the average antivirus program. This is why, experts recommend installing a professional anti-malware tool that will scan the user PC and find anything out of the ordinary, even if the threat is new.
How Did I Install DNS-Keeper?
Apps like DNS-Keeper may come bundled with other programs such as free media players, video converters, image editors, and others. Such apps are usually either developed by the same creators who bundle them to increase their downloads or third-parties, including DNS-Keeper for profits. It may also come as a direct download if a user is tricked that it could be useful to his/her PC.
How to Remove DNS-Keeper?
To eradicate DNS-Keeper from the user PC, first you should do it manually. Experts recommend, following the steps below to uninstall the software from any machine it’s on. Second, the expert advises point out to downloading and removing all traces of DNS-Keeper that could be left on the PC after manual uninstall. Some programs may modify registry values and leave some cookies or other files for various purposes, and this makes your anti-malware program, the perfect shield against such PUPs and other threats.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
1. Remove/Uninstall DNS-Keeper 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:
- Hold the Windows Logo Button and “R” on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear (fig.1).
- In the field type in “appwiz.cpl” and press ENTER (fig.2).
- This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC.
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall DNS-Keeper.
2. Remove DNS-Keeper from your browser
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select DNS-Keeper and click “Remove“
After DNS-Keeper is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
- Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
- From the opened “Extensions” menu locate DNS-Keeper and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.
- After DNS-Keeper is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
- Click “‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
- In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window, make sure that in the first window ‘Add-on Types’, the drop menu ‘Show’ is on ‘All add-ons’
Select DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall DNS-Keeper. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the DNS-Keeper will be removed.
3. Remove DNS-Keeper automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.
To clean your computer with the award-winning software Spy Hunter –
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove DNS-Keeper from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for DNS-Keeper with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper (Windows).
Get rid of DNS-Keeper from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper. 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as DNS-Keeper, 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 DNS-Keeper (Mac)
Remove DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper will be removed.
Eliminate DNS-Keeper 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".
DNS-Keeper-FAQ
What Is DNS-Keeper?
The DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper?
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 DNS-Keeper?
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 DNS-Keeper Work?
Once installed, DNS-Keeper 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.
DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DNS-Keeper 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 DNS-Keeper?
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 DNS-Keeper threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.