Remove Adware.DNS Unlocker Fully from Your PC

DNS Unlocker is a highly suspicious unwanted program that is situated on users PC’s primarily via other programs. Besides administering targeted advertisements, the application also changes the DNS (Domain Name System) settings of the computer it’s in which is something that no user wants to have. DNS Unlocker is advertised as a program that allows users to use a specific DNS address in order to provide them with access to all restricted sites for their location. However, the app is heavily advertised and some users who use specific DNS address to access other networks may find themselves in trouble.

Adware.DNS Unlocker – How Did I Get It?

You may have been misled by an online advertisement believing that the app is useful for your machine. However do not get fooled. This program may do more harm than good, since it has relations to third-party sites which it advertises for profit.

The app is also believed to slip by user PCs by bundled downloads from third-party software providing sites. You may have missed it ‘as a free extra’ in one of the installation steps of a free program downloaded from site, different than its official one. What is worse is that some PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) such as DNS Unlocker may not exist in the installation steps at all. Instead, they are mentioned in the EULA agreement and even experienced users tend to miss them. This is why it is advisable to never download programs from websites that are unfamiliar to you or you have seen to use bundling and to always use software for EULA agreements that detects specific words automatically, like EULAlyzer , for example.

Adware.DNS Unlocker – What Does It Do?

Once installed on your system, DNS Unlocker changes your Preferred DNS Address and it may also change the Alternative DNS Server. What is more, according to Symantec’s report the application situates the following files in the directory ProgramFiles\DNS Unlocker\ and Windir\Tasks\:

→“config.ini; ConsoleApplication1.dll; DNSCONTRERAS.cer; dnscontreras.exe; Info.rtf; License.rtf; config.ini; LogoBlack.ico; LogoGreen.ico; LogoYellow.ico; Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.dll; settings.ini; unins000.exe; unins000.dat; ZonaTools.XPlorerBar.dll; DNSCONTRERAS.job”

As other DNS Unlocker related .exe’s such as dnspallenville.exe in one of its versions, it is highly likely that the process dnscontreras.exe may remain active in your Windows Task Manager. What is more, you may be unable to uninstall the program even if you want to because you have to close it as an active process first.

What is more it creates a value in in the following registy key in the Windows Registry:

→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5da059a482fd494db3f252126fbc3d5b”

Besides creating registry values, the software also modifies some existing ones, like this one:

→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Dhcp\Parameters\”{AD4E4E3D-9057-4796-8F2E-EB3CF04ED742}” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]””

After the program has done that, it is reported to begin taking over ad spaces in users’ web browsers and display heavy advertising that may even slow the PC down. Also, such programs may show pop-ups and even advertisements that play a live video or a sound message.

Some users have even reported to be redirected from adware PUPs to sites that completely lock them out of their web browser, displaying a fake BSOD alert, such as the 1-888-991-9974 fake alert.
What is more, some users have reported seeing direct redirects to sites that when visited, alerted their antivirus for a drive-by download and execution of a malicious script.

Some users have even reported to see tech fake registration forms and surveys that demanded the financial information from the user for a free trial of a product or a service.

What is more, the software providers state that they may share different information with third-parties:

Cyber-criminals have become increasingly cunning and they have started to spread their scams via such in first sight useful programs. As far as the PUP developers may be concerned, they do not mind what it is they advertise as long as they make profit from it. This is why it is recommended to always keep up to date with the latest in malware as well as unwanted programs and methods of cyber-infection. Experts also advise users to always employ an external firewall as well as anti-malware program with active shields against intrusions since it will automatize the removal process and significantly save a lot of time plus headaches.

Removing Adware.DNS Unlocker Fully From Your PC

In case you have decided to remove this ad-supported application, you should carefully follow the removal manual below. Also, make sure you employ anti-malware software on your computer in order to detect any possible threats that may exist because of this PUP. For maximum protection and detection, be advised that you should also install an external firewall that is significantly difficult to be hacked as well as external process monitor. The anti-malware program can also be combined with an antivirus program to provide you with relevant protection against any future intrusions.

In case the instructions below do not help you and you are still experiencing advertisements by DNS Unlocker, make sure you describe your issue in its topic in our forum and experts will try their best to assist you.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Adware.DNS Unlocker 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:

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall Adware.DNS Unlocker.

Step 2: Remove Adware.DNS Unlocker from your browser

Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer Remove a toolbar from Safari

Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window

Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu

Select Adware.DNS Unlocker and click “Remove”

After Adware.DNS Unlocker is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.

Start Google Chrome and Open the drop menu

Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“

From the opened “Extensions” menu locate Adware.DNS Unlocker and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

After Adware.DNS Unlocker is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.

Start Internet Explorer:

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.

Start Safari

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker
Click ‘Uninstall’

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Adware.DNS Unlocker. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Adware.DNS Unlocker will be removed.

Step 3: Remove Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker 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.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

• Windows
• Mac OS X
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari
• Internet Explorer
• Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove Adware.DNS Unlocker from Windows.

---

Step 1: Scan for Adware.DNS Unlocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1.1 Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

---

It is 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. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

---

1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

---

1.3 After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

---

1.4 After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

---

Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R

---

2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

---

2.3 Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

---

2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

---

2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

---

Step 3: Uninstall Adware.DNS Unlocker and related software from Windows

Uninstall Steps for Windows 11

1 Go to the search bar and type "Add or Remove Programs" and then click it.

2 Locate the software that you want to uninstall click on the three dots and click "Uninstall" to begin the process.

3 Follow the uninstall steps until the software has been effectively removed from your computer

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:

---

1 Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

---

2 In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

---

3 This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall" Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

---

Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

---

4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

---

4.3 You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker (Windows).

---

Get rid of Adware.DNS Unlocker from Mac OS X.

---

Step 1: Uninstall Adware.DNS Unlocker and remove related files and objects

1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

---

1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

---

1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Adware.DNS Unlocker:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

---

1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

---

1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Adware.DNS Unlocker. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

---

1.6 Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

---

1.7 Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

• 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Adware.DNS Unlocker. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Adware.DNS Unlocker, 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.

---

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Adware.DNS Unlocker:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

---

Video Removal Guide for Adware.DNS Unlocker (Mac)

---

Remove Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker will be removed.

---

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Eliminate Adware.DNS Unlocker 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".

Adware.DNS Unlocker-FAQ

What Is Adware.DNS Unlocker?

The Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker?

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker?

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker Work?

Once installed, Adware.DNS Unlocker 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.

Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Adware.DNS Unlocker 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 Adware.DNS Unlocker?

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 Adware.DNS Unlocker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.