What Is FromDocToPDF?
A known unwanted program and toolbar created by the Mindspark Interactive Network has re-emerged on the Web. FromDocToPDF.com is the main download page for a browser hijacker of the same name. The updated version of the program comes with more advertisements, redirects, and pop-ups. To see how to remove this program, you should read the article to the end. The hijacker changes the homepage, new tab page and search engine of your browsers. Search results might be misleading and full of ads and sponsored content.
Threat Summary
Name | FromDocToPDF |
Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
Short Description | Your browsers have their homepage, search engine and new tab page changed. |
Symptoms | You see a new homepage and new tab page in your browsers. A new search engine is also set. You get redirected. You see advertisements on web pages, especially in search results. |
Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
Detection Tool |
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FromDocToPDF – Distribution
FromDocToPDF generally distributes through third-party installations. The hijacker get in your PC without your awareness, because it hides in freeware installations and bundled packages. In these packs, additional components can be selected for default installation. They might be improperly disclosed, so you end up with FromDocToPDF.com on your PC. Just pushing the button Next repeatedly in a setup until it’s complete will lead to that result. Avoiding unwanted installations, is usually done by checking for a Custom or an Advanced menu.
Other ways of distribution for this hijacker are through advertisement pop-up and banner clicks or from visiting untrusted sites. Websites with low reputation, you could get redirected to, are probably affiliates of Mindspark Interactive. Affected browsers can be Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari.
FromDocToPDF.com – More Information
FromDocToPDF.com is the name of a browser hijacker developed by Mindspark Interactive Network Inc.. It is the newest iteration of the toolbar bearing the same name. If the unwanted app is on your computer, different settings are changed in your browsers – homepage, new tab page, and search engine. The hijacker can redirect you to product pages and sites that are partnered with Mindspark.
As FromDocToPDF.com started as a toolbar, it is not excluded that you may get the toolbar version of it. It is possible for another kind of a browser extension or an add-on to be installed as well. Usually, they also come bundled with apps installed on your PC. A toolbar or an extension supporting the hijacker can also redirect you. An extension related to the hijacker can do the following:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Read and change your browsing history
- Manage your downloads
- >Manage your apps, add-ons, extensions and themes
The company has made many other browser hijackers and adware programs over the years. Newer examples are TestiNetSpeed and EasyPhotoEdit.
Every bit of information you type into the search engine of FromDocToPDF.com can be collected. The page of the search engine will also be set as your homepage and new tab and has the int.search.myway.com/search/ address.
The results of your search queries can be incorrect or misleading. In the search results or on web pages there are different advertisements showing in the form of in-text links, messages, banners, and pop-ups. You can see examples on the image down here:
You can get redirected from the advertisement messages, no matter if you click on a pop-up, banner or some link inside a text. All redirects probably generate traffic to webpages, and they receive revenue based on pay-per-click.
The Privacy Policy of FromDocToPDF.com redirects to the Mindspark’s general EULA and Policy page found at https://eula.mindspark.com/eula/index.html?cobrand=. With the newer version of their program the privacy policy has been changed this February.
Despite the recent change, the policy still states that personal information can be collected, even personally identifiable one. It is not exactly stated what kind of info is to be gathered, but here are two important excerpts quoted from the policy:
Mindspark, its Affiliates, or Service Providers may transfer information that we collect about you, including personal information across borders and from your country or jurisdiction to other countries or jurisdictions around the world.
and
By downloading, registering for and/or using Mindspark’s Services, you consent to the transfer of information to the U.S. or to any other country in which Mindspark, its Affiliates or Service Providers maintain facilities and the use and disclosure of information about you as described in this Privacy Policy.
This means that using any services or products related not only to FromDocToPDF.com but Mindspark as well, gives your approval for information collection. All of your gathered data may be shared with third parties. You should remove this undesirable application immediately. Free online programs exist, converting to various formats, which don’t collect information from you.
Remove FromDocToPDF.com Completely
To remove FromDocToPDF.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. If the manual removal does not get rid of this browser hijacker completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a tool will keep your PC secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove FromDocToPDF from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for FromDocToPDF with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall FromDocToPDF 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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF (Windows).
Get rid of FromDocToPDF from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF. 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 FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FromDocToPDF, 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 FromDocToPDF (Mac)
Remove FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF will be removed.
Eliminate FromDocToPDF 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".
FromDocToPDF-FAQ
What Is FromDocToPDF?
The FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF?
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 FromDocToPDF?
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 FromDocToPDF Work?
Once installed, FromDocToPDF 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.
FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF?
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 FromDocToPDF threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.