PdfForge Toolbar is classified as an adware application compatible with Firefox and Explorer, and often bundled with PDFCreator, a free converter tool. Other potentially unwanted applications with adware functionalities are also likely to be installed alongside PdfForge Toolbar. Due to its suspicious download techniques and the potential risks it may bring, its removal is recommended.
Threat Summary
| Name | PdfForge Toolbar |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | PdfForge Toolbar is classified as an adware application compatible with Firefox and Explorer, and known to be bundled with PDFCreator. |
| Symptoms | Changed browser settings, generation of unwanted ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PdfForge Toolbar. |
To be more specific, PdfForge Toolbar was bundled with PDFCreator in February 2009, when the adware was initially added. The bundling triggered a wave of controversy. If the user reads the EULA (End User License Agreement), he will know that the suspicious toolbar will modify Firefox and Explorer’s settings and will also change:
- The search bar.
- The “DNS” error page.
- “404 error” page.
PdfForge is also designed to add a new tap page. Due to its intrusive character, users should consider removing it.
PdfForge Toolbar Distribution Technique and Behavior
Security researchers suspect that the intrusive toolbar is launched when the user is about to use the PDFCreator for the first time. He is given the choice to deselect the additional toolbar provided that he reads and understands the EULA.
Once running in the background, PdfForge may inject lots of unwanted advertisements onto Explorer or Firefox. If the user is tricked by any of the suggested content, he may end up being redirected to a threatening web page usually stacked with Trojans and viruses.
PdfForge Toolbar Removal Manual
The program may be tricky to remove manually, but above-average users may give it a try. The manual guide below should be of great help.
Running a full system scan with the assistance of a frequently updated anti-adware solution is another option. In future reference, users are always advised to pay attention to EULA and uncheck additional software.
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An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the beginning. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Guide 1: How to Remove PdfForge Toolbar from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of PdfForge Toolbar from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove PdfForge Toolbar from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase PdfForge Toolbar from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall PdfForge Toolbar from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove PdfForge Toolbar from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate PdfForge Toolbar from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove PdfForge Toolbar from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PdfForge Toolbar
Step 2: Uninstall PdfForge Toolbar 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 3: Clean any registries, created by PdfForge Toolbar on your computer.
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 PdfForge Toolbar 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.Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of PdfForge Toolbar from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PdfForge Toolbar and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 PdfForge Toolbar 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 malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove PdfForge Toolbar 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase PdfForge Toolbar 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall PdfForge Toolbar 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove PdfForge Toolbar 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 PdfForge Toolbar will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate PdfForge Toolbar 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.
