How to Remove ProPDFConverterSearch Hijacker

by Gergana Ivanova | July 28, 2021 | 0 Comments browser hijacker, browser redirect

ProPDFConverterSearch Hijacker ProPDFConverterSearch Summary How to Remove ProPDFConverterSearch Hijacker

ProPDFConverterSearch Hijacker

The ProPDFConverterSearch browser hijacker is created and distributed to push a deceptive search engine. A few suspicious files may be installed on the PC to support the activities of this potentially unwanted program.

ProPDFConverterSearch tends to obtain access to computer systems without users’ knowledge. The program alters main browser settings including those of the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine.

This hijacker may activate tracking technologies to harvest specific data about the infected device. Details about online behavior may also be obtained. Then, the app may start to display target adverts with the goal to generate revenue. Note that some of the promoted sites may host online scams, rogue applications, or malware.

In the guide that follows you will find instructions on how to remove ProPDFConverterSearch hijacker from affected browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Explorer, or Edge) and system.

ProPDFConverterSearch Summary

Name	ProPDFConverterSearch (portal.propdfconvertersearch.com)
Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP
Short Description	A questionable search enigne that hijacks browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. Applies unwanted modifications without showing notifications.
Symptoms	The homepage, new tab page and search enigne on installed web browsers may be set to display the hoax search engine. Affected browsers may be slowed down by an increased number of online ads.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Sites
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool

ProPDFConverterSearch Browser Hijacker – Detailed Overview

ProPDFConverterSearch is one of those search engines that hijack browsers to obtain searches and redirect browsing to other bogus engines. Similar sites are TopPDFSearch, PDFSearchly, and PDFConverterSearchPro. The presence of this site on your browser relates to the unnoticed installation of a potentially unwanted program – a browser hijacker.

The design of this search engine is simple and intuitive as the hijacker aims to stay active on the system for as long as possible. However, browser hijackers are apps that lower online security by activating tracking technologies like cookies, collecting specific data, redirecting affected browsers to other bogus sites, and displaying adverts.

The data that may be harvested by the use of cookies, web beacons, scripts, etc. includes:

Visited URLs and websites;
Type of used browser;
Search queries;
Search queries on the visited web pages;
Operating system type;
The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP);
Internet protocol (IP) address;
Geographic location;
Browser’s home page;
Diagnostic information which describes how their Services are operating on the system.

Harvested data helps ProPDFConverterSearch’s owners to set shady advertising campaigns that target your interests and demographics. Fraudsters hope that a more precise targeting will make you more prone to visit sponsored web pages. Every click on an ad generated by their tool generates revenue.

Note that some of the ads may link to poorly secured or hacked websites. So, please be careful when interacting with bogus ads and consider a thorough check of the security of your PC.

The usage of the searching services offered by this site should also be avoided. During our research, we identified that the hijacker redirects all searches to Searchlee hijacker. This issue enables both ProPDFConverterSearch and Searchlee hijacker to record data and provide it to unknown actors.

For the sake of your PC and online security, it’s best to consider the immediate removal of ProPDFConverterSearch from the affected browser and system.

How to Remove ProPDFConverterSearch Hijacker

To remove the ProPDFConverterSearch browser hijacker along with all associated files, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents you with a manual and an automatic removal approach. In order to get rid of files installed by undesired programs fully and strengthen PC security, we recommend that you combine the steps.

In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave 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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Guide 1: How to Remove ProPDFConverterSearch from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of ProPDFConverterSearch on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove ProPDFConverterSearch in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase ProPDFConverterSearch from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall ProPDFConverterSearch from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove ProPDFConverterSearch from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate ProPDFConverterSearch from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable ProPDFConverterSearch Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

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

How to Remove ProPDFConverterSearch from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ProPDFConverterSearch

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

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

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.

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

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

Step 2: Uninstall ProPDFConverterSearch 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:

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 3: Clean any registries, created by ProPDFConverterSearch 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 ProPDFConverterSearch there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

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

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

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.

IMPORTANT!
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.

Step 4: Scan for ProPDFConverterSearch with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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.

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

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

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.

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

Get rid of ProPDFConverterSearch from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall ProPDFConverterSearch and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

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

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to ProPDFConverterSearch:

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

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

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

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

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 ProPDFConverterSearch 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 ProPDFConverterSearch. 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 ProPDFConverterSearch files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ProPDFConverterSearch, 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 ProPDFConverterSearch:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove ProPDFConverterSearch 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase ProPDFConverterSearch 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall ProPDFConverterSearch 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove ProPDFConverterSearch 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 ProPDFConverterSearch 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.

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

Eliminate ProPDFConverterSearch 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.