Yet another ad-supported browser extension, created by the notorious Mindspark has started displaying advertisements to affected users. The software has been regarded as indirectly dangerous and ad-supported, and its side effects vary from simple slowing down of the affected computer to infecting it as a result of malvertising. Either way, this software is regarded as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). It is strongly advisable to read this article to learn how to remove this program permanently and prevent it from appearing again.
Threat Summary
| Name | QuickPhotoEdit |
| Type | Browser hijacker; Ad-supported browser extension and PC program. |
| Short Description | Changes the home-page of the affected computer’s web browsers and may display a wide variety of ads. Uses a lot of cookies to track user information. |
| Symptoms | Different types of ads begin to appear. Slow PC. System freezes. System crashes may occur. Antivirus software detects it as a PUP. |
| Distribution Method | Bundling Downloads |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss QuickPhotoEdit Adware. |
QuickPhotoEdit – How Is It Installed On PC
Since most users would not need a photo editing app unless they are looking for one on purpose, QuickPhotoEdit may assume a rather aggressive advertising technique, called bundling. It is essentially the adding of QuickPhotoEdit software to the installers of other free programs which can be found online. An example of how QuickPhotoEdit may look bundled is the following picture:
Such “bundled” downloads usually exist when third-party software providing sites are used to download a free widely used program like a codec pack, media player, etc. Since some websites earn revenue this way, they may not mind what type of software they slither onto the setups they provide for download. This is why users are advised to take an extreme caution and either check every setup’s EULA and installation steps thoroughly or install an advanced anti-malware program that detects PUPs like QuickPhotoEdit.
QuickPhotoEdit Research Results
QuickPhotoEdit may be added as a browser extension to your web browser immediately after being added as a program in Programs and Features in Windows:
Among the many files it creates are hijacking files for the Google Chrome Web Browser, changing web pages and modifying the “manifest” page:
→ Folders:
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eniemeeodkhkinfjkhchhffjngpjpdpo\12.41.9.27415_0
Files:
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\QuickPhotoEditTooltab\TooltabExtension.dll
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\FilesStash\8B3F4732-B4A6-80E3-8ECD-8C89ECFD5E6E_1d1cd363099c2b9
C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\QuickPhotoEdit.88d61d8db7bb450bb958f4657720885d.exe
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\http_quickphotoedit.dl.myway.com_0.localstorage
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\http_quickphotoedit.dl.myway.com_0.localstorage-journal
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\http_quickphotoedit.dl.tb.ask.com_0.localstorage-journal, Quarantined
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eniemeeodkhkinfjkhchhffjngpjpdpo\12.41.9.27415_0\manifest.json
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eniemeeodkhkinfjkhchhffjngpjpdpo\12.41.9.27415_0\bg.html,
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eniemeeodkhkinfjkhchhffjngpjpdpo\12.41.9.27415_0\buildVars,
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eniemeeodkhkinfjkhchhffjngpjpdpo\12.41.9.27415_0\buildVars.js,
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eniemeeodkhkinfjkhchhffjngpjpdpo\12.41.9.27415_0\companionSW.js, Source: geekstogo.com
After creating its files, QuickPhoto edit may also modify the registry entries of the infected machine to change even more settings, one indicator for which may be the following modified key:
→ HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = https://hp[.]myway[.]com/quickphotoedit/ttab02/index.html?n={n1}&p2={p21}&ptb={ptb1}
After doing this, the default home and new tab of the infected user may look very similar to the following home page:
This is not beneficial because, this very web page, when analyzed, has HTTPS, but in the same time uses a wide variety of cookies:
For those uniniformed, cookies may be used to display a wide variety of advertisements, based on different information(Location, IP address, Nationality, Age, Search History, Browsing History, etc) collected from the computer of the user. The advertisements which the user may “experience” may vary in style and content:
- Pop-ups that open up third-party links.
- Banners which lead to third-party websites and may also cause redirects.
- Highlighted text on websites, clicking on which leads to other websites.
- Direct browser redirects by opening a new tab on the compromised web browser.
- Ad-supported search results, like the ones below:
QuickPhotoEdit – Conclusion and Removal
The summary for QuickPhotoEdit is that like other Mindspark products it may be generally unsafe for your computer. Not only it may collect your information to target you with ads to suspicious third-party websites, but those advertisements may also lead to dangerous third-party websites:
- Websites that are different scams.
- Redirects to URLs that may infect your computer with malware(ex. Cerber Ransomware) via Exploit Kits or JavaScripts.
- Collect your information and sell it to malware writers that may spam your mail address with targeted e-mails pretending to be someone you know and hence infect you with malware.
- Redirects to tech-support scamming websites which display a Fake BSOD.
- Websites that are phishing, i.e. aim to pretend to be retailer stores to make you “purchase” a non-existent product, but in reality aim for your credit/debit card information.
If you feel that you need to remove QuickPhotoEdit from your computer, be advised that you should follow the instructions which we have specifically provided to do this in an effective manner. Since QuickPhotoEdit may create registry entries and files more than those which we have analyzed and shown above, it is strongly advisable to use an advanced anti-malware tool, because it will permanently remove this PUP from your PC. Also, having such security software allows you to block future threats of this and other types from penetrating the defenses of your computer.
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.
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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove QuickPhotoEdit from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for QuickPhotoEdit with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall QuickPhotoEdit 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 4: Clean Any registries, Created by QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit (Windows).
Get rid of QuickPhotoEdit from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit. 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 QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as QuickPhotoEdit, 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 QuickPhotoEdit (Mac)
Remove QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit will be removed.
Eliminate QuickPhotoEdit 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".
QuickPhotoEdit-FAQ
What Is QuickPhotoEdit?
The QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit?
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 QuickPhotoEdit?
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 QuickPhotoEdit Work?
Once installed, QuickPhotoEdit 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.
QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this QuickPhotoEdit 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 QuickPhotoEdit?
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 QuickPhotoEdit threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.